**HELP**College Second Semester - Pass/Fail or risk getting a C or D

M

MCUSNA

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5-Year Member
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Jan 5, 2009
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:confused:Ill get straight to the facts. I reapplied this year for USNA. Have a strong file, with a great record in high school (3.8 gpa), many ECAs, sports captains, all that. Taking a year a UMass Amherst. First semester took Calc, Eng, History, Econ. Got all A-'s and had a 3.7 gpa. Sent that to USNA. I am 3q'd with 2 nominations (one from Senator Scott Brown and one from my congressman). Strong let's of rec, and #1 candidate of my B&G officer--> in his words.

I have had two chem exams. received a 70 on my first one and a 60 on my most recent one as a result of an extremely difficult teacher and a TA who barely speaks English. Timing of the second exam was the day after spring break in which there was no time to study because I was at a week long family reunion with no internet access and a busy schedule. No justification..just explaining.

Today is the last day for me to change the course to a Pass/fail if I want to.

I have A's and B's in my other courses this semester but I know that Chemistry is a core course. Because of my previous record, should I change the course to pass/fail grading or strive to get a C or B. The risk is getting a D in the course and having to send my second semester transcript to USNA and getting a rescinded appointment (DREADED). I dont know what the better option is or if it is worth the risk.

Help. Thanks.
 
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First, let me clear one thing up, BGO do not rank our candidates. Each candidate is scored in a percentile range and it is possible for a BGO to rank more than one of their candidates in the top percentiles (if they are feel they are in fact top candidates).
I suggest that you do NOT change your course to a P/F, especially in a core class like Chemistry. It is a definitely a flag to Admissions that there was something wrong academically (Admissions at all colleges know Chemistry is a graded class ~ unless a student is auditing, due to a break in going to college, and just getting back into the swing of things ~ definitely not your case).
You will experience good and bad profs at any school, even at a SA, some are better than others. You need to find their teaching style, get a tutor, spend time with the TA getting to know them better.
Your 1st semester grades are what are considered for an post high school appointment and if 2nd semester grades are not requested (may be the case for a conditional appointment) then I don't think you have too much to worry about.
Best of luck to you!
 
Thank you very much for your input! I am doing my best to bring my grade up and do whatever I can to achieve in this class. And in regards to my BGO comment, it was more of a personal statement he made towards me in that he feels that I was the most qualified of his candidates. But that is besides the point. I very much appreciate your input and information!
 
MCUSNA,
When my son was in an extremely difficult AP Calc class, I hired a tutor for him right away when he became at risk of receiving a D. He raised his grade to a B. With that being said, he also had to work his tail off while managing other AP classes and sports. It's not easy for sure but anything worth having is worth working hard for. Good luck to you.
 
Thank you. I know what that is like I took 4 AP classes my senior year and received A's in all of them after a lot of hard work like your son. AP Calc, Physics, Government and English.

It will pay off in the end.
 
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