if i got an F

carolyn
Tue, 12 Apr 2005 21:17:48 +0000

Let’s calm down and look at this rationally. I’ll start with the UC’s. I’m assuming you live in California. If so, the UC’s have very specific requirements about the classes you need to take AND pass in order to even be considered for admission. They also do not look at the GPA reported by your school but at what is called the “UC GPA” which is based solely on your grades in 10th and 11th grade in these required classes.

If you have an “F” in either semester for one of these required courses, the UC’s expect you to make it up with a passing grade, either during the summer or during the school year. OTherwise you don’t meet their requirements even if the F was in an AP class. The F will still be factored into the UC GPA, but hopefully you’ll pass it with an A and it will be a moot point. (By the way, you can make it up with a non-AP class in the same subject area - your goal is to make sure you meet all of the UC requirements and that can be done either through AP or regular classes)

How many years of passing grade math will you have without the calculus class? The UC minimum is 3 but 4 years is STRONGLY preferred, especially at the more selective UC’s like UCSD, UCLA and UCB. For some majors, it is required. So, if you want to preserve your chances at those schools, you need to make up that grade if you will not have at least three years of math.

I’d suggest you go to www.ucop.edu/pathways and take a close look at the UC a-g requirements and the information about how the UC’s will compute your GPA. If those C’s are in required classes, you may have a problem meeting the UC minimum GPA which will be rising to 3.0 next year. So, computer your UC GPA and see where you stand.

If your UC GPA is very low, or you are unable to make up that class to meet requirements, you may want to think about going to a community college and then transferring into one of the UC’s after two years if you really want the UC name on your diploma.

As for the other schools on your list, they will not be happy to see several C’s and an F on your transcript. Period. Re-taking the failing class over the summer will, however, help a bit, but it is unlikely to overcome a weak overall transcript. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply to Brown,etc. but realistically, these lottery schools are going to be even more of a long shot for you.

Not to worry, there are still many other fish in the sea - Start looking for some other more realistic four year schools NOW to add to your list where you can be happy and do well. There’s a huge gap between these schools and a community college with many wonderful options in between. Best of luck!