<p>I am a high school senior, and I've generally held a B average through my first three years. This fall, I was accepted to the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, where I plan to study Wildlife Ecology. I REALLY want to go there for a variety of reasons; primarily because of the high regard UWSP's College of Natural Resources is held in. However, first semester (senior year) I failed Transition to College Math. I will admit that I have fallen into what some call "senioritis" or the "senior slide", but I must also state that there have been numerous problems with the teacher of the class, all of which have been acknowledged by my school counselor, the principal, and other teachers, none of whom like the teacher aforementioned. But whatever the cause, I recieved a 57% in the class for the semester, and failed at all attempts to beg the teacher to let me do something to improve my grade. In addition, I recieved a D in AP European History. I recieved mostly A's and B's otherwise. I had not realized that colleges could rescind acceptances after recieving a final transcript, and I am now terrified that mine will be rescinded. I plan to work very hard second semester and return to my previous standard (A's and B's) or better, but I am extremely worried, and I do not want to be this anxious until June, when I send my final transcript. My counselor told me she has seen three students rescinded after acceptance, but if my memory serves me correctly, at least one was the result of dropping a class, not grades, and at least one other (possibly the other two) were rescinded from UW Lacrosse, which is considerably harder to get into. I would love to know what other members of this forum think; considering my intended field of study (Wildlife Ecology), the school (UW Stevens Point), my previous grades (A's, B's, and a few C's), and the assumption that I recieve much better grades second semester. Additionally, my application boasted an incredibly large amount of extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and professional work. Also, my counselor had said that if I had been through some personal trial first semester, the problem may be understood by UWSP. There has been such a trial in my family this year, and I believe that this has also affected my academic performance negatively. I mentioned this to my counselor, but she told me she didn't know if I should write the college, because this may cause them to notice my poor grades more than they otherwise would have. I would love to hear opinions on the matter. Thank you very much.</p>
<p>I would encourage you to contact the admission office at UWSP. Colleges do want you to “finish strong” but also understand that life happens. Since every situation is different, it’s best to contact the college directly about your circumstances. Remember, when a college has admitted you - that means they want you as a student there. They also want you to be successful when you attend college (which is the whole “finish strong” part). Email <a href=“mailto:admiss@uwsp.edu”>admiss@uwsp.edu</a> - they will help you out.</p>
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You have a lousy counselor. Is there anyone else you can work with, or are you stuck with this one? A savvy counselor would help you craft a letter to the college explaining the personal situation, and make sure that it didn’t degenerate into the whiny woe-is-me or attempt to shirk any responsibility that so many HS kids write when left to their own devices.
This is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Maybe its true, maybe its not. I don’t care, and neither will any college. It is a childish perspective; if things don’t go well for you then you are at the mercy of those outside forces and are incapable of coming up with any alternatives that will let you succeed. Not the type of student colleges are looking for, and not an explanation they will see as excusing a poor grade. A good counselor will keep things like this out of your letter.</p>
<p>Pretending that they won’t notice the grades or will be too busy in the summer to do anything about it is dumb. They will notice. And act, whatever they decide the right action should be. If you work with them now perhaps they can come up with alternatives, should your admission be threatened, that let you keep it. Summer school, an online course, whatever. I promise you that whatever alternatives (should they be needed) exist in February, they will all be gone by the time they review your final transcript in August. A mature person owns up to their problems, asks what they can learn from them, and goes forward. Hiding and hoping nobody will notice is not the way to go.</p>
<p>In general I agree with Mikemac. Call the school, find out how you can circumvent any rescission. I’m not sure how explaining your “personal situation” will help. You admit to senioritis and your response to a bad grade is to beg for extra credit. Don’t plan on that working in college. To top it off, you also have a D. You have to own up to your problems if you want the college to look over your semester.</p>