I got a C in Pre-Calc, what now?

G

Ger0nim0sal

USAFA C/O '27
Joined
Jan 28, 2022
Messages
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I'm coming up on the end of my Junior Year in high school, and as of right now, it looks like I'll be walking away with about an 83.5% in my Honors Pre-Calculus class. My question is this: how big of an issue is this for my admissions chances?

For context, I'm a rising Senior, my class rank is around the 20 to 25th percentile in a regional, pretty competitive high school, with about 500 students in my class. My SATs are solid, with a high score of 1480 and a 750 in the math section. I'm on track to earn my Eagle Scout this summer, as well as a private pilot's license. I'm a varsity Track and Cross Country runner, with plenty of leadership experience. My GPA is easily the worst part of my application, with my unweighted being a 3.4, and my weighted being a 4.6.

At the current state, I am not the most worried about getting a nomination as I qualify for one of the more niche nomination categories, but really what I'm interested in is damage control. What can I do to show the academies that I've improved on this relative weak spot in my record? Is there an online course I can take over the summer? I would really appreciate any and all advice.
 
I took pre-calc this year as well, it's a challenging class. I'm sure others will have advice on this grade's bearing on your overall competitiveness, but in the meantime I will interject with the first thing that came to my mind... next year. If you are taking pre-calc junior year, is senior year going to be a calculus class? How can you demonstrate your aptitude in high level math next year? There are many online prep courses for free (some self paced as well) that will help prepare you for a calculus class.

If it is too late to fix a grade, no point in worrying. Only moving forward! :cool:

P.S. you seem like a well-rounded citizen and scholar as well, good to see another scout on here :)
 
An 83.5 is a C? That's a tough audience. You got a 750 on math so what tripped you up in precalculus?
 
Full disclosure that I am not an academy guy. That being said, I recommend that you check out the Khan Academy website if you think you need to strengthen any areas in your math background.

And if you complete some of the online courses there you can list that in your application to show how you are backstopping your perceived weak areas.

The NROTC enterprise uses Khan Academy to help train up their nuclear option candidates. And it is completely free.

www.khanacademy.org

Sign up | Khan Academy

Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
www.khanacademy.org www.khanacademy.org
 
I would suggest not letting that one single grade define your opportunity. You have a better than average SAT score. You are obviously a well rounded candidate given everything else you presented. You will not be able to get that one grade changed on your record. Focus on performing your best with the classes you have left in front of you. GPA alone will not outweigh your SAT score.
 
Good advice above. It's done. Move on with your best foot forward. If you have calculus next year, make sure that you ace it.
If it matters to the academy, they will ask for your grades next year to help them make their decision.

They don't often do that, but they may and you should be ready for it.
 
Honestly, one C, at the end of your junior year will have minimal impact. "They" take into account a myriad of items. Every year lots of 4.0 GPAs get turned away, while those with much lower GPAs make it in. Do your best moving forward. Prepare for your interviews, and spend time on your essays. Finish your Eagle scout!
 
I had a C in Pre-Calc too. That didn’t stop me from getting SA appointments. Stay the course and improve other things in your control right now.
 
There is also a section on the application to explain any poor grades if I remember correctly, you can also always explain what happened and then show how you improved in calculus.
 
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