Failed Calculus first year of undergrad, am I screwed?

Question

Is the F I got in undergrad Calculus going to kill my chances of getting into a top-20 program since quant skills are stressed so much? Other than the one F and one W, I was an A/B student. Obviously, I can provide explanations as to what happened but I'm worried I won't even get that chance. I have an undergrad degree in architecture from a state school and a masters in architecture from a Southern Ivy. One thing I'll add is that I was admitted to two Ivies for grad school, but didn't attend for various reasons, but math isn't such a big deal in architecture programs, so maybe that data point doesn't matter. One of my alma maters has a top-20 program, which I plan on applying to.

Since then, I've spent time at non-profits, architecture firms and now in government (all architecture related positions) and have decided to pursue an MBA to open doors in the corporate architecture/development world. I have no desire in going into the financial world and would only consider pursuing consulting if all else failed, two points I'd make clear to Adcoms when appropriate.

For those wondering why the transition from architecture to MBA, it's a long story, but essentially, I've realized my passion and skills lie on the business side of the field and not the design side.

So anyway, what are your thoughts?

DefyingGravity · Answer

It will be a red flag, but it is not an automatic deal breaker. Do you have other quantitative classes that you can point to, demonstrating your quant aptitude? Perhaps consider taking one or two additional courses now to build an alternative transcript. A high quant score on the gmat will also help. Lastly, you should defintely take advantage of the optional essay to explain why your grade in that course is not an accurate reflection of your abilities.

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Posted from my mobile device

tronic1 · Answer

What alternative math courses would you recommend? Would a couple quant MOOCs be better?

futurectdoc · Answer

Just go to your local community college and take calc I or ii online

CriticalSquare · Answer

As defyinggravity said, it'll be a red flag. It doesn't matter if you want to go into finance or not, calculus is a really big part of the MBA and you'll use it in a lot of classes. MOOCs aren't good enough when you're trying to remedy something like this. MOOCs are usually good if you're really interested in something and want to show passion. But if you have an F, you need an alternate grade. At that point, just head over to a local college and knock it out of the park. It not only puts to rest your ability to handle it, but also that you're proactive. It tells the adcom, "Hey, look, I know I got an F in calc, I know it isn't ideal, but I retook it and rocked it!"

Bhavik

Bhavik

tronic1 · Answer

Thanks.

If my local community college doesn't offer it online, would your recommend finding a non-local community college that does or try to find a regular course?

CriticalSquare · Answer

At that point, pick what's most convenient for you. It's better to do an in person class if possible. Not just for the apps, but for you yourself. But, if that makes things really inconvenient, then find an online option.

Failed Calculus first year of undergrad, am I screwed?

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