<p>D spent a semester during high school freshman year in China studying Chinese. She took courses in Chinese language, Math, Art, and Music. D wants to attend Ivy league. Chinese school did not provide letter grades that can be used by local school in US. Local school recommends taking courses as Pass/Fail. Will this hurt her chances for college admissions? Should she retake the courses online and over summer to get and register an A grade?</p>
<p>That seems like a waste of time for this summer. She has already taken this set of classes and learned the material. She is better off doing something different. The study abroad experience is interesting as it is, and a second set of grades would not benefit her at all.</p>
<p>Most students doing semester/year abroad end up with pass/fail. And as long as the grades are ‘pass’ your D will be fine with Ivy applications. In fact, colleges respect students who study abroad (especially in non-English speaking countries). In some ways, it’s the ultimate EC - and shows imagination, courage and maturity. Everything universities are looking for in their own students.</p>
<p>My son spent sophomore year in France and received French grades and a French report card which was attached to his transcript in translation. His school (who sponsored the year abroad) granted credit (but not grades) for the completion of the coursework, and attached an explanation of the program to the transcript. </p>
<p>He was accepted at nearly all his schools including an Ivy. </p>
<p>Ask your guidance counselor how to handle the transcript. They should know how.</p>