I’m currently practically failing AP Calc BC as a junior. I’ll still get credit for the class because it’s an AP class and in my school, 60 is passing for AP classes, but it’ll go in as a 0.0 into my GPA calculations. I’m really trying as well. I’ve been studying for an hour and half each day, going to a tutor, trying out new study methods to see what works best, etc. Last grading quarter, I got a 58, and this grading quarter, it looks like I’m gonna end up with a high C. On my transcript, however, colleges will only be able to see my semester grades, so I’ve essentially just screwed up any chance I have of getting into somewhere good. I’ve never been as smart as my peers, but I genuinely thought sheer hard work using study methods that work for me would’ve have at least allowed me to pass. I’ve worked so hard over the last two years and I’ve finally gotten into the top 10% in my school, but now I’ve just screwed everything up.
I’m just so exhausted. I’ve been running myself thin and by failing, I’ve just rendered all my hard work useless. I know people have much bigger problems, but it truly does feel like my world is collapsing around me (sorry for the theatrics but it genuinely feels like that). I’ve worked so hard just to trip over the last hurdle.
How screwed am I in the college admissions process? I have some ec’s, my stats are okay (except for this) but I’m trying to apply as a CS or data science major, which is why failing math looks extra bad. Will colleges appreciate it if I improve next semester? Is me failing math an indication that I’ll do horribly at my future career, whether it be CS or data science?
You are not screwed. Perhaps it’s too advanced for you.
What’s the highest math you passed ? What are you interested in studying ? As a Junior, Calc BC is way advanced. Maybe you can drop to AB next year if you’ve not taken it.
You can get into many stats programs, so if not UT it will be elsewhere.
But you’ll have a great college future - UT or otherwise.
Maybe consider not taking 2nd semester. Talk to your teacher and counselor.
This stinks! For anyone reading this who it will help - this is why the vast majority of kids should not be accelerated in math by more than a year. Even strong math kids hit a wall because material is too abstract and their brains aren’t developed enough to understand it yet.
OP - This isn’t on you. BC calc is not for many 16 year olds.
Can you go P/F? Or do something to remediate the grade? I’d meet with a counselor and the teacher.
This confuses me. I teach in a Texas public school. In our district, GPA is calculated by adding all semester grades and divide the sum by the number of semesters. Are you saying that your Cal BC course grade is 0 to be added to the sum while course count will be 1 added to the denominator? This is going to severely affect your chance to UT. Would it be better to fail the course, not receiving the credit, so that this course is not included in your GPA calculation at all? Two juniors didn’t pass my APCSA course last year. They didn’t receive the course credit, and the failing grades are not part of their GPA calculation now. I’m not sure if the course is listed on their transcripts though.
What will your semester grade be? You said you had an F (58) in Q1 and ‘high C’ in Q2.
You have to address this. Can you drop to Calc AB or regular calc for semester 2? Have your other grades been impacted? Have you spoken with your high school counselor?
Sure, but if you do get a D or F you should remediate the grade this summer. Some colleges won’t give any credit for a core course with one (or both) semesters with an F.
If you aren’t in the top 5%(starting w/ class of 2026) of your class, UT is going to be reach. Still apply, but make sure to have target schools and at least one affordable safety/highly likely school.
This is not true. I know you feel anxious and upset, but the course of your life will not be determined by this one grade in this one class. There are many excellent colleges that would love to have you. Will they be Harvard or Stanford? Probably not, and it doesn’t matter in the big picture of your life. You have not ruined your chances to get into a good school.
Again, not true. Hard work isn’t useless. Your hard work will benefit you for the rest of your life. Don’t place more importance on this difficult class than it deserves. Hard work is how you will succeed, not going to a college with a low acceptance rate.
It’s natural to feel upset, but it’s time to reassess what you can do with your remaining time in high school and how to maximize all your other great classes and activities to make your app as strong as possible. Assuming your chances are ruined because of this grade is not helpful to your future success. Time to move forward now. Make an appointment immediately with your guidance counselor. Can you drop the class for the second semester? If so, I’d suggest that. At any rate, you should also attend extra help sessions with your teacher after school to find out where you are struggling. Or drop down to a lower level class. Or retake the course in the summer, if possible.
But you also need a Plan B. Maybe you apply as a math major. You need other options besides UT. The most important college on the list is always a safety school that you like and can afford. Start looking at other colleges. Good luck.