Mitigating the Impact of Severe Grade Drops Due to COVID: What Can You Do?

Admitted applicants often find themselves in the tough situation of experiencing a significant drop in their grades during a semester when the school was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This can raise serious concerns about the impact on their college admissions. However, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of maintaining your admission status.

Immediate Actions to Take

The first and most crucial step is to inform your teachers immediately if you had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This can sometimes result in a more lenient approach from your teachers regarding incomplete work. If you didn't receive an incomplete or similar designation, it's essential to reach out to your teachers and request an incomplete. If they reject this request, escalate it to the registrar and explore the possibility of an appeal.

Consider an Incomplete Grade

An incomplete grade allows you the opportunity to complete missing or lost work and retake a final exam. This option is your best bet to mitigate the impact of significant grade drops due to extraordinary circumstances. Follow these steps to seek an incomplete designation:

Speak to your teachers and explain your situation.

Request an incomplete grade and discuss conditions for making up the missed work.

If the teacher is not willing, seek the help of the registrar and ask how to appeal the decision.

Follow through with the missing or lost work as per the agreed conditions and retake exams, if necessary.

Seek Grade Changes if Relevant

If your academic situation is such that you received your acceptance in the spring and you are currently in the fall semester, there is still a chance to negotiate grade changes with your teachers. If your courses are math or science-focused, some may accept a passing grade in the second semester as a validation of the sub-standard first semester grade. You will need to request a grade change form from your teacher and ensure it is processed before your final transcripts are sent.

For Graduating Semester Grades

For students facing severe grade drops in their final semester or for those who have already submitted their final transcripts, the options become more limited. Here are some steps you can take in these scenarios:

Be honest and proactive with the admissions office. Explain your situation thoroughly and show that you are taking steps to improve your grades.

If the courses are not part of your academic core coursework or are not essential to your major, the admissions office may still consider retaining your admission.

For core courses or courses important to your major, consider seeking provisional admission. This could mean taking equivalent courses at a community college over the summer.

When to Take Action and Reporting Your Situation

To avoid the possibility of your admissions committee thinking you are hoping they won't notice your grade drop, take immediate action to address the situation as soon as possible. Report your situation well before the final transcripts are submitted so that it is included in your academic record.

Lastly, always be transparent and proactive in your communication with the admissions office. Demonstrating that you are taking steps to improve your situation shows maturity and responsibility, which can positively influence your application.

Conclusion

While the situation is challenging, there are still avenues to explore that may help you mitigate the negative impact of severe grade drops due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be proactive, communicate openly, and be prepared to take action. Good luck with your application!