Can one failing grade on your report card still get you into a good college and like a good job in the future?

Question

I was just wondering...

Answer 1

oh yah

Answer 2

It depends on how high the rest of your grades are and how high you're aiming. I would think most state colleges would still accept you, provided you have an SAT score over 1000 (or rather the equivalent on the new one--what, 1500?) and that your grades are mainly in the B range otherwise. Extracurriculars are factoring in even more than grades sometimes these days, so active participation is crucial.

As for the job, rarely will a post-secondary place of business look at your high school transcript. It's up to you not to fail in college! They DO look at the college transcripts, depending on your profession, especially when you're starting off.

Answer 3

Yes it can, but it is very unlikely. Most employers never request a college transcript, and the last time your high school transcript is ever looked at, is by colleges you are applying to. Believe me when I say this. The most important thing for getting a job is WHO YOU KNOW. If your dad is the mayor, and youre looking to be a firefighter...youre in. no questions asked, because you have leverage. The SECOND most important thing is experience. Nobody cares how good you did on your algebra test, if youre applying to be a car mechanic. The only thing they want to know is how many different kinds of cars you can fix. If youve been doing it for a long time, they like that. My advice to you is to make contacts. Talk to people who are major players in a field you might like to get into. Make them like you, and your chances for landing a job will be greatly improved. As far as getting into college, one failing grade wont matter unless its an IVY league school, which you really have to go above and beyond. Colleges look at extracurriculars just as much as grades. Get involved in student council, athletics and other activities. Good luck. hope this helps.

Answer 4

Well... maybe. It depends on what you consider a "good college". I have personally seen grade point averages as low as 2.8 get people into state college.However, unless you write a creative essay or have a lot of money or ace the SAT's, you might want to rule, say, Harvard out.

When looking at possible candidates, state colleges are going to take your SAT score into consideration as well. In fact, if you are creative, you might write an essay on the "one class I couldn't pass" or alert admissions officers to the reasons why in a cover letter if you think it important.

However, a failing grade might suggest a trend. If it is JUST one failing grade, I can't see much of a problem. One failing grade (despite what your parents might tell you) will not hurt your college chances unless you let it turn into more than one failing grade.

Answer 5

It depends. If you aren't in high school yet, don't sweat it. If you are in high school you will have a lot of compensating to do. It depends on what you call good. There are a lot of good schools that are only moderately competitve you could get in to. You can also go to a community college and transfer up after a year or two to a better school.

As for a good job in the future, absolutely. What college you go to has very little to do with your future employment anyway.

Answer 6

Yeah. People just put way too much emphasis on grades. Heck, our president was a straight c average student! You can do whatever you want as long as you work hard. Try to bring the grade up, and remember that it is always okay to ask for extra help. If you want, you can retake the class in summer school or online, and have your school replace the failing grade on your transcript.

Answer 7

One failing grade isn't going to be a detriment to your academic career. A single failing grade can be explained. There are several factors that go into getting into college: GPA, SAT scores, extra-curricular involvement...some even want letters of recommendations and look at volunteer work.

Talk to your school adviser more more details on the types of schools you should try to attend.

Answer 8

It depends on your overall GPA, not a particular grade. If the rest of your grades are good enough to offset the failing grade, then you'll be fine, although you will probably have to take remedial courses to learn whatever wasn't learned in the failed class.

Answer 9

Most colleges ask about your overall GPA, not individual class grades so it depends on how badly that failing grade affected your GPA. Same with employers. Most just want to know if you got your high school diploma and what your GPA was.

Answer 10

It will be hard to get into an ivy league college with an F, but no employer will look at your HS grades. Getting good grades is just for your own satisfaction. They really don't effect your life much.

Answer 11

Don't worry. It is very unlikely that one tiny grade will affect your college acceptance, let alone your future career.

Think about it: If you are in good academic standing otherwise, are well-rounded (think community service and extra curricula), and have talent/promise in the field you'd like to pursue... why would one old grade matter?

{If it does come up, explain it. Explain the conflict. -- Make UP a conflict if you have to. -- And be sure to emphasize the lesson it taught you, the strength you gained from experiencing it, and the desire you now have to never let your grades slip again.}

Good luck. ^_^