NMF - Any hope with D on the transcript?

Longhaul · 06-11-2012, 12:25 PM

Son's school moved to a new system this year. Prior, only final grades showed on the transcript, now the transcript will show trimester grade and final grade.

Son had health issues in the beginning of 11th grade.
His grades and attitude took a dive during that period.

Result is a D on the trimester transcript in two courses -- 1 course is a full year course which he brought the final grade up to B range (with an A in later trimester); the other course was a essay 1 trimester course.

We were crafting a college list based upon NM status.

If the new transcript style (seeing all semesters) will mean no hope of NMF then our summer college visits and interviews must be changed to adjust to a new college list.

I am not looking to excuse son of his performance. It is what it is. We simply need guidance on chances of NMF. Our school is not very knowledgeable or supportive in this area.

astults13 · 06-11-2012, 12:31 PM

That's really stupid of his school to do that. I would be pretty upset if I were him!

Descartesz · 06-11-2012, 12:44 PM

Longhaul:

Unfortunately no one really knows how the NMSC interprets transcripts. The general wisdom here is that a GPA over 3.5 (unweighted) is an almost certain qualifier and even significantly lower ones -- perhaps even down to 3.0 -- are probably fine, too. Whether or not they look at details beyond the aggregate GPA is difficult to know.

You don't mention how he has done otherwise in his coursework but, assuming he has had strong grades otherwise, my own intuition is that he is probably fine. Very few NMSF are bounced because of grades. Nevertheless you might want to look at the requirement details of the colleges on the list you are preparing. Some stipulate that only NMSF, not NMF, is enough to trigger scholarships. You might want to make sure you visit one or two of those.

Longhaul · 06-11-2012, 02:28 PM

Unofficial GPA UW = 3.61; W = 4.02
11th grade only GPA UW = 3.35

He'll get the official GPA this week.

astults -- Yes, he is very frustrated with the school right now. Of course, the Ds are his own doing, but he was hoping they would be hidden and only the final course grade shown. Lots of scheduling and admin changes in 11th & 12th grade which has hit his class hard. This is just the tip of the iceburg.

mommaof5 · 06-11-2012, 02:58 PM

Longhaul: I'm new to the process and not really sure, but I believe the hs principal or some school official gives an endorsement for finalist standing. Maybe the health issue and effected grades could be addressed then as a positive showing how he brought up the grades once everything was resolved. Just a thought.

RobD · 06-12-2012, 10:43 PM

Longhaul: was it an academic class? Can you get a medical note and a GC note to address the situation when you send in the NMSF packet?

I know every year some students are able to challenge not advancing to NMF. I've heard of situations with C's being explained, but not D's or F's. That doesn't mean it can't be done. Hopefully someone here who has been through that situation can post.

Best of luck!

mom2collegekids · 06-14-2012, 03:19 PM

Makes one want to suddenly homeschool so that the family can control what is sent in.

Your child will still make NMSF, and there are schools that award good-sized merit just for that. Bama will give these students free tuition IF THEY APPLY before Dec 1st and do the scholarship app.

In the meantime, I would meet with the principal and explain how the new transcript will hurt your child's NMF chances and see if she/he has a solution.

Longhaul · 06-14-2012, 04:54 PM

1 D is in non-academic core

1 D+ is first semester APUSH brought up to A- by third trimester

We met with the Dean. No good solution yet.

Thank you all for your responses.

atomom · 06-16-2012, 04:39 AM

3.0-3.5 is not at all safe. If a student has a 3.5+ with all A's and B's, a good essay, and excellent recommendation from the school, that should be safe.
If a student has several C's, (more than 2-3?) that may not be safe. (The more B's along with those C's, the lower his/her chances.)
If a student has even one D or F, he/she probably will not qualify for finalist--unless there are some truly exceptional circumstances explained by the school. Maybe that could help in your son's case. I read that some folks have tried to appeal after being rejected with no luck, so make sure any info. about "exceptional circumstances" goes on the original application in Oct.
There was once, maybe a couple years ago, a thread about those who failed to qualify.
I think some of those students were in the 3.3-3.6 range.

mom2collegekids · 06-16-2012, 08:27 AM

"The general wisdom here is that a GPA over 3.5 (unweighted) is an almost certain qualifier and even significantly lower ones -- perhaps even down to 3.0 -- are probably fine, too"

That is not the "general wisdom" here.

GPA's below 3.5, especially down to 3.0, are iffy because generally they include some Cs or worse.