Bad sophomore semester

[cyclist2028]

Hello, I am currently a sophomore in California and want to attend USAFA. I got all A's freshmen year taking 7 classes with an AP class, and some honors. I am also one of the captains in my JV basketball team, the secretary of key club (over 100 members), the secretary of the Society of women engineer's, the President of a Christian club at my school (went from 5 members to 90), the concertmaster of my small orchestra, a chemistry tutor for my school's academic program, and a member of the California's Scholarship Federation. I am planning to do track in the Spring and get a summer internship at my representative's office. However, this year was a bit rough because it was a hard transition from distant learning. I also started a sport, and in the beginning of year, I would get home at 9pm several days a week. I took AP Computer Science as an elective and zero period, not knowing that the teacher wouldn't be as good as I've expected. I didn't even know how to study. I got a C this semester because I failed the tests. I also ended with a B+ in history and B in Math because I didn't try hard on studying for the large tests in the beginning of the year, but did better towards the end after discovering my studying style. But I have four A's in the rest of my classes this semester. I knew I could do better if I tried. I am feeling extremely discouraged, and don't even think I have a chance. I never got a B in my life, let alone a C. Would this ruin my chances of getting accepted? Any advice?

 

[Heatherg21]

You make them tell you no. The only guaranteed no is a not-submitted application.

Keep making positive choices, reevaluate your schedule and see how much is substantive and how much is resume material (not being snarky, some do this and then can't answer how they brought substantive changes to their clubs).

Getting home late and still having homework is normal. How you use that time is critical. Becoming very efficient and multi-tasking successfully is critical to success once at an Academy. My kid gets limited sleep most nights and is running from obligation to obligation, and wouldn't change it for anything, he loves USNA.

Also, plenty of kids have been accepted to SA's with B's on their transcripts. Learning how to handle what you perceive to be a failure is also important. Good luck to you. Apply for Girl's State!!

 

[MrSoapman]

I would just say to do extremely well in your other classes over the next years, and to use that as a major aspect of your essays. Explain what you learned from it and how you're making an effort to do better. A C won't disqualify you, but definitely do your best to do whatever it takes to mitigate further bad grades. From what I can tell you have some very good stats! All I can say is to do your best from here on out and to do the whole application.

 

[cyclist2028]

You make them tell you no. The only guaranteed no is a not-submitted application.

Keep making positive choices, reevaluate your schedule and see how much is substantive and how much is resume material (not being snarky, some do this and then can't answer how they brought substantive changes to their clubs).

Getting home late and still having homework is normal. How you use that time is critical. Becoming very efficient and multi-tasking successfully is critical to success once at an Academy. My kid gets limited sleep most nights and is running from obligation to obligation, and wouldn't change it for anything, he loves USNA.

Also, plenty of kids have been accepted to SA's with B's on their transcripts. Learning how to handle what you perceive to be a failure is also important. Good luck to you. Apply for Girl's State!!

Thank you very much for the reply! This is really helpful!

 

[cyclist2028]

I would just say to do extremely well in your other classes over the next years, and to use that as a major aspect of your essays. Explain what you learned from it and how you're making an effort to do better. A C won't disqualify you, but definitely do your best to do whatever it takes to mitigate further bad grades. From what I can tell you have some very good stats! All I can say is to do your best from here on out and to do the whole application.

Thank you so much!

 

[Rocking]

I will preface this by noting that I am applying to USCGA this year as a senior in high school, so my advice is by no means professional. It seems you are very involved in extracurriculars, including athletics, and it is also evident that you do care enough about school, hence your stress at the moment which prompted this very forum post. I am unsure about USAFA, but USCGA applications are reviewed holistically, meaning all aspects of your application will be reviewed and taken into consideration during the admissions process. With that said, my best advice would be to try your best in school, but also to keep in mind your limits in regards to courseload and extracurriculars. If you were able to improve your grades from this point on, even if you are not necessarily a straight A student, I believe the effort will show something about your character and work ethic, which a service academy will likely appreciate. It is also worth keeping in mind that your high school transcript will likely show end of year grades for years nine through eleven, so you still have time to improve. Don't stress too much and don't burn yourself out trying to juggle too many things at once, if you think this is the case. Lastly, you will probably have somewhere on your application to speak on anything you believe might not be reflected elsewhere in the application, and if you were to find this as such, I believe you would have the opportunity to elaborate on your experiences. Remember: things always change and you have time to better yourself; your chances are far from ruined. Best of luck!

 

[cyclist2028]

I will preface this by noting that I am applying to USCGA this year as a senior in high school, so my advice is by no means professional. It seems you are very involved in extracurriculars, including athletics, and it is also evident that you do care enough about school, hence your stress at the moment which prompted this very forum post. I am unsure about USAFA, but USCGA applications are reviewed holistically, meaning all aspects of your application will be reviewed and taken into consideration during the admissions process. With that said, my best advice would be to try your best in school, but also to keep in mind your limits in regards to courseload and extracurriculars. If you were able to improve your grades from this point on, even if you are not necessarily a straight A student, I believe the effort will show something about your character and work ethic, which a service academy will likely appreciate. It is also worth keeping in mind that your high school transcript will likely show end of year grades for years nine through eleven, so you still have time to improve. Don't stress too much and don't burn yourself out trying to juggle too many things at once, if you think this is the case. Lastly, you will probably have somewhere on your application to speak on anything you believe might not be reflected elsewhere in the application, and if you were to find this as such, I believe you would have the opportunity to elaborate on your experiences. Remember: things always change and you have time to better yourself; your chances are far from ruined. Best of luck!

I appreciate this alot. Thanks for the helpful info!

 

[Devil Doc]

You can do it. Stop making excuses and blaming others. You have a "not as good as expected" teacher. So what! I'm a high school teacher. I suck yet my students are flourishing.

 

[Heatherg21]

I will preface this by noting that I am applying to USCGA this year as a senior in high school, so my advice is by no means professional. It seems you are very involved in extracurriculars, including athletics, and it is also evident that you do care enough about school, hence your stress at the moment which prompted this very forum post. I am unsure about USAFA, but USCGA applications are reviewed holistically, meaning all aspects of your application will be reviewed and taken into consideration during the admissions process. With that said, my best advice would be to try your best in school, but also to keep in mind your limits in regards to courseload and extracurriculars. If you were able to improve your grades from this point on, even if you are not necessarily a straight A student, I believe the effort will show something about your character and work ethic, which a service academy will likely appreciate. It is also worth keeping in mind that your high school transcript will likely show end of year grades for years nine through eleven, so you still have time to improve. Don't stress too much and don't burn yourself out trying to juggle too many things at once, if you think this is the case. Lastly, you will probably have somewhere on your application to speak on anything you believe might not be reflected elsewhere in the application, and if you were to find this as such, I believe you would have the opportunity to elaborate on your experiences. Remember: things always change and you have time to better yourself; your chances are far from ruined. Best of luck!

Great advice and very mature! Well written as well, kudos to you and good luck with your USCGA application.

 

[redraider2022]

I would maybe take a backseat on one of the extracurriculars for now until you get your bearings academically. I have one glaring C on my transcript (in a math class too) but I still managed to find an appointment to West Point in my application portal earlier today. I've heard nothing back from USAFA, but if I can get into WP in my situation, I'm confident in my chances in USAFA. Your chance at an academy has not automatically disappeared when you get that one bad grade. Besides, you said that you found your study style for the classes you didn't do as well in, so take advantage of next semester with those newfound study habits. When it's time to for you to apply you can show admissions that this semester was not your norm by doing well in other facets. You still have time, so use the rest of it to be successful.

 

[cyclist2028]

I would maybe take a backseat on one of the extracurriculars for now until you get your bearings academically. I have one glaring C on my transcript (in a math class too) but I still managed to find an appointment to West Point in my application portal earlier today. I've heard nothing back from USAFA, but if I can get into WP in my situation, I'm confident in my chances in USAFA. Your chance at an academy has not automatically disappeared when you get that one bad grade. Besides, you said that you found your study style for the classes you didn't do as well in, so take advantage of next semester with those newfound study habits. When it's time to for you to apply you can show admissions that this semester was not your norm by doing well in other facets. You still have time, so use the rest of it to be successful.

Thank you very much and congratulations on your appointment to WP!

 

[Sixes]

I'm also a sophomore in high school too. Also, had a bad semester and got the first Cs of my life. Mainly due to taking too many AP and Honors classes as well. No need to worry, from the looks of your record, it seems as if they would accept you in a heartbeat. Also, USAFA bases their application on a whole person not just a single mistake in your record. You'll do much better next semester, just be sure not to overwhelm yourself and don't worry.

 

[cyclist2028]

I'm also a sophomore in high school too. Also, had a bad semester and got the first Cs of my life. Mainly due to taking too many AP and Honors classes as well. No need to worry, from the looks of your record, it seems as if they would accept you in a heartbeat. Also, USAFA bases their application on a whole person not just a single mistake in your record. You'll do much better next semester, just be sure not to overwhelm yourself and don't worry.

Thank you for the advice, and hope you get accepted for class of 2028!

 

[Sixes]

Thank you for the advice, and hope you get accepted for class of 2028!

Thanks! And to you as well!

 

[TopDawg]

I can tell that you are very passionate about your grades, your sports, and your leadership position, so use that to motivation to be the best. I was in a similar situation my freshman and sophomore year. I got 3 B's both freshman and sophomore year, and even a C in the first semester of my sophomore year history class. I knew that I never settled for less than an A, and I asked myself why I was settling for a C. I used THAT as motivation. My junior year, I only had one B, and now senior year, I'm on track to have all A's. Keep that end goal of going to USAFA in your head, and tell yourself that the only way to achieve that goal is to study a few more hours for your test, or start working on your math homework a week before the deadline. Your teachers want nothing more but for you learn, so go ask your teacher for some study tips. Don't be discouraged because as @Heatherg21 said, the only guaranteed no is not submitting an application. Keep striving to be the best at whatever you do and things will work out in your favor.

 

[cyclist2028]

I can tell that you are very passionate about your grades, your sports, and your leadership position, so use that to motivation to be the best. I was in a similar situation my freshman and sophomore year. I got 3 B's both freshman and sophomore year, and even a C in the first semester of my sophomore year history class. I knew that I never settled for less than an A, and I asked myself why I was settling for a C. I used THAT as motivation. My junior year, I only had one B, and now senior year, I'm on track to have all A's. Keep that end goal of going to USAFA in your head, and tell yourself that the only way to achieve that goal is to study a few more hours for your test, or start working on your math homework a week before the deadline. Your teachers want nothing more but for you learn, so go ask your teacher for some study tips. Don't be discouraged because as @Heatherg21 said, the only guaranteed no is not submitting an application. Keep striving to be the best at whatever you do and things will work out in your favor.

Thank you very much for the motivation and advice! I feel more confident now. (This song is in my fighter pilot playlist lol)

 

[cyclist2028]

I remembered posting this last year as a panicked 10th grader because I was feeling extremely discouraged after a bad semester, and took a one bad-letter grade as a huge deal. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to this first post because it deeply encouraged me to push myself into finishing this sophomore year off strong. I am happy to update that I have a high A in A.P Comp Sci after a C last semester as well as maintaining good grades in my other classes. I'm starting to love Comp Sci now as well as the teacher. This lesson has taught me to handle failure with perseverance, something I hope will serve me well in the future if I come across this setback again. Thanks again to everyone!

 

[skyfox]

Your passionate and that's great in the eyes USAFA! A few B's here and there are OK. Having said that, take stock of everything you're involved in at the moment. My sense is that your glass is full to the point of overflowing and you might need to reprioritize or pass off an activity or two. We're human and that means we have limits. Better to reprioritize and avail some more time for schoolwork than to not, see your GPA drop and suffer burnout in the process.

 

[SA2026hopeful]

Hello, I am currently a sophomore in California and want to attend USAFA. I got all A's freshmen year taking 7 classes with an AP class, and some honors. I am also one of the captains in my JV basketball team, the secretary of key club (over 100 members), the secretary of the Society of women engineer's, the President of a Christian club at my school (went from 5 members to 90), the concertmaster of my small orchestra, a chemistry tutor for my school's academic program, and a member of the California's Scholarship Federation. I am planning to do track in the Spring and get a summer internship at my representative's office. However, this year was a bit rough because it was a hard transition from distant learning. I also started a sport, and in the beginning of year, I would get home at 9pm several days a week. I took AP Computer Science as an elective and zero period, not knowing that the teacher wouldn't be as good as I've expected. I didn't even know how to study. I got a C this semester because I failed the tests. I also ended with a B+ in history and B in Math because I didn't try hard on studying for the large tests in the beginning of the year, but did better towards the end after discovering my studying style. But I have four A's in the rest of my classes this semester. I knew I could do better if I tried. I am feeling extremely discouraged, and don't even think I have a chance. I never got a B in my life, let alone a C. Would this ruin my chances of getting accepted? Any advice?

Grades play a part, but they are not the only thing that is looked at by admissions. You seem to have a good foundation of leadership and extracurriculars under your belt. I didn't get straight As, I am not at the top of my class, and I am not some super athlete. I just had a well rounded application. You have to remember that you will be getting a WCS which involves a whole lot more than academics. Focus on improving yourself in the areas where you are weaker and maintain the other activities that you are doing well in. Good Luck.

 

[cyclist2028]

Grades play a part, but they are not the only thing that is looked at by admissions. You seem to have a good foundation of leadership and extracurriculars under your belt. I didn't get straight As, I am not at the top of my class, and I am not some super athlete. I just had a well rounded application. You have to remember that you will be getting a WCS which involves a whole lot more than academics. Focus on improving yourself in the areas where you are weaker and maintain the other activities that you are doing well in. Good Luck.

Thank you for the response, and congratulations on your appointment!