<p>I’m not sure how to answer your question. Will one “C” matter – incrementally, of course it will (it lowers your GPA slightly, lowers your rank slightly, etc.). Does one “C” mean that you can’t go to a top 40 school? OF COURSE IT DOESN’T. Given all the other courses you take, one course doesn’t move the needle that much.</p>
<p>Lower end of the top 10% – would be tough to get into schools like HYPSM, less for some of the schools ranked 30-40. However, if there’s a school or two that you really really want to attend, APPLY. Odds may be slim, but are infinitely greater than if you don’t apply.</p>
<p>Bust your ass for the rest of school – that would be my advice almost no matter what you had written in the first part of your email.</p>