This week we did our final campus visit with our youngest child. So, we've sat through quite a few college information sessions over the years, and I didn't think there was anything new to be heard. I was wrong! An adcom at a top 20 LAC said that when they see a candidate with mostly A's but a few C's, they think that pattern indicates that the student only works hard in the subjects he likes, and is less diligent about those he doesn't care for. Wow, that's quite an assumption! In D's case, I can tell you a C grade means that the subject was very difficult for her and touched on some weaknesses, but that in reality she worked even harder to earn that C than she did the A's.
I wonder if it's better from an admissions standpoint if they assume you're lazy, or that you're academically less capable in certain fields? Neither is positive, of course, but I was surprised they just assume lack of effort.
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