Senior Year Grades

[Thunderbolt]

I think I'm in a load of trouble. I never got a C in my life, but it looks like its coming true... and it has to be senior year that I'm getting this.. not to mention its also a math class. It's probably going to kill my top 5% class rank at the midterm mark. I noticed that in the candidate handbook, there is a card that the counselor fills out that asks for our semester gpa, new class rank, and our ONLY 4 classes with four grades. Is there a reason that there's only four lines for this to be done.? Do they require another transcript besides this to be sent? Will getting a C ruin my chances? I hate that class... 80 percent of your grade is on your tests. THOSE tests are hard.

 

[inhibitor]

Sounds like a class I had last year, Precalc was a beast of an undertaking. I got a B first semester and a C second. Lucky for me my class is large and I am still in the top 5%. I talked to MAJ Freds and MAJ Coulon, and they both made it sound as if once you are accepted, the grades must be decent, but they dont really look at those to make admissions decisions unless the semester is already finished. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to get qualified for admissions before the 7th semester is up, and have that acceptance letter in your hands ASAP.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

Exar Ganis -
what math class are we talking about here? AP Calc?

I do know that USMA takes into account the difficulty of the course. I think the postcard only has 4 lines because they really only look your major subjects - I think you can go ahead and send in updated transcripts with the postcard. Anything to update your application is good.

FWIW: All you can do is get up every day and do your best. If you need help then get it. There are a lot of applicants on forums who are "perfect" academic students - don't let that intimidate you. West Point is looking for a student body mix of scholars, leaders and athletes. Not all cadets were straight A students in high school.
Calm down, take a deep breath and relax. Do your best -that is all anyone asks.

 

[wpmom2011]

Exar Ganis -

I agree with JAM, take a deep breath and do your best. One class isn't going to sink you (sorry for the Navy reference). Every student has their strengths and weaknesses. If you've done well in your math classes as a whole, then admissions counselors don't necessarily chalk up one "average" grade to the student's performance. They realize that some teachers grade harder than others. If it's a pattern, then they may notice it.

Keep in mind that West Point is also looking for a student that perseveres. I would concentrate on getting that grade up next grading period. If you don't have that class again, then let it go - there's nothing you can do about it.

Remember, they aren't just looking at your grades, but you as a whole - grades, sports, clubs, and leadership roles.

 

[hopefulmamom]

Yah, my daughter got her first B since first semester freshman year in Calc BC last year. Terrible teacher so it was impossible to succeed on tests and homework. She eventually got a tutor to teach her the material. She got a 5 on the AP Calc BC exam which made it even more aggravating. The point is, it happens and you have to hope the person reviewing the transcript sees it for the 'one off' that it is and gets that it may not have been within the student's control. Also, you may consider getting a tutor to help fill in the gaps.