During my years in teaching secondary school students, I found that many students relaxed during their final year, thinking that university applications were out the door and many had received a decision by March or April.  No more SAT preparation, no more private tutoring etc.

First semester senior year grades are an important part of the admissions process. Universities that notify applicants of a decision in March or April request first semester grades during January or February. Generally the decision by admissions offices are based on these grades.

However, a lot of Ontario’s Universities will insist on a final transcript from your high school, but they do not like to rescind offers of admission. Most do so only in extreme circumstances. If, for instance, you are ordinarily an “A” or “B” student and you get a “C” in one class in your last semester, that won’t cause any problem at all.

When universities ask for final transcripts, they are primarily checking to make sure that their admitted applicants didn’t stop studying the minute the acceptance letters arrived. Similarly, they are looking for signs of health or emotional concerns that might follow the candidate to university.

Therefore, if you feel you’re losing ground in your calculus class, I recommend that you not wait until the Spring to make a decision about seeking assistance. Discuss with your teacher or parents and figure out a way that you can get extra help, whether it is after school program or tutoring services–so you won’t risk your admission acceptance!