Hi. I am a junior, and due to a bad teacher, a busy semester, and some personal reasons, I am stuck with a C in preliminary math studies (easy math). I am a solid A- student; I maintained a 3.7 during my freshman and sophomore years, and I’ve never gotten a C before. This will bring my UW GPA down to a 3.67 (I’m also getting a B in IB science). I have strong ECs, including a National Championship for a Civics competition, Captain of my Debate team, Mock trial, Model un, ballet, national honor society, and awards for Poetry (plus other stuff). I have a 1360/1600 on the SAT I, haven’t taken ACT or SAT II yet. Do you think this bad grade in a non-IB class (I am a full IB student but technically the first year of math doesn’t count as IB) will kill my chances of getting into top liberal arts schools?
It’s possible (assuming you’re talking about Williams/Amherst/Swat/Pomona), but it also might not be a problem at all, provided you bounce back promptly and demonstrably.
Do you have a good relationship with your GC? Often they can go to bat for you, if needed, or at least explain the circumstances behind a C (bad teacher as you say, etc.). I wouldn’t worry too much–just keep doing the best you can, and apply to a sensible range of reaches/matches/safeties.
Thanks! I am trying for Wesleyan, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Oberlin, Colgate, among others
Medieval, it’s a great list, but be sure to consider some matches/safeties as well. If you like Oberlin, consider Bard. Colgate, then look at Union maybe. Like Middlebury? Then maybe Skidmore.
Applying EA to a “solid” match LAC (that announces early) that you really like, even if it is not quite as prestigious as you might prefer, is a really good idea IMO. My D had a couple of acceptances by Thanksgiving, and it lowered her stress level considerably!
Schools typically only see your year end grade from junior year so you have time to improve the grade… You can check with you guidance counselor and see how your HS transcripts are set up. And I agree that you should look at some of the excellent LACs that are a tad less selective as well (ex. Lafayette, Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Skidmore, Union, Muhlenberg etc.).
@happy1 - I don’t think that’s true that colleges typically only see year-end grades. Totally depends on the high school and what each school shows on the transcript. Our HS shows semester grades as final grades. Colleges see final grades from each of first and 2nd semester for 3.5 years (fresh, Soph, Junior, 1st sem senior).
Otherwise, I agree with what others have said.
momofzag -That is why I suggested that the OP check with his/her guidance counselor to see how final transcripts in his/her HS are set up. The high schools in my area only show year end grades (a one semester grade only shows up if it is a one semester class) – but there is no set format for a HS transcript so it is important for applicants to understand exactly what appears on their particular HS transcript.
Take advantage of ED. If you get rejected from your ED school like I did, you can still apply ED2. Committing to a school at the time of admissions is likely a big factor in admissions.
http://www.businessinsider.com/smartest-colleges-in-america-2014-10 I think you need to improve GPA & Test scores for Pomona college or Harvey Mudd but maybe you are looking for other colleges? Good Luck!
Oberlin’s average unweighted gpa is 3.7 so you should be able to get in! Maybe I’ll see you at Obie - it’s one of my top choices.
Midwestdad has a wonderful point about Skidmore. It’s actually quite a good school. Dickinson is also wonderful. Both my parents attended and it’s quite underrated! Colorado College and Macalaster are great too.
I know a girl who got a C in AP Calc and she got into UVA. The year isn’t over… Can you turn it around?