Does a 760 in the Math part of the SAT, offset a 'D' Final Grade in my high school grade transcript ??

Question

I'll apply to colleges in the Fall 2008. My Math teacher will write a letter of recommendation which should be good. I'll do the Math I and Math II SAT Subject Tests in the Fall, also. Is the D an 'application killer' to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and MIT ?? Thanks.

Answer 1

It depends.  Some schools look at the SAT more than at grades, while some are the other way around.  It also matters the level of math you were doing when you got the "D".  A "D" in Algebra I will say something different to them than a "D" in Calculus.  You may want to really narrow down where you want to go, then talk to the admissions department at those colleges.  Remember, even if you don't get accepted to the "top" schools, there are plenty of good schools around (and they are cheaper!)

Answer 2

If you received a D on your report card, you will most definitely get asked about it in any interview you may have. The best way to go about it is to address it in your application and explain to the school why you received that grade in your math class. Schools will understand if you had extenuating circumstances that led you to receive that D. Also, there is a part in the application where you can explain these circumstances. These schools want bright people, but grades also show whether or not you can work hard in your classes.

Make sure the rest of your application is spectacular since these schools are already difficult to get into as it is. Therefore, the only blemish you have is the D - which these schools may or may not forgive (depending on your reasoning).