So last year I’ve had extremely high A’s in Geometry Regular in semester 1 and 2. Last semester for Algebra II Regular, I had an A in the class and my counselor told me that it’s time to challenge myself. Right now it’s semester 2 and I have a B in Algebra II Honors (82%). I know a B in honors is a heck of a lot better than an A in regular; however, I am afraid that I will have a C. I’m not necessarily slow in the class. I’ve just never had accelerated math, so the system is different and quicker. I had a B in one quiz, a C in another quiz, and a C on a unit test, but perfect scores on graded homework assignments. I think if I go at this rate until the semester ends, I may have a C. Would colleges understand or would they be turned off if I have a C in Algebra II Honors. In addition, I’m scheduled to take Pre-Calc Honors next year. If I have a C this semester for Algebra II, should I consider dropping down to regular for Pre-Calc? If I have a B, I will definitely stay in honors for pre calc.
Thanks. I’m just one worried student
It depends, if you are trying to go for ivy league, a C is definitely a turn-off. However, if you can bring your math grade up, it shouldn’t be a problem for most state schools.
Trying getting a tutor to help you with math.
Agree with asking for help, either from a tutor or from the teacher. Maybe they could set up a time after school. This would help you understand the material better and maybe help improve study habits for pre-calc next year. Also, know that a lot of students go to college with a C on their transcript, some with a D. The question really is what type of schools are you targeting and what are you looking to major in? Only the most competitive schools will be worried about one C…just don’t let it become a trend!
As far as Pre-calc next year, ask yourself if the C you are getting now is due to slacking-off, bad study habits, or not really understanding the material. If you are not a “math” person and having difficulty understanding the material even though you’ve tried, talk to your teacher and see what they recommend. (Assumes you pay attention in class, spend extra time at home to learn the material, etc.) Not everyone is great in math, it’s ok to take regular pre-calc if you are not hoping to major in something requiring Calculus in college. You can google search a college you are interested in along with the major and see if Calculus would be required. If it would be, Honor Pre-calc would probably be better preparation.
I have a 3.2 GPA and I’m trying to get into a high school that typically accepts students that have at least a 3.2-3.7 GPA. All of the people I’ve known have told me that I will most likely get accepted in that college that I want to get into. It isn’t an ivy league college. It’s Loyola University Chicago, a private college that typically accepts within the 3.2-3.7 range. @jcmom716 @RMNiMiTz
I had a D- in algebra II honors sophomore year. It was the hardest class I’d ever taken, and math wasn’t my strong suit. However, I studied a little over the summer, dropped into CP, and got straight A’s in precalc Junior year and BC calc senior year. Colleges weren’t turned off by my bad grade because they could tell I had put some effort into improving.
If you are right at the cut-off of the lower range for the college you want to get into, I would say focus on improving your GPA. Study hard to raise the C, but it won’t be the deciding factor for being accepted unless you start a pattern of C’s. If you do get a C, IMO I would not take Pre-Calc Honors. Some colleges ask for mid-term grades senior year and seniors usually are very busy between college apps, essays, etc. Good luck!
If you end with a C in algebra 2H, take pre-calculus regular. If you have a B, definitely continue with honors.
Go talk with the teacher. Ask questions when you don’t get something (if you’re shy, do so at the end of class after writing it down at the moment the question occurs to you.) Bringing out grade to a B - will help your GPA. See if there’s a tutor at your high school who could help you get used to the faster pace.
Start thinking about a variety of colleges.
Talk 'budget’with your parents.
^ this is super important to do now. Ask for a number. Many kids find out too late that the colleges on their list aren’t affordable.
Run the NPC on Loyola Chicago, DePaul, Milikin, Butler, SIU Carbondale and Edwardsville, UMissouri, WVU, WKU, Beloit, Lake Forest, St Louis University, UWisconsin Eau Claire, Bradley, Creighton.
This list would include some academic matches, reached, and safeties. After running the NPC, cross out any college that’s too expensive for your parents. Then fill out the 'request info ’ for all others.