Question about an extenuating grade

S

S.a.b.e.s

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Oct 1, 2019
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Hello!
I am a current, female, junior in high school looking to apply to USNA, USMMA, and USMA.
I haven't opened an application yet (they aren't open yet) however, as I was going through my GPA and previously taken classes, I remembered that while my unweighted GPA is a 3.89 and my weighted is a 4.2, I received a 74 overall in Honors Algebra 2 my sophomore year substantially lowering my GPA.

As this is the only grade below an 88 that I have ever received, I was wondering how negatively this will affect my chances at admission? I have room in my schedule to take the class again senior year, however, I am just wondering if that is necessary to better my application.

Thanks so much!!
S.a.b.e.s
 
What math class are you taking this year and next year and how are you doing in this years course?
 
I am taking Honors Calculus AB this year and currently have an 89 a week from the end of the first quarter. I am going to take AP BC Calc and probably AP Stats next year.
 
SAs want to know that you can handle the heavy STEM curriculum. The good thing about your low grade is that it happened in 10th grade. So you have time to show that it was a fluke, a one-time thing, a fleeting and inaccurate portrayal of your abilities. Ace all your remaining math classes, as well as classes with a heavy math component, such as chemistry and physics. Then nail your SAT/ACT to hammer your point that you can do math and do it well. If you can do that, the 74 will be a faint and distant memory.
 
Respectfully suggest finding a tutor to recover algebra. 9 out of 10 students who struggle with Calculus do so because of weak foundation in Algebra.
 
I think if you keep on the current track with your math course this year and next year and do well it wi be fine. Knock out of the park and they will see it as something outside the norm.
 
Get that 89 up tp an A and run the table as a junior! Get extra help...meet with teacher, get a tutor, use Khan academy, etc I have a DS plebe and a 2019 DD grad who both got a B in earlier math (one in algebra, one in precalc) but received A's in all AP's 11th grade and 12th grade and obtained appointments from a tough district without being sports recruits. They had to work at math....were not the natural genius math whiz kid type. USNA will care more about the harder courses and your maturation I believe. It will also help if you can crush math SAT so work on that as well. My plebe just let me know he has an A after first 6 weeks in calculus! Good luck!
 
One grade will not make or break your admissions chances. The Admissions Dept. is looking for well-rounded individuals as prospective Midshipmen. Too often to applicants spool up about doing well that they stress and look past the other pieces of the puzzle that make up a desirable candidate. Just buckle down, continue to study hard, do your best, stay in shape, get involved in programs where you can stand out in a leadership role, and most of all RELAX and enjoy life. Oh, staying out of trouble helps, too :p
 
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