npumpkin

Hi guys,

I was wondering if I still have a chance at getting into Yale (I'd be applying for Class of 2017 by the way) with a B on my junior report card. I have straight As in everything else. My freshman and sophomore report cards look the same way -- straight As except for a B in science. I have a huge weakness in science, and I always have, not to mention I have had consistent bad luck with teachers. I feel like I've tried everything to learn the material -- seeing my teacher after school, asking other teachers for help, asking my friends for help, using online resources.... But those methods have failed. I've given in and am getting a tutor for next semester. But even if I miraculously get an A second semester, it'll average out to a B+ with my B- from the first semester. That being said, I plan on dropping science senior year entirely.

Do I still have a chance of being admitted to Yale? I go to a fairly competitive prep school. Most people seem to have half As and half Bs on their report cards. Would my B be excusable with great SAT scores? I haven't taken the SAT yet, but I'll study my ass off and get whatever score I need to to make up for this.

This is just really getting me down because there are many other factors that I think work in my favor. I am Hispanic (albeit from an upper-middle class NYC suburb). I am passionate about foreign languages (I speak four well) and have national awards for them. I also genuinely love volunteer work. I have been working with a certain organization since the seventh grade for aiding disabled children, and I tutor inner city kids through another program. Also, I started a free tutoring program for nearby public school children who wouldn't normally be able to afford such services, and lots of these children are immigrants or children of immigrants who may not know English well, so that's where my knowledge of foreign languages comes in as well. I have significant involvement in clubs and such at school (an editor of newspaper, president or co-president of several clubs, writing tutor, etc.). I plan on leading a career in the media industry, so I had a summer internship for a start-up advertising company. I'm hoping to get another media internship this summer. I love writing and have won some writing awards as well, and I am nearly done writing a screenplay (that I've been writing since I was 14) that I would really like to sell.

That's just a summary -- I've done many more things that are slipping my head but that gives you a taste.... And not to sound narcissistic, but I do have an agreeable personality, and I know my strength in writing will yield solid application essays down the road. My teachers love me as I work hard, participate enthusiastically in class, and genuinely love to learn.

I just feel like a complete dumbass with this B, but I know I'm not! It's only this one class. I don't want to lose my chance just because of this.

I would appreciate any thoughts at all.

Thank you!

-N

wizkid94

A short answer would be "yes." If you demonstrate prowess in a specific areas or few areas, then a B in science, a subject you will not see much of in college, won't kill your app by any means. However, GPA and class rank are still very important. Do your best, as you have been doing, and continue to excell in your areas of strength, and you will do just fine. Just remember that Yale's acceptance rate is in the single digits, so don't get too attached. If you are rejected, it probably won't be just because of a "B."

npumpkin

Alright, thank you. Just a note: my school doesn't calculate GPAs or class rank.

AvidStudent

Considering you won't be applying as a hard science major, engineering, or pre-med it shouldn't really affect your decision. Continue pursuing your passion for writing and forget about one silly B.

T26E4

If you look at the various "decisions" threads, you'll quickly discover that Yale takes many non-4.0 students.

Mine (although I applied many moons ago) was about 3.88.

Whether you get in or not, it won't be because of that one grade. Please try to relax a tad.

npumpkin

Thank for you the advice. I would like to also note that I was very depressed (suicidal, in fact) throughout middle school, and I have drifted in and out of a more mild depression throughout high school. This has undoubtedly affected my performances both in school and in terms of extracurricular activities. The depression began because I was being bullied so badly in middle school (I had to change schools twice to escape it), and I didn't have a single friend. On top of that, my father was abusive, both physically and verbally; he still is, and as a whole, my parents are not very supportive of me. Just living in this house alone has been difficult for me all my life. I was contemplating writing my college essay about this, but is that a risky route?

Bioboy12

Npumpkin, I'm so sorry to hear that... I'm a junior too so if both of us get into Yale (Hopefully!), we can be best friends

Sent from my SGH-T959V using CC App

wizkid94

I think that would be a great idea for an essay to Yale, so long as you communicate it effectively and present yourself as optimistic.

fluffyhousepet91

of course you still have a chance! i know people who had a few B's or even C's on their high school transcripts and still got in. it's not just about your grades. your overall package counts for a lot.

npumpkin

Bioboy12, I'd love to be best friends! Good luck with the college admissions process!

Thank you so much for the encouragement. My parents are set on me applying to Princeton ED, but I guess we'll see.

classicgirll

Sigh. You mean Princeton SCEA*

npumpkin

Yeah, sorry! But yeah, since my sisters go there they want me to go there. Siblings don't even count as legacies. :/

npumpkin

Well, I think this thread is over, but thanks for the advice. Being from Long Island with a mediocre GPA is going to kill, but what's done is done. Thanks, guys.