Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:53     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
Conventional wisdom says a C in math is not viewed favorably if the intended major is engineering or adjacent. Good idea to replace the C.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:52     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
You can pretty much say goodbye to top schools if you have a C on your transcript, even if you retake the course. Unless you are a recruited athlete. There are just too many other applicants with better transcripts.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:47     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No one who got a C in precalc is getting an A in AP BC.


Eh, he has the ability. He just sort of decided he wanted to spend his time doing other stuff and not turning in assignments.
I’ve got 5 engineers in my immediate family so I know what’s required. He’s the kind of kid that’s reading physics books for fun instead of turning in his homework.
I’m not saying it’s in the bag but he definitely could do it if he decides that’s what he wants to do. I may tell him that if he doesn’t get the A first semester, we will cancel the summer activity. But if the thinking is that he should retake even if he does get A’s, I don’t want to tell him that.
.

5 engineers in the family and your son is reading physics books for fun.

Maybe, he’s more interested in physics than engineering and should consider majoring in that instead.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:42     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No one who got a C in precalc is getting an A in AP BC.


Eh, he has the ability. He just sort of decided he wanted to spend his time doing other stuff and not turning in assignments.
I’ve got 5 engineers in my immediate family so I know what’s required. He’s the kind of kid that’s reading physics books for fun instead of turning in his homework.
I’m not saying it’s in the bag but he definitely could do it if he decides that’s what he wants to do. I may tell him that if he doesn’t get the A first semester, we will cancel the summer activity. But if the thinking is that he should retake even if he does get A’s, I don’t want to tell him that.


Has he shown executive function difficulties before? What executive function supports does he have?
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:41     Subject: Re:How important to replace a C in math?
Anonymous wrote:What school the C came from will be important. DC actually got 2 C from a super competitive high school and still managed to get into a top SLAC.


Oh Please.

Define top SLAC. SWAP pretty much require straight As no matter how competitive your high school is.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:39     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No one who got a C in precalc is getting an A in AP BC.


Eh, he has the ability. He just sort of decided he wanted to spend his time doing other stuff and not turning in assignments.
I’ve got 5 engineers in my immediate family so I know what’s required. He’s the kind of kid that’s reading physics books for fun instead of turning in his homework.
I’m not saying it’s in the bag but he definitely could do it if he decides that’s what he wants to do. I may tell him that if he doesn’t get the A first semester, we will cancel the summer activity. But if the thinking is that he should retake even if he does get A’s, I don’t want to tell him that.



I wouldn't be spending my hard earned money on a kid who can't be bothered. No fun summer activities when he can't be bothered turning in work.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:37     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
Anonymous wrote:No one who got a C in precalc is getting an A in AP BC.


Eh, he has the ability. He just sort of decided he wanted to spend his time doing other stuff and not turning in assignments.
I’ve got 5 engineers in my immediate family so I know what’s required. He’s the kind of kid that’s reading physics books for fun instead of turning in his homework.
I’m not saying it’s in the bag but he definitely could do it if he decides that’s what he wants to do. I may tell him that if he doesn’t get the A first semester, we will cancel the summer activity. But if the thinking is that he should retake even if he does get A’s, I don’t want to tell him that.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:26     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
Anonymous wrote:Taking precalc for a grade replacement the summer after taking calc bc seems sort of silly. If the activity he would otherwise do is meaningful, I would be inclined to do that instead and explain the circumstances leading to the poor grade, pointing out that they were temporary (as demonstrated by doing well in calc bc).

This. Use the “additional info” section to succinctly explain the anomalous grade - why it happened, what he learned/why it won’t happen again. As long as he does well in later classes he’ll be ok.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:18     Subject: Re:How important to replace a C in math?
What school the C came from will be important. DC actually got 2 C from a super competitive high school and still managed to get into a top SLAC.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:17     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
What is grade replacement?

Is this a public school thing?
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:13     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
No one who got a C in precalc is getting an A in AP BC.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:04     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
Taking precalc for a grade replacement the summer after taking calc bc seems sort of silly. If the activity he would otherwise do is meaningful, I would be inclined to do that instead and explain the circumstances leading to the poor grade, pointing out that they were temporary (as demonstrated by doing well in calc bc).
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 13:00     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
I say this as a non-admissions expert, but I would have my kid go to a place where you don’t have to enter particular school at the start. A liberal arts college comes to mind. I’m also wondering if William and Mary fits the bill

Usually engineering is a restricted major, and it has the toughest admission standards.

I don’t know what their other grades are, but I feel like either an liberal arts college or one that allows you to be undeclared and then switching into engineering is what you want.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:58     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
If they are going into their junior year, they should definitely try for grade replacement. You should also considering for calc this year. A C is not good for an engineering hopeful.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:56     Subject: How important to replace a C in math?
For various dumb reasons my kid got a C in spring precalc. They hope to go to engineering school and are taking calc bc this year. If they are able to get As in calc bc, how bad is a C in precalc? Does it make a difference if they get a 4 or 5 on the calc BC AP?

I think thee is an option to take it for grade replacement next summer but kid would have to skip something they are really looking forward to, planned years in advance.

Any other ideas are welcome. Thanks.