AP Calc BC is a disaster: how to spin for college app?

[Anonymous]

I agree on dropping references to Econ on the application, if that’s easy enough to do, and get those apps in stat. Has she taken AB calc? I’d drop down to that and if a bad first quarter grade shows, I’d explain that you dropped down from BC. A poli sci major doesn’t need BC calc. If she sticks with BC, get a tutor today and find out what’s on the horizon and what’s retakeable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree on dropping references to Econ on the application, if that’s easy enough to do, and get those apps in stat. Has she taken AB calc? I’d drop down to that and if a bad first quarter grade shows, I’d explain that you dropped down from BC. A poli sci major doesn’t need BC calc. If she sticks with BC, get a tutor today and find out what’s on the horizon and what’s retakeable.

Very few AOs even took BC, btw. They know it’s tough.

[Anonymous]

My DC was in the exact same boat (same struggled with Calc BC and same intended majors) except they took Calc BC junior year which, while more "advanced" to do so, it negatively impacted their previously 4.0 GPA in a way that will definitely hurt them for college apps this year. So at least your DC has the chance to get apps in without the grade showing, as other PPs suggested!

DC muddled through with a lot of tutoring and somehow wound up with a B. Teacher definitely liked DC but DC still did not ask that teacher for a rec since it was DC's one class with Bs.

Your DC should definitely try to get as many apps in via rolling, early action, or ED so that hopefully the grade won't show to colleges.

This whole dilemma ticks me off because colleges say they want to see kids challenging themselves and taking the most rigorous classes, but really they want 4.0s - so in this case, I suspect my DC would have been better off taking Calc AB and nailing an A (DC got a 4 on the exam with a 5 on the AB subparts, so I do think they could have gotten an A in Calc AB), which if I am right, so much for "most rigorous" ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:you can drop with a W on the transcript. This will not be a grade factored into the GPA.

Your DD could change into AB, which should be an easier pace than BC.

Your DD should also talk to her guidance counselor and also the teacher. The teacher must know your DD is struggling, right?

AB might be an option, but since the state requires a math credit every high school year, I don’t know that OP’s daughter would be allowed to withdraw. Definitely contact the counselor ASAP to find out what options are available and what they recommend.

Maybe she took AB as a junior? I know lots of kids go straight to BC these days, but some might still do AB then BC.

I suggested she withdraw, with the assumption/suggestion she'd move into AB. From the parent's comments, I didn't think the student took AB as a junior. Many kids go straight to BC in MCPS, which I think is crazy. (I majored in math in college.) I see so many kids burned out and freaking out at age 17 due to course load and grades.

But if the student did take AB as a junior, she can't retake it. That will be a problem based on state graduation requirements (unless they are also taking a 2nd math, like stas or QL this year). The student needs to talk to the guidance counselor ASAP.

[Anonymous]

Get a tutor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:why spin reality?

Best answer

[Anonymous]

If she is applying ED, she will get decision before the schools will see first semester grades. Yes, she will probably get an email if she gets a C or D but they will not recind if other grades are good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:why spin reality?

Best answer

Do you wear makeup? Blow dry your hair?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If she is applying ED, she will get decision before the schools will see first semester grades. Yes, she will probably get an email if she gets a C or D but they will not recind if other grades are good.

Most ED schools will ask for current grades before finalizing their decision. They will see this grade, if applying ED

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drop w a ‘w’ on transcript
Get early applications in now!

Won’t the D show up on the transcript, but won’t get calculated into GPA?

No, only semester grades show up on the transcript. No quarter grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD had a similar issue junior year. Have her reach out to the teacher and the counselor ASAP and get a tutor. My DD got a C first semester (up from an F early on in the semester) and a B- second semester. She worked her tail off and was in close contact with her teacher. She ended up using that teacher’s recommendation and having adversity to write about. She got into some great schools and is happy as a junior at a SLAC with a 3.9.

Your DD is in a better place. It’s senior year so that grade might now even show up for EA applications. If she can get a C, it will be fine. It feels like the end of the world, but it is not. She needs to push through and communicate with the school. Transfer down to AB would be great if school will allow. My DD’s school would not let her move down.

+1. There is still time to get the grade up with a tutor. Also make sure the teacher knows she is working hard to get the grade up and working with a tutor. It's a good idea to meet with the teacher to go over tests and assignments and to show effort. Had a similar situation with AP Chem, but it turned out fine in the end. Switching out to something else for next semester is an idea to consider.

[Anonymous]

I guess it depends where she is applying. I'm of the opinion she just do the best she can. I think C at quarter, B at semester is the correct strategy. A history major taking BC her senior year? I bet most schools would respect her for not taking it easy. Certainly won't kill her GPA.

[Anonymous]

So, I was in this position many years ago and muddled through to a B+ and a 3 on the AP exam, with a very generous teacher. But my predominate memory of the class is failure and confusion, and I never touched math again.

I like the idea of staying in the class and working her butt off with a tutor. It's possible switching to AB won't be any better. I know I just got kind of demoralized and checked out of math altogether. So really, she needs to check back in.

[Anonymous]

DC ended up with a low grade in Calc AB senior year but acceptance was not rescinded from EA admission. One of the "Big 3" VA public universities.

[Anonymous]

Get a tutor.
Calc builds on previous content and moves fast so you need to address immediately to figure out where the gap is and fill it in.