<p>Hi, I applied early decision to cornell, and I am getting nervous about my second quarter grades. I received all A's for the first quarter, but I currently have a C in my AP Calculus class. I still have over a month to turn this around, but if I can't, is this a serious concern? I have never gotten a C before and of course it happens now. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? Thanks.</p>
<p>If you were lucky enough to get into Cornell ED then you don’t really have that much to worry about because they will only ask for you final transcript in June. As long as you don’t too many Cs, there is no problem. If you were my kid I would tell you to bring the C up to a B just in case you’ll need to apply RD to other schools.</p>
<p>I don’t know your intended major, but you’ll probably want to come into Cornell with a solid understanding of calculus, even if it’s just to keep your options open. At the very least, you should work hard to bring up your grade as “practice” for facing difficult classes at Cornell, which will almost assuredly be more difficult than your AP Calc class, no matter the major. If the C is because of a declining work ethic, don’t think it’s so easy to “flip a switch” when you get to Cornell and become a hard worker again. It’s been established that work ethic is indeed a learned skill that can rise/decline over periods of time.</p>
<p>A single C will not in any way harm your admission. Just don’t have any other drops in grades, otherwise you may get that uncomfortable letter about having to explain yourself (which still wouldn’t mean you have a high chance of being rescinded).</p>