Pulling a W in physics, (not in the good way)

[DO_hopeful48]

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Hey guys I’m in a bit of a pickle. This semester has been going great. I have A+’s in organic chemistry, vertebrate embryology, and biological psychology. I got involved with the American cancer society and have been doing more work with habitat for humanity. Everything has been swell except for my physics class. Not to be the guy in the room who blames the professor, but man is it bad. It’s pointless to go over the details but I’m really struggling, and the morale keeps decreasing every time I get a grade back. I’m at a 65 right now and am worried I won’t be able to pull a C for the class and don’t want to risk getting a D. This leads me to wanting to drop the course, but I’m a fall semester junior right now. If I drop it now and retake physics 1 during the summer, that means I’ll have to take physics 2 during senior spring. Will this affect my timeline into matriculating into medical school? Should I thug it out and role the dice, risking my GPA? I would love some advice, and hopefully I’m just being neurotic

 

[PapaGuava]

It shouldn't affect your timeline depending on when you plan to take the MCAT. If you think you need to take the W, then stick with your plan and push forward with plans in place to capitalize on your next opportunity. I had taken the MCAT towards the end of my semester while taking physics 2.

 

[DO_hopeful48]

It shouldn't affect your timeline depending on when you plan to take the MCAT. If you think you need to take the W, then stick with your plan and push forward with plans in place to capitalize on your next opportunity. I had taken the MCAT towards the end of my semester while taking physics 2.

Thanks for the advice! I plan on taking the MCAT this coming spring/summer depending on how prepared I feel. Would I still be able to apply to programs even though I would be in the process of finishing physics 2?

 

[ChiDr]

IMO. If you cannot guarantee at least a B, don’t risk it.

In the future, use all resources available. There are SO many resources online that make learning topics easier. YouTube, Khan, quizlet, etc.

Use tutoring at your school. Use it all the time. It’s not bad to ask for help.

Also, plan to ask the questions before you start or immediately after the first sign of downfall, not towards the end when you are battling and already dug yourself a hole. Just my two cents.

If I understand it correctly, you have to complete all pre req prior to beginning, not applying.

You may state that you are finishing the last req in the spring. Others may also comment.

Nice job on your other courses. Keep kicking.

 

[PapaGuava]

Thanks for the advice! I plan on taking the MCAT this coming spring/summer depending on how prepared I feel. Would I still be able to apply to programs even though I would be in the process of finishing physics 2?

Yeah it would be okay to apply while you're finishing a pre-requisite, and considering the cycle opens up around mid-June, you would likely be done with physics 2 by that time.

 

[Dr. Basketball]

IMO. If you cannot guarantee at least a B, don’t risk it.

In the future, use all resources available. There are SO many resources online that make learning topics easier. YouTube, Khan, quizlet, etc.

Use tutoring at your school. Use it all the time. It’s not bad to ask for help.

Also, plan to ask the questions before you start or immediately after the first sign of downfall, not towards the end when you are battling and already dug yourself a hole. Just my two cents.

If I understand it correctly, you have to complete all pre req prior to beginning, not applying.

You may state that you are finishing the last req in the spring. Others may also comment.

Nice job on your other courses. Keep kicking.

Agreed. I had 1 W, it never even came up during interviews. If this is your first W, I think saving your GPA is a great plan, but that´s just me.

 

[Ho0v-man]

1 W is fine. I had way more at least 10. It’s mature to look at the situation and react appropriately.

 

[DO_hopeful48]

Hey guys thank you so much for the advice and help. Ive been hella stressed about this. I definitely agree that keeping the sgpa up is the most important thing at this moment.

 

[Magus5454]

Drop it, be wary of heavy science courses over the summer though. Seen too many people try summer anatomy and drop it

 

[ijustwannasaveppl]

you could also see if it's possible to take the course over the summer! I found it so much easier to focus with just one class.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I had over a dozen Ws. Hasn’t stopped me. Take the W and retake. Use khan academy religiously.

 

[workaholic181]

I had an absolutely terrible Physics professor too.. literally told us on the third day of class he was gonna give us all Cs and then proceeded to do so. I dropped, retook with an A and am so glad I did. Don't take a bad grade.