Failing college physics 1, thinking about dropping the course :(

[lpfev20]

Hi. I'm currently not doing well in college physics 1, I'm currently in the middle of applying this application cycle. I'm worried that I will most likely get a bad grade (below a C) and my prereq GPA will go down if I don't drop the course and retake the course again in the spring. I'm not sure if I should completely scrap my PTCAS applications for this cycle and apply next year or continue to apply and see what happens. Should I drop the physics course and wait to reapply for the next cycle?

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[dobsonek]

I think it’s going to depend on whether or not you’ve already submitted applications. If you have, I say suck it up and continue with the class because you never know what could happen as the semester goes on. If you end up accepted to a program that starts in the fall or next spring, you can always take the summer to retake the course.

 

[caseyclarissa]

Just some personal advice, definitely speak to your professor! I struggled through physics, but having great communication with my professor helped me tremendously when completing the class. If they do not know you are struggling, they can't help you. I would still apply and if anything, retake the class in spring! In that case, if you do better in the spring, choose to apply to schools who review applications holistically and who will see the improvement in your grade as a positive. Good luck!

 

[itssammi66]

From personal experience as well, I struggled with the first semester of physics. I actually got D's on the first two exams. I reached out to my professor and scheduled individual office hour sections each week and I ended up getting a B in the class. The next semester, I took the course with the same professor for the second half of physics and I knew I needed to reach out for help from the beginning and I got an A. Getting additional help from professors is so important

 

[reems112]

Hey! I can totally understand your frustration with the class. I actually had to retake it twice. It was extremely annoying and the teacher I had the first time could care less about anything. She wasn't very helpful. The second teacher I had was the same way too. He was just there and whenever we would ask him questions he just never knew what we asked. Don't lose hope. Utilize other resources like the tutoring center at your school or khan academy. In fact Khan academy has great videos that will be essential to the learning process. To be honest because I used it and physics 2 was so much more easier. I thought it was funny because I made a C in physics 1 and an A in physics 2. You never know, you just might end up surprising yourself.

 

[PTAide2DPT]

Whatever you decide upon, don't let it deter you. Around this time 3 years ago I was asking advice on what to do because I was failing Chem I. Ultimately, I dropped out and retook it the following semester and earned a B (my lowest prerequisite grade). Also, I had to retake Physics in the summer of 2019 and finished with an A-.

Sometimes you can't control how well you do in a course. I tried my hardest in Chemistry, but I just don't understand it and I always felt that subjects with difficult equations are lost upon me because I never challenged myself at a young age when learning basic math. However, one thing you can control is your experience in the field of PT. If you haven't already done so, put out as many applications for PT Aide jobs as possible. Preferably in acute care. If you accumulate thousands of observational hours, that'll stand out and outweigh any Physics grade.

 

[ya1]

Hi. I'm currently not doing well in college physics 1, I'm currently in the middle of applying this application cycle. I'm worried that I will most likely get a bad grade (below a C) and my prereq GPA will go down if I don't drop the course and retake the course again in the spring. I'm not sure if I should completely scrap my PTCAS applications for this cycle and apply next year or continue to apply and see what happens. Should I drop the physics course and wait to reapply for the next cycle?

If you are confident that you are likely to get less than a C in your current physics class, drop it now and take again in spring. You can still apply in this cycle since most schools allow 1-2 outstanding classes (which will be your physics 1).
Check reviews for physics 1 instructors in your school before you register for another physics class. Don't take the same class with the same instructor unless you know it was the lack of time you had or not enough effort you put in your current physics class that is causing you to fail it.