Should I Retake My Math Class?

Z

zoesmith

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Joined
Nov 26, 2019
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88
Hi, hope January is going well for everyone!
Here's my current situation: I'm a junior in dual enrollment (half college, half high school classes). I've gotten straight A's throughout freshman and sophomore year, and mostly all A's for the first semester of junior year. This past semester, I got one B (even though it was a B+ it shows as a B since my school doesn't do +'s and -'s) in a college pre-calc class. Even though it's college level, it sucks that I got a B since it means I won't be able to get a 4.0 ever. I have to option to retake it, but should I? It'll show up as repeated on my transcript, but it's also a STEM class which I know USAFA highly values.
Any tips are appreciated!

Thanks,
Zoe
 
If you feel you are ready for calculus (and you may or may not be with a B+, but likely it’s a yes) then I’d say move on to calculus and don’t retake. Now- if that B+ feels underserved/you really just didn’t get it, it might be worth the retake to get your math foundation more solid
 
USAFA10s said:
If you feel you are ready for calculus (and you may or may not be with a B+, but likely it’s a yes) then I’d say move on to calculus and don’t retake. Now- if that B+ feels underserved/you really just didn’t get it, it might be worth the retake to get your math foundation more solid
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I had an A throughout the whole semester but didn’t do well on the final (even though I knew the material), so it went down to a B+ (89.76)
 
dah19 said:
My DS had a C on his report card and still was offered an appointment. He explained it in his essays and moved on. I believe a B fine, keep moving forward.
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I would be curious the explanation if you don't mind. My DD is a jr and received a C first semester of AP Calc. It's a teacher issue, but I have no idea how she can make that sound like it's not an excuse. FYI No A's given in any of the classes. Teacher follows the AP syllabus to the hour and day, whether concept has been fully explained and learned by the class or not. See? Sounds like an excuse :pTIA.
 
Is the rest of your record pretty consistent? If so, don't worry about it. I think admissions would be more concerned with why you would choose to retake a class you passed with a decent grade rather than move up to the next level and continue to challenge yourself. If you choose to retake, they might see it as you wanting to slack off and take the "easy" class again.
 
Gabe_ said:
I would be curious the explanation if you don't mind. My DD is a jr and received a C first semester of AP Calc. It's a teacher issue, but I have no idea how she can make that sound like it's not an excuse. FYI No A's given in any of the classes. Teacher follows the AP syllabus to the hour and day, whether concept has been fully explained and learned by the class or not. See? Sounds like an excuse :pTIA.
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I think my DD must have had the same teacher!! :rolleyes:
 
Gabe_ said:
I would be curious the explanation if you don't mind. My DD is a jr and received a C first semester of AP Calc. It's a teacher issue, but I have no idea how she can make that sound like it's not an excuse. FYI No A's given in any of the classes. Teacher follows the AP syllabus to the hour and day, whether concept has been fully explained and learned by the class or not. See? Sounds like an excuse :pTIA.
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It was a pathway class (Global leadership, with nothing to do with leadership) that required a lot of writing. He had just transferred to a charter school from a struggling middle school. He hadn't written a paper since 5th grade so it was a definite weakness and challenge at this new school. He explained that his deficiency in writing and that he spent time with tutors and teachers to bridge the gap. He also explained how he was able to work hard to overcome the initial dive in his GPA. If your daughter does well on the AP calculus test at the EOY that I would use that as proof of understanding. I would explain, not all teachers are created equally.
 
@zoesmith. B is a good grade. Just move on to Calculus and nail it. But do review your weaknesses because they will re-emerge otherwise. You’ll be taking Calculus 1-3, perhaps more math subject to your major. While new topics are introduced, old math from Cal 1-3 are revisited. Math is all about strong foundation. Algebra is an important foundation in math. Work on the foundation and you will stand solid. Love your enthusiasm to doing well! Good luck!
 
dah19 said:
It was a pathway class (Global leadership, with nothing to do with leadership) that required a lot of writing. He had just transferred to a charter school from a struggling middle school. He hadn't written a paper since 5th grade so it was a definite weakness and challenge at this new school. He explained that his deficiency in writing and that he spent time with tutors and teachers to bridge the gap. He also explained how he was able to work hard to overcome the initial dive in his GPA. If your daughter does well on the AP calculus test at the EOY that I would use that as proof of understanding. I would explain, not all teachers are created equally.
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Thank you for the reply. I love seeing anyone especially young people tackle adversity. Congratulations to your DS. Yes, we are gearing towards second semester and AP exam of 5. The teacher only cares what the students make on the exam. Most students do not seek higher education outside state univ., which are fairly easy to get into.

Thanks again for the reply and the thoughtful feedback.
 
I am following this forum because my daughter is interested in the Air Force Academy but my son is about to graduate from West Point. He received a B+ in his 5-credit, dual-enrollment pre-calculus and analytical geometry class. He went on to get As in calculus 1 and 2. Don't retake it. Move ahead. This really should not affect you.
 
Move on. A "B" is still an acceptable grade. The avg cadet had something like a 3.85 in HS.
 
emtet said:
Is the rest of your record pretty consistent? If so, don't worry about it. I think admissions would be more concerned with why you would choose to retake a class you passed with a decent grade rather than move up to the next level and continue to challenge yourself. If you choose to retake, they might see it as you wanting to slack off and take the "easy" class again.
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I have all A's aside from that one B
Thank you for replying, and I'll be continuing on and not repeating :)
 
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