It depends on how the rest of his transcript is. I got into UNC-CH with Cs in two AP classes (U S History and Biology). But, I had As in other very difficult AP classes (BC Calc and Physics) and other easier AP classes, and I had very high standardized test scores and was the only national merit scholar finalist at my school. I was definitely shut out of Ivies, but got a few interesting acceptances and ended up choosing chapel hill.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he can "turn it around" by nailing an A in the same topic in a future semester, yes. It demonstrates resilience and a willingness and ability to buckle down, and could even become an essay example.

My DD had a similar situation, and got into multiple top 20 schools. She's since transferred from the one she initially chose, where she had a 3.8 freshman year.

?? ED and EA application to go in this November. The grade is not going to be “erased” by a higher grade in the subject “next time”.

FWIW, I think writing a college essay about why you got a B- and then improved is a terrible idea. It is not that interesting, feels obsessive, and not compelling. Essays should focus on an interest or passion. Don’t make the passion GPA.

Lol no one was suggesting that he write about it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's weighted but you should attack the teacher to get at least a b+

Attack? That's a bit much, even for this crazy forum.

I suspect they meant to write approach

If I was you I'd shift heavily into plan B and start selling schools in the 50-150 range.
I wouldn't even visit/tour those top schools. Manage expectations.

Also, I know so many kids who transfer after freshman year! My kids attend a Big3 private and many kids (including my own) graduate as strong students with blemished transcripts. They ace freshman year and then transfer to top 20 schools. I know at least 5 this year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he can "turn it around" by nailing an A in the same topic in a future semester, yes. It demonstrates resilience and a willingness and ability to buckle down, and could even become an essay example.

My DD had a similar situation, and got into multiple top 20 schools. She's since transferred from the one she initially chose, where she had a 3.8 freshman year.

?? ED and EA application to go in this November. The grade is not going to be “erased” by a higher grade in the subject “next time”.

FWIW, I think writing a college essay about why you got a B- and then improved is a terrible idea. It is not that interesting, feels obsessive, and not compelling. Essays should focus on an interest or passion. Don’t make the passion GPA.

The kids I know who got into ND from my kid’s HS were higher ranked students based on awards received at the end of year. I think they were truly top students.

But I think some of my kid’s friends got into into schools like BC and Tulane with similar grades.

Your school’s CCO should be able to show you naviance to give you a better sense.

Good luck! There are a lot of great schools out there!

Anonymous wrote:My kid did it at WM in state. But had to go ED. Boys do get a reference there. (It’s 41, but with ties, USNWR jumps from 38 to 41).

My DD also got into W&M ED (in-state from FCPS) with quite a few Bs (including a couple B-). Overall GPA was 4.1w and there was a good upward trajectory.

Anonymous wrote:If he can "turn it around" by nailing an A in the same topic in a future semester, yes. It demonstrates resilience and a willingness and ability to buckle down, and could even become an essay example.

My DD had a similar situation, and got into multiple top 20 schools. She's since transferred from the one she initially chose, where she had a 3.8 freshman year.

?? ED and EA application to go in this November. The grade is not going to be “erased” by a higher grade in the subject “next time”.

What's the GPA UW and W?
He is not getting into Notre Dame. He is a longshot at BC but apply anyway and ED if that is his first choice.

It is still possible but the other option is to go to one of the best schools he is admitted to, do well and transfer. May add some time to the college journey depending on how many credits transfer but a path traveled by many.

My kid did it at WM in state. But had to go ED. Boys do get a reference there. (It’s 41, but with ties, USNWR jumps from 38 to 41).

If he can "turn it around" by nailing an A in the same topic in a future semester, yes. It demonstrates resilience and a willingness and ability to buckle down, and could even become an essay example.

My DD had a similar situation, and got into multiple top 20 schools. She's since transferred from the one she initially chose, where she had a 3.8 freshman year.

ND and UVA are probably unlikely. But that's not a ding against your kid. They're SO hard to get into. I know plenty of kids with "perfect" transcripts who got rejected. It's just the way it is right now.

There are sooooo many other wonderful colleges. Encourage him to look broadly.

I think it's impossible for any of us to say since it's a private school; there's just too much variability. I'd ask the college counselor.

It is possible. My DC got into a top 20 with Bs during Junior year. They had extenuating circumstances though.