Will I get rescinded from UCSD?

roscoe52
Tue, 21 Jul 2015 16:35:44 +0000

Just been through this as a parent, here’s my experience:

1. student took AP stats exam in mid-May

2. received second semester D+ (69%) in AP statistics early June, no other issues. This course was not required and not directly relevant to the chosen UCSD major (polysci)

3. AP stats teacher "couldn't live with himself" if grade was bumped up to a C- (70%)

4. UCSD admissions office contacted about pending D+ by phone and was very helpful and honest about what might happen

5. UCSD said package would be evaluated after final transcripts received roughly mid-July and a single D+ would likely result in rescinded offer. Appeal letter could be filed based on medical reasons for the failing grade with a decision by early August. Good grade in make up JC class would help if possible.

6. UCSD was officially notified mid-June of pending D+ on a UCSD form that included a 250 character explanation of the failing grade.

Now, quite obviously this whole system puts the student in a very bad position given that 1) student has no idea if they passed the AP exam until July 10 at the earliest or if this would matter 2) student has very little time to possibly take an equivalent course at a local JC, and no idea if this would be enough 3) student is left with vey few options for education in the coming year should the admission be rescinded

So, said student:

1. immediately singed up for a 6 week UC-transferrable Stats course at the JC, ending July 29

2. registered for Fall classes at the JC starting in August as a backup plan

3. contacted physician about getting a letter documenting a contributing medical condition

4. stayed in contact with UCSD admissions about these actions

And the results:

1. student did A work in the JC course through 4 weeks

2. found out July 10 that he received a 3 (passing score) on the AP stats test back in May

3. was notified July 20 that admission would NOT be rescinded based on the passing AP test score

I assume that an A in a UC-transferrable stats course would have served the same purpose had the student not passed the AP stats exam but I do not know this for certain. I also assume that an appeal with a credible medical explanation in combination with the steps taken would have been successful but I don’t know this.

My takes:

1. failing any course in the second semester of your senior year will put your admission in severe jeopardy at UCSD

2. the UCSD admissions office was much more helpful than the high school teachers who only wanted to wash their hands of the matter

3. Fully acknowledging that the student dropped the ball here, this is still an awful, drawn-out, overly-punitive system.