How to Convince teacher to change grade?

A_Procrastinator · 10-25-2009, 07:06 PM

Okay, I'm not sure if this is even possible. I'm a senior getting ready to apply to college. Unfortunately I have a little smudge on my transcript. I got a D+ in my Methods math class junior year (pre-cal), which resulted in my parents making me switch schools from an IB to an AP school. Since the IB course isn't offered at my new school, I can't retake the course, but I've heard that the UCs and other schools I'm applying to don't accept D's (WHICH MEANS I NEED TO CHANGE THE GRADE).

Is it possible for a teacher to change a grade long after the class was taken (Fall Semester 2008)? I self taught myself the material from that semester to prepare for Calculus class and Math II SAT if I can't change the grade my hard highschool work will pretty much go to waste. Perhaps I can write a sincere email to teacher? Call him? Suggestions are needed, please help and thank you.

am202 · 10-25-2009, 08:33 PM

I can't answer you fully, I don't even know if that's possible, but I do have one suggestion:

If you do try to get in touch with the teacher, do so by phone, rather than email. Most school systems have this outrageous email system which categorizes all student mail as junk, and thus it is very ineffective. A teacher can easily disregard and delete an email. It is harder to say no over the phone though, or at least it is harder to ignore.

Good luck! Perhaps if you ask to retake the final exam, and get a great grade on it, he will give you a C-? I'm really not sure about that though.

Best of luck to you!!

Batllo · 10-25-2009, 08:50 PM

You made the D. It should stay on your transcript.

A_Procrastinator · 10-25-2009, 09:10 PM

you're right about me earning the D, but I think my teacher should be a little forgiving with my situation. Honestly, I never wanted to take the class- my parents made me. I repeatedly insisted that I take Studies (Stats) because I knew I would do poorly in Pre-calc and Calc. Even after the first quarter when I had a C/D in the class and my teacher recommended dropping to Stats, my parents would not let me drop because they wanted me to "challenge" myself. It's not that I'm bad at math; just that between sports, the rigor of my other classes and the rest of my ECs, I didn't have the time or mental energy to succeed in precal. I have a 1930 SAT and 4.1 GPA- I do NOT belong at CC.

tonythetiger · 10-25-2009, 09:16 PM

theres sex

Batllo · 10-25-2009, 09:20 PM

Unfortunately, your parents did not listen to the teacher's recommendation. Also, you prioritized ECs and sports over your Methods math class. Lack of effort, poor time management, disregarding the teacher's recommendation to drop= a regrettable D on your transcript. A private college may overlook your D.

A_Procrastinator · 10-25-2009, 09:24 PM

eligibility for UCs and CSUs requires no Ds... since i'm unable to retake the class at my school, would it do me any good if i retook the course online? Technically the online course would not replace the D on my transcript but would that make me eligible at least?

Batllo · 10-25-2009, 09:28 PM

You may want to call Admissions at a UC (pick one) and a CSU and ask about eligibility with a D on a transcript. You can hope for the best. I commend you for not being bitter or angry at your parents.

A_Procrastinator · 10-25-2009, 09:47 PM

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely call a UC and ask but it looks like I'm going to apply to private schools only...

(off topic, does anyone know if Cal Poly SLO requires no D's or F's as well? I was planning on applying ED there).

Also, I couldn't find this information on the UC site but does anyone know if the "No D's or F's" policy applies only to the 15 a-g courses? I read somewhere that pre-cal isn't necessarily a required a-g if I have already taken algebra, geometry, and algebra II but i could be wrong. It does kind of make sense that you shouldn't be "punished" for (unsuccessfully) taking harder courses.. lol

aaronjv15 · 10-25-2009, 09:53 PM

Um, where did you hear that they don't accept D's?

That's only in required A-G's Correct me if I'm wrong, but 4 years of math is not required, meaning that D would be validated by other Math courses you have taken

A_Procrastinator · 10-25-2009, 09:57 PM

wowwww i hope you're right aaron! lol.

anyone else know about this?

aaronjv15 · 10-25-2009, 10:19 PM

I'm fairly certain I'm right. I had 2 D's freshman year, was freaking out, and learned how I could fix it.

You cannot have any D's in your required, A-G, minimums. As long as you have taken other math classes to exceed that minimum, and the D wasn't in something like Alg.1, Geo., or Alg. 2 you should be just fine

A_Procrastinator · 10-25-2009, 10:40 PM

sweet, i think you're right (hope so) but i will clarify with my councilor tomorrow. do you live in CA? what schools did you get into (if you don't mind me asking)? lol. I haven't run across many people in my situation so it's nice to get feedback from people who have gone through the same experience.

Derivate · 10-25-2009, 10:54 PM

Threaten your teacher. That's a way to change your grade. Ask for an A while you are at it.

aaronjv15 · 10-25-2009, 11:17 PM

I'm a senior also! However I definitely had thorough conversations about it with counselors and teachers that care. Yes, I would verify with your counselor, but I wouldn't stress about it.

I live in CA. Cal, UCLA, SD, and SB are the UC's I am applying to.

I had a D in freshman English and biology. I got straight A's in IB Biology, so that one I didn't have to worry about. I took independent studies to cover the one in English (because IB English doesn't cover it because 4 years are required, whereas with Biology you only have to make sure you have the lab sciences portion covered, which I have with IB biology, chem, and physics).