Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 21:36     Subject: One bad grade

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of asking here as well about one B+ in first semester senior year transcript. The rest are 4 A+ and 2 A's. The B+ is in AP Calc BC. DC is deferred in a T20 and I am worried this B+ might hurt them. Applying to school of science in biochemistry.

DC has a 35 superscore ACT and an UW 4.02 GPA from a strong private HS.


Almost exact situation a couple of years ago. Kid accepted to MIT and Harvard. No reason to worry if ECs and LORs are great.


Pp here. STEM major. The B+ in Calc BC did not even affect the academic index which was calculated as 240.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 21:33     Subject: One bad grade

Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of asking here as well about one B+ in first semester senior year transcript. The rest are 4 A+ and 2 A's. The B+ is in AP Calc BC. DC is deferred in a T20 and I am worried this B+ might hurt them. Applying to school of science in biochemistry.

DC has a 35 superscore ACT and an UW 4.02 GPA from a strong private HS.


Almost exact situation a couple of years ago. Kid accepted to MIT and Harvard. No reason to worry if ECs and LORs are great.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 19:28     Subject: One bad grade

I would not sweat a B+ in Calc BC. Try to get it up to A- but not a derailer
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 19:24     Subject: One bad grade

My kid got into an Ivy ED with a senior fall B but As otherwise. She sweated it out but it worked.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 17:06     Subject: One bad grade

Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of asking here as well about one B+ in first semester senior year transcript. The rest are 4 A+ and 2 A's. The B+ is in AP Calc BC. DC is deferred in a T20 and I am worried this B+ might hurt them. Applying to school of science in biochemistry.

DC has a 35 superscore ACT and an UW 4.02 GPA from a strong private HS.


DS got into a school with a 10% admission rate with one B first quarter senior year. I was a little concerned, but it was in a very hard class that most kids never even take (multivariable calc), so I'm sure that context helped.

For your kid's situation - deferral and it's Calc BC and they want to major in a STEM - it would be much better if they can raise it.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 16:44     Subject: One bad grade

It depends upon the institution. One B- killed a nephew’s application to the Naval Academy
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 15:48     Subject: One bad grade

Anonymous wrote:How much does one bad grade hurt? Like say at the time of applications, your kid had a B- or C+, an A- or two, the rest solid As. 9 APs completed at time of apps and enrolled in 5 or 6 more senior year.


The B-/C+ not good if going for a T30. He needs to get it to at least a B+.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 14:09     Subject: One bad grade

Just get it up to a B+ or ideally A- for the end of the year since only final grades are seen. Also, one B+ is totally fine.

My DS just got into a top 10 with a B+ for the year in AP Lang as well as a heavy dose of A- grades. They look at more than just grades/numbers!
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 13:37     Subject: One bad grade

Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of asking here as well about one B+ in first semester senior year transcript. The rest are 4 A+ and 2 A's. The B+ is in AP Calc BC. DC is deferred in a T20 and I am worried this B+ might hurt them. Applying to school of science in biochemistry.

DC has a 35 superscore ACT and an UW 4.02 GPA from a strong private HS.


It's not great but admission after deferrals shouldn't be counted on regardless. It's like a 5% chance. Hopefully he got that grade up for RD apps and psychologically you need to move on.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 13:35     Subject: One bad grade

Anonymous wrote:I was thinking of asking here as well about one B+ in first semester senior year transcript. The rest are 4 A+ and 2 A's. The B+ is in AP Calc BC. DC is deferred in a T20 and I am worried this B+ might hurt them. Applying to school of science in biochemistry.

DC has a 35 superscore ACT and an UW 4.02 GPA from a strong private HS.


I don’t think one B+ will really hurt their chances especially with the rest of their grades being so strong.