My chances with a C+ in AP calculus BC?

cptofthehouse
Fri, 20 Dec 2013 10:18:21 +0000

A while ago, about 15 years ago or so, a book about Ivy league and other highly selective school admissions hit the market. The book was “A is for Admissions” by Michelle Hernandez. In it, she disclosed that a C in AP Calc BC is given a bit of a pass, due to the difficulty of the course. Now that was a long time ago, and more schools and students seem to be taking BC Calc which was more of a rarity back then. Things do change. But my guess is that it isn’t as damning as getting that kind of grade in something else. But then, if there are many kids in your BC class doing just fine, and in the appliant pool of these schools, it can be an issue. You will be benind those kids, all other things equal, is the reality, but how long that line is who knows.

My advice to you is to work your buns off and get an "A: for the next quarter and get your counselor to get the grade to the Admissions office of your schools ASAP. I would also maybe update with grades on the next few tests, through February, say, and maybe ask your school to hold your mid year transcript until that info can supplement it so that your file isn’t read and the decision made until you can include your improvement in that course, because Admisions is not going to reopen your case with this sort of update once the decision is made. Game over at that point in time.