how cooked am I? i think I just got a C in Geometry...

they will NOT care, just do better on different math classes

You're not cooked—far from it. Getting a C or D in summer Geometry before your freshman year might feel like a setback, especially since you're a straight-A student otherwise, but it’s not the end of the road for your college aspirations, including competitive schools like Carnegie Mellon. While that grade may appear on your transcript, colleges care more about your overall academic trajectory than a single early misstep. The fact that you're scheduled to take Pre-Calculus as a freshman shows you're on an advanced math track, which speaks volumes about your capability and ambition. If your school allows you to retake Geometry, doing so could help mitigate the impact of the low grade and demonstrate your commitment to improvement. Even if you don’t retake it, excelling in future math courses like Pre-Calc, Calculus, and beyond will help reinforce your strengths. Admissions officers look for growth, resilience, and context—so one early stumble won’t define you. Keep your grades strong, stay involved in meaningful extracurriculars, and build a compelling narrative in your application. You’re still very much in the race.