I got a B in linear algebra class at my local community college. The problem is, I’m planning to apply as math/physics majors to top colleges like ivies and mit. Also, I’ve done lots of math related activities in high school so my entire application is oriented towards math. I’m really worried that this B will convince them that I’m not as talented in math. Since I already got deferred from my dream school, I’m also super worried that this will move me towards rejection.
I totally understand that top colleges are reaches for everyone. But still, I’m really scared that this one B will ruin my past 4 years.
It will not make or break your application even at top schools. People get admitted to Ivy+ all the time with B’s even in the subject of their prospective majors. Just as many with perfect grades and scores don’t get admitted. They will be looking at the far bigger picture and signs of exceptionalism and not focusing on every individual grade.
The best way to move forward-- is to move forward.
No single grade defines you as a person or an applicant. As long as you have a balanced list of affordable “sure bets”, stop worrying about the grade. And if your list is top heavy- you still have time to add schools where you are VERY likely to be admitted with or without a B.
You’ll never know why you don’t get in …if you don’t. So many perfect kids are now ‘in shock’ because they didn’t get in somewhere.
Btw there are great schools, not as hard to get into, that are tops in the fields you are looking - big publics but well thought of - Arizona, Colorado, UCSC (likely too late).
Go for where you want of course but these are not necessarily leading schools.
And no matter where you apply, make sure you can afford to go.
One never knows how admissions will play out unless they apply.
So do so - and know you can get to the same place ftom most any school. Sure it may be a bit harder but don’t put all your eggs in the ‘dream school’ basket. A dream school doesn’t exist. They all have warts.
The problem is that community college classes are viewed as being much, much less rigorous than those at 4 yr colleges, and even less so than those at T20 schools. So an A in a community college class doesn’t show limitations, since it’s the highest grade you can get there. But a B in a comm coll class DOES show possible limitations.
However, most high school students don’t take linear algebra. I’m assuming that if you were, you’ve already taken Calc BC and multivariable Calc, and I presume you’ve done well in those. In light of that, I don’t think that a B in linear algebra, even at the comm coll, will hurt your applications. Apply everywhere you want to, and of course make sure that you include academic and financial safeties. The good news is that you many schools have excellent math departments. You can achieve your career goals by majoring in math at your state flagship, as well as at a T20 school with a strong math dep’t.
Thank you for all of your advices. There was just one school I’ve really liked since middle school. It is one of the top schools and I know my chances are slim, but I was hoping I could eventually get in as I got deferred and that school didn’t defer a lot of applicants this year.
I already took Calc BC and AP Statistics and got A’s in both of these subjects. I know there are tons of other high school students who took even more advanced courses in high school and got As in them. The fact that I got a B in a community college course really disappoints me and I’m scared this would turn against me when my chances are slim even with perfect stats.
Linear algebra can be regarded as a gateway course into college mathematics. While the grade itself may not have a major impact on your college applications, you might want to repeat this course at your destination college for a firmer foundation in this topic.
Regarding your greater college search, this site may be of interest based on your interest in math:
Athough the suggested schools vary somewhat in selectivity, they are all “top colleges.”
Thank you for your advice! I already took Calc BC and got an A. My concern is that I’m applying as a math major and my entire application is oriented towards math. Would I still be fine? Again, thank you so much.
Even MIT is not a mathematical academy. Take a look at the GIR’s… you may think your entire application is about math, but the Adcom’s are looking for students who take advantage of the entire curriculum. That’s why there are so many requirements.
You’ve done everything you can do- just make sure you’ve got a balanced list and stop worrying about it. There is more to these schools than math, and they are looking at MORE than just your math ability.
Nothing you can do about it now, other than take a very close look at where you are applying. It appears that you’ve fallen into the “dream school” trap - you’re obsessed with one school that you think is perfect. I really hope that you’re making financial and academic safeties now. There are SO many schools where you can study math.
DS got a B in MVC this term and has gotten straight As in all of historical math classes including BC. He attends a very rigorous BS. He was recruited to Swarthmore and was told to not put math as an area of academic interest on his ED app., which it isn’t. A B in LA will likely hurt your chances at top schools if you intend to pursue math. Not to be a downer but I would diversify your list. Good luck.
To add: another option is to not add the LA grade on subsequent applications.
Really?? Would I have to change my major?? If that’s what the college told you, I assume that’s what most colleges would think. I can’t just exclude my grade because they can easily figure it out and can rescind me for hiding my grade.
Not saying that but a B in LA will likely hurt you with respect to Ivy+ schools if math is your goal. Plenty of other schools you’ll be fine. It’s a balance.
I could be wrong but I don’t see why you need to report a CC grade. It’s not part of your official HS transcript.
very important point,