<p>So, I’m applying to boarding school for 10th grade. I really, really want to go to St. Paul’s, and that is the most elite school I’m applying to.</p>
<p>The problem? I’m failing French.</p>
<p>I had no idea I was failing until yesterday afternoon, when my teacher called me to look at my grade. I have a 57, and not enough time to bring it up in time for application deadlines. I may be able to get it to a low C. I have A’s in every other class.</p>
<p>I feel like the other aspects of my application are pretty good: I have lots of activities, volunteer, have great relationships with my teachers (to get good recs), and I’m working hard on my essay and getting lots of people to critique it. I’m also fluent in German (I thought French would easier since I’m already bilingual, but I was obviously wrong.)</p>
<p>Is boarding school a possibility for me? My next choices are Cate, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee, and Hawai’i Preparatory.</p>
<p>Try to get it up as much as you possibly can. I was in the same situation last year with math (I got a C…) </p>
<p>Obviously I can’t guarantee that you will or won’t get in. All that anyone can say is to keep working as hard as you possibly can to get the grade that you want.</p>
<p>Thanks, tennisgeek! Where did you get accepted last year?</p>
<p>Hotchkiss, but it’s the only school I applied to…</p>
<p>Oh, okay. Well that’s reassuring!</p>
<p>I have no idea what impact a low mark in French would have on your chances of admission to St. Paul’s. I do know that if you don’t apply you certainly won’t get in. So think “why ST. Paul’s”? What would I add to the class and tell them why the type of education at SPS made it your first choice. Do you even know why the signature programme of St. Paul’s–the integrated humanities programme–is right for you? With respect to languages, if you have a second language on tap-- you said you were bilingual-- why don’t you sit the AP exam in that, or learn a little bit of latin so you can apply for the classical honours scholarship at SPS. If I were you I would stop being anxious about being good enough and just go for it. As a fall back position to SPS I would suggest St. Andrews Sewanee and apply for the Claiborne scholarship. Excellent school, a mini oxford in the south and you will have access to university classes. You have no downside. Good luck</p>