QUESTION: I'm a high school junior so you know that means I'm under tons of stress. My problem is that my GPA may be a 4.0, but my grades do not reflect this. My school gives weighted GPAs and I have earned a "C+" in Algebra II Honors this semester. I wouldn't be so concerned, but I just found out that I also earned a "C+" in my Geometry class last year. I'm not the greatest in math, but I do try hard and I've been in all honors math classes since freshman year.
What are the colleges going to think when they see a 4.0 GPA but two grades of "C+"? All of my senior friends tell me not to worry because I'm involved and lead several clubs. They tell me I should just do well on the SAT, try to get an "A" in Algebra next semester so the final grade balances out to be a "B" and get my GPA over a 4.0. Is there really anything else I can do? Summer classes and more community service all seem to be options that are looking very nice right now. Signed, The Ace (Except in Math Classes)
Dear Ace: Your grades show the power of a weighted GPA. You can achieve a GPA that is much higher by taking honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes that give you additional points toward your GPA. When colleges look at your grades, they will take into account that you have challenged yourself with these more difficult classes. This is good and you should keep it up.
That being said, admission officers are human and while your GPA is high, the "C's" on your transcript might cause some concern. You have received some solid advice from your senior friends. There really is nothing that you can do to change your past grades so the best thing to do is to focus on the future. Concentrate on performing well in math classes, on math SAT Subject Tests and on math AP exams. Consider taking a summer class in algebra to demonstrate your ability in the subject. Given your high GPA and otherwise stellar academic performance the only concern an admission officer might have is that you haven't learned enough advanced math. But, if you do well on the tests or take a summer program and get a good grade, then you will show the admission officer that you really do know the material.
The only thing we wouldn't recommend is getting involved with additional extracurricular activities as a way to make up for low grades. While admirable, volunteer work does not demonstrate your academic ability to colleges. Since you are already involved we would like to see you focus on those activities and make meaningful contributions. Let your grades and test scores tell your academic story.
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