C's in Physics

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

army0341

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2009
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
Here's the deal. I got a great GPA approximately 3.6 (overall and sciences) and I have hit a roadblock. Pjysics is my Achilles Heel. I am about to get a C in Physics 1 and more than likely in Physics 2 in the future (taking a guess). I didn't withdraw because it came down to the final exam and I was on thr B/C line and got slammed on the final. If I pulled C's in physics only (as far as the Sciences go) how badly will that look when it comes time to apply?

Members don't see this ad.
 
how badly will that look when it comes time to apply?

It will certainly have a bad impact on your "pre-req GPA" since virtually all the schools I have looked at require Physics as a pre-req. If you apply to one of the more competitive schools out there, it's going to be a strike against you unless you can counterbalance it with a very strong GRE score, observation hours, extracurricular activities, etc.

Can you retake the class and bring up your grade? This is a very good website to brush up on Physics, Chemistry, Biology and a bunch of other subjects:
http://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy
 
You seem to have a strong cumulative and science gpa. Which ultimately plays in your favor. It's higher than average, actually. Will the C in physics be a detriment to your GPA? Yes, it will. How much of a detriment depends on the total number of credits you already have. I would also not assume that you are going to automatically receive a certain grade in a future class; whether that grade is better or worse. I firmly believe that if you keep your gpa at or near where it is now, and create a well-rounded application that you will be admitted somewhere.

As it relates to Physics 2, try your best to get a higher grade but it does not have to be the end all be all if things don't work out in your favor. Best wishes to you in the future:thumbup:
 
Members don't see this ad :)
I had a C- in Physics 1 and a B+ in Physics 2, but As in the majority of my other prerequisite classes, and still got into some great schools. I was lucky in that most of the schools I applied to didn't have the "no grades below C" policy, but I tried to leave myself a little wiggle room in my schedule to allow for retaking Physics 1 if need be. I didn't end up having to retake it, thank goodness. I would think that as long as you can show in your application that you're a strong candidate despite those grades, you will be okay.
 
I got C+'s in Physics I and II and had a GPA similar to yours. I got into PT school and am doing just fine. 2 C's in a class that you will barely carry any information over into physical therapy won't kill ya. And some people have found Physics II to be easier than I, so don't assume you'll get a C. ;)
 
My Achilles heel was Chem so I know just how you feel.. I had a 3.6 gpa, A's in most pre reqs and just sucked at chem.. C s in both (B s in lab .. Whohoo ) I was freaking out and trying to figure out when I could retake chem.. A very sickening thought I might add.. Bottom line.. No one cared.. Yes I got denied by a couple of schools that only look at gpa and don't interview, but got into several top notch programs'.. And no one ever mentioned my chem grades at an interview lol.. Have a good overall application (letters of rec, variety of good observation hours, extra curriculars and something to talk about at the interview and you will do just fine!!! I start my DPT program June 8 and am so excited to never take a chem class again lol...
 
I had a C- in Physics 1 and a B+ in Physics 2, but As in the majority of my other prerequisite classes, and still got into some great schools. I was lucky in that most of the schools I applied to didn't have the "no grades below C" policy, but I tried to leave myself a little wiggle room in my schedule to allow for retaking Physics 1 if need be. I didn't end up having to retake it, thank goodness. I would think that as long as you can show in your application that you're a strong candidate despite those grades, you will be okay.

If you don't mind me asking, what schools did you apply to? I have one C-, but I'm having trouble on finding schools that don't have the "no grades below C" policy.

Thanks,

Tyler
 
I got Cs in physics. Today, I'm a thriving PT in FL. A good letter of recommendation, decent grades in all other sciences and pre-reqs will go a long way. Even a decent score on the GRE wouldn't hurt as well.
 
Physics 1 and physics 2 material don't overlap much, and I got different grades in them (B- for physics 1, C- and retook for B+ in physics 2). All schools I was interested in didn't want a C-, so I retook at the same school. If you choose to retake, the only changes that helped were keeping up with the material (practicing problems at the end of each chapter), and fully understanding the information (as in, what exactly is torque, not just what formula uses torque). Just do your best in physics 2, ask professors for help and study with friends, and think about retaking physics 1 if your GPA drops a lot.
 
Oh man I know exactly how you feel! Physics is my downfall! I am currently retaking it after getting a D+ the first time around. I as well have a good GPA, and I spoke to my 2 physical therapists I work with and they told me I shouldn't have any problem getting into school with a C in physics because of all of the other things they take into consideration. If all your other grades are good and you have observation hours you should still be fine!
 
Heres the thing. 1 C isn't the end of the world. Kick ass is Physics II do whatever you have to do to get at least a B. It's possible I have one C on my transcript. I also retook another class I received a C in and it was worth it. But I think you can do it :)
 
Guys, this was posted in 2011...
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
With this being posted in 2011...do the comments that follow alter at all from -11 to now? Because, I am in this same boat this year...Hahah
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
A lot of the comments are from this past week, so take the advice! There are other threads about having C's too that I found useful.
 
A c is not the end of the world I had a very high science gpa but took physics 2/calculus my last semester and got a c+/c- and still made it in, as long as it doesn't plummet your gpa I wouldn't worry to much. But if possible at all retake physics 1 and don't expect a c in a class you have not taken yet (phy2)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Top