flashprism

I am a junior and taking precalculus right now. I have taken Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II in my freshman and sophomore years, and I made low Bs in them. I currently have an 82 in precalculus-and no matter how hard I try, I cannot get it up! I don't know why; I do my homework, read my textbook, read supplementary aid books and workbooks, ask for help and tutoring, and study my ass off for tests.

I am on a semester block schedule, so my class ends in December. I just took a test today and feel like I did badly. I really am crushed because of this; I feel like having no A's at all in one subject will ruin my chances at my desired schools like Oxford at Emory, Barnard, Vanderbilt, Georgetown, Amherst and Dartmouth - last two would be extreme matches, especially, if I cannot get an A.

Help and advice? Please???

Catria

What's the other grades for something other than math?

ArtsyGirl13

A B in just one subject is not going to kill you assuming you are pulling As in your other classes. If you are considering science/math based majors or schools like MiT it will be a bit more of an issue, but in general you are fine. Of course you are looking at very competitive schools, but a B in one subject is truly not horrible.

perazziman

Try to make sure you get that B, then just make sure you get above a 700 preferably 750 on the math II SAT Subject Test and these problems will magically disappear. (not entirely, but you get the point).

flashprism

Grades in all other classes:
-AP Lang: 97
-AP US History: 96
-Spanish V: 91 (I got lazy; I'll bring it up again)

They are all the classes I am taking this semester (4 classes only per semester). I have never gotten a B in any other subject than math, except Chemistry last year.

flashprism

Extra Note: My math classes are considered to be an accelerated math program where I live (1.5 years of math in 1 year). But I think most of my friends outside my district who are taking "regular" math classes are taking precalculus as well.

J'adoube

Have you taken the PSAT? How do you do in standardized tests? Your school may be extremely hard (or not). Can't tell until you compare yourself to other similar students in different environments.

perazziman

You have to back these up with 5s on the AP tests and above 700 on the Spanish SAT Subject Test for these grade to be signficant to an adcom. So, if you end up getting 4s on the AP Test those 97s and 96 will not be as impressive as you may think. It works the other way too, so your B in Pre Calc will not hurt you as much if you score over a 700 in the Math II, SAT Subject Test.

boston019

OP, Bs in math are fine, even for engineering. They might not get you into MIT or similar schools, but you could always do science at a state school on Bs without issue.

flashprism

I took SAT, got a 2000. Retaking this year.

I have taken 3 APs so far. Human Geography (5), European History (5), World History (4). I'm debating whether I should take World History again, as I want to apply for a general history program at some schools. Or would an SAT II World History with a 700+ score suffice?

Math- I'm working on my standardized math scores. My math score was 610 versus 710 for critical reading, so there's a lot of work to be done. I'm taking the PSAT in a few days, I'll post my scores when i get them.

flashprism

bump10char- Worried about AP World exam score. Should I retake? I'm applying to either American Studies or European Studies to colleges that have such programs, but for colleges that do not, I am applying for general history.

perazziman

If you think you can score better than 700 on the Subject Test then take the one you find easier (AP or SAT Subject Test). SAT Subject Tests, in my opinion, are best for senior year subjects for which you will not have AP Test scores when you apply. For example my son is taking Physics and Calc BC in his senior year.The AP Test is not until May. So he will take the SAT Subject Test to demonstrate his performance on these subjects.