COVID-19 has made everything more complicated!!
Q: My high school has given us the option of going pass/fail this spring, in light of the coronavirus. Should I do it?
A: Many districts have made a unilateral decision; they will be adopting a Credit/ No Credit or Pass/ Fail grading policy this spring for all students. If that is the case for you, breathe easy. We have not come across a single college or university that will penalize a student for not having letter grades this spring — large research universities, small liberal arts colleges, the most selective institutions, and your regional state affiliates are all going to be adaptable.
One of our favorite statements is from Tulane University: “Whatever your school does, we’ll support it. If you have only P/F in the second semester, we’ll totally understand. It might mean we put a bit more emphasis on your first semester, but we’ll also completely understand your circumstances. If you’re currently on an upward trend, we’ll make the assumption that that trend would have continued in the second semester. We’ll give you the benefit of the doubt in every single way we can. Tulane just announced that students can opt to take their classes Pass, Minimal Pass, Or Fail, so we get it. Go to your online classes, do the best you can, make your presence felt, try your hardest. We’ll notice, trust me.”
So what if you have the choice like Tulane is offering their students? P/F or grades?
Our advice to students is to opt for the letter grade unless you have:
Health challenges in your family (physical or mental)
Technology and connectivity issues
Significant family responsibilities taking time away from schoolwork
If any of the above apply to you, a simple explanation on your application will be enough for a college admission officer! And if you have a nagging concern, reach out to us — we’ll be happy to reassure you!
For the rest of you, we recommend plugging along and doing your best with online learning, getting the best grades that you can! You’re developing skills that will serve you well in the future: time management, self-motivation, and grit. You can do it!