<p>Would anyone have any idea how often or under what circumstances Carleton retracts its offer of admissions due to second semester senior grades? </p>
<p>My son was ill for two and a half weeks prior to spring break and missed quite a lot of work including exams. Upon returning, instead of letting him take makeup exams, his teachers decided to count his midterm tests double. Unfortunately, after having missed a significant amount of school, his test scores were lower than usual, which when counted double, really adversely affected his grades. </p>
<p>To say that I am freaking out would be an understatement. I am sure that his fourth quarter grades will improve, but when averaged with the third quarter I don’t think that they will be up to his usual performance. </p>
<p>Since he applied early decision, he had to withdraw applications from all other schools. Coupled with that, we live in California and this year has seen such a flood of applications for public universities, that the state is currently waitlisting even at the Cal State campuses. I am terrified that Carleton may rescind its offer of admission and my son could be left taking classes at the local community college.</p>
<p>There’s a difference between grades not “up to his usual performance” and failing grades. Are you talking about Bs, Cs, or Ds?</p>
<p>I think the performance drop would have to be very significant for Carleton to contact you about it. Even if it is a big drop, your son has a reasonable explanation and I’m sure his teachers and guidance counselor would attest to that. </p>
<p>Try not to freak out. That will only put your son under more stress. The worst thing that could happen would be Carleton contacting your son about the grades–it’s not like they’re going to take back his acceptance without asking any questions–which will give him the chance to explain.</p>
<p>Thank you mflevity. Good advice, I AM trying to relax. But I tell you it is a good thing that I take blood pressure meds or else I think I would have popped a vessel.</p>
<p>Since you asked, he is a usual A/B student. Of course he is taking all AP/Honors courses. The occasional B never bothered him and this year he is averaging half A’s and B’s. His third quarter report shows that his usual A classes have dropped to B’s and his B classes have dropped to C’s.</p>
<p>I know that this is not failing, but Holy Smokes!</p>