Physics Part I

[MaryWrathers]

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Hello,

My teacher for Physics Part I told us the first day of class that the average test scores will be 30. He was right. Here are my test scores so far:

test 1 30
test 2 90
test 3 30
test 4 ?
final exam

Well, I'm average according to his statement. I have straight A's on my lab reports and straight A's on my online homework.

If I get a C as my overall final grade, should I retake it? If so, should I retake it in Summer 06 or Spring 07? I plan on applying in June 07. I am taking all of the natural science prereqs from January 06 - May 07.

I don't know if this matters but I have a 4.0 undergrad GPA; graduated in Dec. 05 with a B.S.

 

[pingouin]

Hello,

My teacher for Physics Part I told us the first day of class that the average test scores will be 30. He was right. Here are my test scores so far:

test 1 30
test 2 90
test 3 30
test 4 ?
final exam

Well, I'm average according to his statement. I have straight A's on my lab reports and straight A's on my online homework.

If I get a C as my overall final grade, should I retake it? If so, should I retake it in Summer 06 or Spring 07? I plan on applying in June 07. I am taking all of the natural science prereqs from January 06 - May 07.

I don't know if this matters but I have a 4.0 undergrad GPA; graduated in Dec. 05 with a B.S.

what's the curve for the class? can you go talk with him and see where you stand based on your current grades? it might give you a better idea of how you need to do on the last test and final in order to pull your grade up.

 

[mshheaddoc]

I agree with jlw

 

[medicalbound]

I think that it's premature to start pondering retaking it - concentrate instead on raising your grade this time. Based on your undergrad GPA, you obviously have the ability to to well. If you have not yet voiced your concern to your professor, you should do so ASAP. As others have said, find out how you measure up on a curve and flat out ask the prof what you can do to improve. Go to his/her office hours, get a tutor, study more, whatever it takes to move your score Northward. It may sound trite, but be aggressive in your approach.

 

[JamieMac]

Hello,

My teacher for Physics Part I told us the first day of class that the average test scores will be 30. He was right. Here are my test scores so far:

test 1 30
test 2 90
test 3 30
test 4 ?
final exam

Well, I'm average according to his statement. I have straight A's on my lab reports and straight A's on my online homework.

If I get a C as my overall final grade, should I retake it? If so, should I retake it in Summer 06 or Spring 07? I plan on applying in June 07. I am taking all of the natural science prereqs from January 06 - May 07.

I don't know if this matters but I have a 4.0 undergrad GPA; graduated in Dec. 05 with a B.S.

I would think it depends upon the point structure of the entire class (the curve as others have mentioned). It may not be a bad idea to get an appointment with your prof and ask where you stand. Many of my profs are great about returning emails. If you express your concern about your current standing, they might give you a better idea as to where the class stands and how they typically grade. My best result has been to micro-manage the situation and find out all that I need to prior to going into panic mode. Best of luck on a strong finish!

 

[Olddodger]

Along those same lines...I got a B in Physics I ages ago (19 years ago) and a C in Physics 2.

The UF CVM will take both, but the C obviously doesn't look too good. I'd like to retake Physics 2, BUT I'm in a quandry...

I don't think PYS I is going to be improved much even if I get an A, but I don't want to take PYS 2 without the review of PYS 1, even though 2 is mostly different (light and electromag vs force and vector analysis).

Any opinions?

Oldie

 

[MaryWrathers]

“what's the curve for the class? can you go talk with him and see where you stand based on your current grades? it might give you a better idea of how you need to do on the last test and final in order to pull your grade up.”

He mentioned there will be a curve on the final grade, but he is hesitant to say exactly what it will be. I do need to go talk to him. I will do it this upcoming week to see where I stand as you suggested.

“I think that it's premature to start pondering retaking it - concentrate instead on raising your grade this time. Based on your undergrad GPA, you obviously have the ability to to well. If you have not yet voiced your concern to your professor, you should do so ASAP. As others have said, find out how you measure up on a curve and flat out ask the prof what you can do to improve. Go to his/her office hours, get a tutor, study more, whatever it takes to move your score Northward. It may sound trite, but be aggressive in your approach.”

I thank you for your advice. We only have 2 weeks left until our 4th exam. Our final exam is the week after the 4th exam. I feel like I do not have the time/energy to go back and relearn the material for the comprehensive final, yet I think I can do this for the 4th exam. I feel as though I do not have the confidence b/c I have not had trig and I have not had math since 2001. Maybe, I am just making excuses. I feel that I am not prepared this semester. Premed classes to me are so different than what I’ve experienced my past 4 years as a non-natural science major.

“I would think it depends upon the point structure of the entire class (the curve as others have mentioned). It may not be a bad idea to get an appointment with your prof and ask where you stand. Many of my profs are great about returning emails. If you express your concern about your current standing, they might give you a better idea as to where the class stands and how they typically grade. My best result has been to micro-manage the situation and find out all that I need to prior to going into panic mode. Best of luck on a strong finish!”

You’re right. Prior to meeting with him, I will email him. Thank you.

 

[pingouin]

Mary,

My chem professor last semester was like that- he wouldn't commit to exactly where the cutoffs on the curve were. But if the AVERAGE is a 30, and you're above that (given your current test scores), plus add in your As for online homework and labs... I would imagine that you may be in better shape than you think you are. So go talk to him, find out for sure, and report back. 😀

And remember this mantra: Stay ahead of the curve. (Repeat as needed.)

jlw

 

[MaryWrathers]

I just spoke with my professor. He said that even though I scored "average" on the 1st and 3rd tests compared to those in my class, the grades are still failing. I am just going to study hard these last two weeks to try to pick up my 4th test grade and final exam grade. Who knows? He's a nice guy though, and he seems to think I am a good student.

 

[DaveinDallas]

I just spoke with my professor. He said that even though I scored "average" on the 1st and 3rd tests compared to those in my class, the grades are still failing. I am just going to study hard these last two weeks to try to pick up my 4th test grade and final exam grade. Who knows? He's a nice guy though, and he seems to think I am a good student.

Sounds like my physics II prof. - For the first exam, we asked him what topics were going to be on the exam. He responded,"Everything that was in the book and everything that should have been in the book, everything that was in the lecture and everything that should have been in the lecture. Know your subject!". So, being undergrad engineering nerds, we studied the topics he had covered and went from there. Class average was a 39. I wound up getting a B in the course.

Moral: he'll probably get pressure from the administration to curve it rather than fail the majority of the students. However, don't get into the mindset of counting on a curve. That WILL bite you.

I like to adapt a quote from Sun Tzu - We are not depending on our enemies not coming to the field of battle for our victory. Rather, we are depending upon our ability to defeat them. (Loose quotation).

Application - don't depend on a curve,etc. Through hard work and practice problems, depend on your ability to master the material. You'll do fine......