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RMmom
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| Joined: | Fri Oct 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25th, 2008 01:40 pm |
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| I am wondering if Colleges look at grades in specific classes or just the overall GPA. D is just finishing the first semester of her sophomore year and is having difficulty in math. She will finish with A's and B's in all her other classes (some honors), but expects to get a C in geometry. Even with the C, she will still maintain about a 3.5 average. We are probably going to hire a math tutor next semester, but she is concerned about how this one C will effect her college chances.
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WestrnMom
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| Joined: | Fri May 26th, 2006 |
| Location: | West Coast, USA |
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Posted: Fri Jan 25th, 2008 07:41 pm |
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A C overall doesn't help a very high GPA, but it's only one grade and can be explained in a short-answer essay, especially if she gets a tutor and is able to bring it up next semester. Not everyone is good in math. It also depends on what she plans to major in.
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RMmom
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| Joined: | Fri Oct 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
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Posted: Sat Jan 26th, 2008 01:47 am |
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She is definately planning to study something in the liberal arts field, possibly journalism. She has always struggled with math and science and we have used tutor for years. This semester she seemed to have a good handle on the material so we stopped the tutoring. Unfortunately, she became overwhelmed with the work for her honors history and English classes and allowed the math to slip.
Anyway, she finished with A's in Honors History and English, B's in science and Spanish and a C in Math. Oh yeah and an A in Athletics, as well as her first Varsity letter in Cross Country. I think if we get that math grade in line she will be fine next semester.
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Chedva
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| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
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Posted: Sat Jan 26th, 2008 12:31 pm |
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Check whether your high school even puts semester grades on the transcripts. I was surprised to find out that d's high school sent only final grades for the first three years; the only semester grades sent out were first semester senior year.
If your school sends out only final grades, and she can bring the math grade up next semester, then there's no problem at all - colleges can't evaluate what they don't know!
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outwest
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| Joined: | Sun Mar 4th, 2007 |
| Location: | CA |
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Posted: Sat Jan 26th, 2008 03:49 pm |
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That's the first time I've heard that, Chedva! I did find out that our high school does not report minuses or plusses, though. You are right, it is a good idea to find out what they report. While you're at it, ask to have a copy of the demographics sheet they send to the colleges. That was a real eye opener for us> It listed all the APs offered, the score breakdowns, how many go to college, how many take honors, income levels, the type of community this is, etc.
I don't think one C in math will be a big deal unless she plans to major in math or science. Sophomore and Junior year are the most important for college admissions. If she can bring her grades up next semester and have a strong finish that always looks good.
Last edited on Sat Jan 26th, 2008 03:53 pm by outwest
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CarolynLawrence
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Posted: Sat Jan 26th, 2008 04:15 pm |
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First, in answer to your question: Colleges look first at the overall GPA, but most schools then look for trends in grades over the four years. They also put grades in the context of the curriculum: in other words, a C in an honors or AP level course will be viewed a little differently than a C in a straight college prep course, or an elective.
Greatest weight is also placed on grades in 11th and 12th grade.
I agree with Outwest: One C one semester in an otherwise terrific transcript won't kill the deal at most schools. I know kids who had one C in a math or science class in 9th or 10th grade but solid grades otherwise, who got into highly competitive colleges. I also know kids who had LOTS of C's and B's who got into some pretty great schools.
So, bottomline: Don't worry too much. Encourage your child to do their best, get them some help/tutoring if needed, and always, always, always remember that there is a college (actually more than one) for EVERY student.
Last edited on Sat Jan 26th, 2008 04:17 pm by CarolynLawrence
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