Hi, I was wondering, for classes that are terribly difficult to get an A in (almost nobody has in A in this class) can you explain this to colleges? My school has no class rank, so it’s not something colleges can take into account.
This class, (AP European History) is one of the most difficult classes in our entire school, and it requires a lot of work (5+ hours per chapter) to even scrape a B in. I got a B+ first semester, which I was sorely disappointed with, as it was marked as only a 3 on my transcript and brought my GPA down. However, I was told by the teacher that I had one of the highest grades in the class.
Can I explain this to colleges? Some people have told me that it is what it is and it’s just bad luck that I took this class.
Thanks! (also if you link a chance post I’d be happy to chance it)
That’s what your GC rec is for (or your teacher rec if that teacher is writing a rec). GC’s have to note how rigorous your courses were, and in their rec your GC can specifically reference that class (eg, ‘kisekiga excelled in AP Euro, which is considered one of the most demanding courses in our school’). If your GC doesn’t ask students to provide them with an info sheet about themselves, make one and give it to your GC, noting that and anything else that you feel sets you apart (be realistic and succint!).
why are you “sorely disappointed” in a b+ in an ap course.
you know for a fact that it is good, but for some reason are not accepting it; you did say you had one of the highest grades in the class.
I agree with collegemom3717: Your GC rec hopefully can help explain; or maybe you can even ask that teacher for his/her recommendation, especially if you were an outstanding student for getting such a high grade. In addition, don’t let one grade dismay you. Ivy Leagues reject straight A students all the time and accept students with Bs on their transcript equally as much.
In addition, you can score well on the actual AP exam to show colleges that you actually mastered the material despite the B+.
But, in my opinion, I would not “complain” or try to explain your situation to colleges (unless it’s through your GC/teacher rec): There are over 30,000 applicants to many top schools and there are some applicants who probably are in the same situation as you (difficult classes, difficult workloads, difficult teachers) that got A’s: seeing your situation as unique isn’t the best way to go. In addition, colleges won’t give much credence to the idea that this class is the hardest class in your school (even if it’s true): if colleges gave credence to such statements, many applicants would use that excuse to justify their poor grades.
(Sorry if I sound like a prick about this)
But overall, do not worry! One B+ will not kill your college chances, and there are so many more aspects of you to see, hopefully expressed in your EC’s. Grades only act as a mere gatekeeper, letting colleges know what applicants can actually be competitive. You seem like a bright student, so I wouldn’t even worry.