physics conundrum

[redline1089]

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Im currently a sophomore at Seton Hall registering for classes for next semester and I am in somewhat of a predicament. The Gen Physics prof for next year is horrible and has been known to suck for years now. He doesn't really teach and everything is basically self taught. From what I hear, however, it is somewhat easy to get an A because all his exams come from a database and people do problems from there and they see the same ques. on the exam, and he gives extraneous amounts of extra credit.

The other option is taking principles of physics. The class is somewhat harder and calc based, but the prof is very good and I will actually learn without killing myself from self teaching. I may not be able to get the A, But I know Ill understand the concept.

Which one should I take based on your personal experience, opinion or anything? Lots of suggestions please!!
Thank you

 

[AH3]

Take the easy A. You can learn all of the important physics stuff for the MCAT if you don't feel well prepared after taking that course. And you can always learn extra during the class from the book.

 

[apumic]

^I disagree. Take the challenge. Get the A. Know physics WELL and ace the MCAT because of it. Yes, you could learn it later but it's best to learn it well in class. It'll make review easier later. Assuming you've at least taken Calculus I by now and feel comfortable with basic calc, calc-based physics isn't hard at all and a better prof will ensure you REALLY know it.

 

[killinsound]

if you think you can teach yourself WELL, then take the easy A.

if not, go ahead and take the harder class.

 

[Moridin]

What's your class schedule next semester, and what's your sGPA?

I'm finishing up Gen Phys this semester and should have no problem with ending up with 2 As. I'm glad I took Gen Phys because I'm starting pre-med as a sophomore and am taking Gen Chem, Quantitative Analysis, Intro Bio, Gen Phys, and Principles of Behavior (18 hours, 5 labs). However, if I were in a situation where I were only taking two sciences per semester (like most pre-meds I know), I would take the challenge of calc-based. As a general rule, I agree that it's better to actually understand something, even if your grade isn't as good, because that means you will retain it better and be able to apply it more versatilely.

The exception would be if your sGPA is mediocre to moderate. In that case, I would take the GPA booster and tackle the MCAT on your own time.

 

[dingyibvs]

misleading title

 

[redline1089]

well my science gpa is really low now....3.15 because I messed up last year, but after this semester and last semester it should be around 3.35-3.4 due to retaking gen chem 2. I am a much stronger student this semester and I am doing very well now.

Next semester is Microbiology, Intro to econ, Whatever physics, Phys lab, latin, some core class so 17 cred and I do research with two professors. I am a much stronger student this semester and I am doing very well now

I feel like either way I would kill myself with work, just dont know what the better option would be.

 

[Bleg]

For myself, in every case I found that taking the harder but better-taught and better-presented class was the better choice. That was true with calculus, physics, and chemistry. Ironically, I got better grades in the 'harder' classes because I was more engaged.

 

[StayingFocused]

Im currently a sophomore at Seton Hall registering for classes for next semester and I am in somewhat of a predicament. The Gen Physics prof for next year is horrible and has been known to suck for years now. He doesn't really teach and everything is basically self taught. From what I hear, however, it is somewhat easy to get an A because all his exams come from a database and people do problems from there and they see the same ques. on the exam, and he gives extraneous amounts of extra credit.

The other option is taking principles of physics. The class is somewhat harder and calc based, but the prof is very good and I will actually learn without killing myself from self teaching. I may not be able to get the A, But I know Ill understand the concept.

Which one should I take based on your personal experience, opinion or anything? Lots of suggestions please!!
Thank you

I just finished General Physics this year as a sophomore. My professors for I and II were terrible but I ended up with an A both times.

But I don't KNOW physics.
Physics is a 5 credit hour course...think of all the time you'll be wasting sitting in a course and not learning ANYTHING just to get an A!
You really need to take the harder one because:
1. It will look better
2. You will learn and retain Physics soooo much better too

I regret not taking Calc. based Physics with the bettr teacher