<p>I got an athletic likely letter to Dartmouth in late December (reg. decision), and my first semester grades just came out. I got all As, a B+, and a D+(76%) in my world literature class. I won’t go into why, but it is a combination of factors leading to the one bad grade.</p>
<p>I’m a little worried about the possibility of my likely letter being rescinded. My cumulative GPA actually went up a little bit, but the D+ sticks out like a sore thumb on my transcript. The likely letter expects me to continue my “strong record of personal and academic success thus far.” </p>
<p>Does anyone with experience in the matter have any advice?</p>
<p>Anecdotal cases like yours have come up over the last couple of years. In all cases, the student threw him/herself on the mercy of the admissions department. Some were immediately forgiving and understanding. Others had the student start freshman year with some sort of academic probation/accountability plan. In no case I’ve heard of was any student denied admission for one bad grade. </p>
<p>Of course, when you have this conversation, do not blame the teacher. Accept full responsibility for whatever happened. I’d keep the details to a minimum unless asked. I assume you will be submitting a mid-year report soon. Do you know your regional admissions rep at all? Or are you more comfortable with your future coach? One of them would be a good person to check in with, and to talk to about what your next step should be: send in the mid-year and wait and see what happens, or be proactive and send in your transcript with a letter?</p>
<p>Hang in there. I’m sure you aren’t sleeping well. This will be good to get behind you…</p>