Should I drop my physics class??

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Phlebotomer

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Aloha everyone!

I'm currently taking physics 2 in Hawaii and it is really killing me right now! I ended up barely getting a C in physics I and an A in the lab but I feel like I'm gonna fail physics II because our first exam is this week and I am completely lost. The class is calculus based and I have not taken calculus since 2007 ( I took 3 years off from school and started again this January).

The only problem is, my school is VERY VERY small so they only offer physics II once a year. I am planning on applying during the 2013 cycle and taking the MCAT in April. I will have finished all my prereqs by that time if I don't drop my physics class.

HEre are my grades for prereq's

Bio I-C+
Chem I-A
Chem I Lab - A
Chem 2-B+
Chem 2 Lab -A
Physics I-C
Physics I lab -A

Science GPA is currently standing at around 3.1-2 ish. Do you guys think it would be okay for me to take physics next year instead? Are there any good online classes that offer both physics II and the lab? Should I just stick it out and hope that I get better than a C?

🙁
 
Drop it like it's hot.
 
Is it just the math you're having trouble with or is it the concepts too? Can you take the first exam and drop it after with no consequences?

If you can't find a way to learn the material (study more, tutoring, office hours, etc) then I would drop it. ? Just make sure you re-learn calc before taking it again if that's whats giving you problems.

As far as online classes go I'm not really sure. You'll have to look into what schools you would like to go to and see if they accept online classes. I don't think that many will, however.
 
I think I will just drop the class and retake physics I and hope for an A. Good thing DO schools have the replacement. It is mostly the math that I am struggling with so I plan to do some calc review before I take physics again. Thanks for the responses
 
Do you know if it is possible to retake physics I with algebra based physics I from another school? My school lists it as Physics 121 but the algebra based physics at another school is Physics 105
 
Ay.. I would never do calculus based physics unless you plan on doing research with your medical career but to each their own
 
Yes, I do plan on taking algebra based physics but do you guys think retaking physics 1 algebra based would be able to replace my old physics 1 grade? The algebra based physics will be at another institution but its called Physics 105 whereas my calc based is called Physics 121..
 
Yes, I do plan on taking algebra based physics but do you guys think retaking physics 1 algebra based would be able to replace my old physics 1 grade? The algebra based physics will be at another institution but its called Physics 105 whereas my calc based is called Physics 121..

Yes, course number doesn't matter since it varies by institution.

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Yes, I do plan on taking algebra based physics but do you guys think retaking physics 1 algebra based would be able to replace my old physics 1 grade? The algebra based physics will be at another institution but its called Physics 105 whereas my calc based is called Physics 121..

I would drop physics 2 calc based, DESTROY physics 2 algebra based, and call it even. A and C avg to B. Then just focus on the rest of your science courses to bolster your GPA. If you really just want to get rid of the C, you'll have to probably retake the exact class. But honestly...I am not sure it will be necessary if you have a decent GPA (3.5ish).
 
Thanks for the responses guys! My sgpa is on the low end so I think I will just retake physics I that way I will be more prepared for physics II. The only problem is that by the time I take my MCAT, I will have completed all my prereqs except physics II, would that be a problem?
 
Thanks for the responses guys! My sgpa is on the low end so I think I will just retake physics I that way I will be more prepared for physics II. The only problem is that by the time I take my MCAT, I will have completed all my prereqs except physics II, would that be a problem?

If you're comfortable with self studying for MCAT physics, then you should be okay. In fact it may help you stay one step ahead when you take physics I again and physics II. Just make sure to take on only what you can handle.

If you are wondering about the medical schools, the adcoms won't really care when you do the pre-recs as long as you complete them before matriculation. I knew some one who did the biology labs in the summer before he matriculated to JABSOM.
 
If you're comfortable with self studying for MCAT physics, then you should be okay. In fact it may help you stay one step ahead when you take physics I again and physics II. Just make sure to take on only what you can handle.

If you are wondering about the medical schools, the adcoms won't really care when you do the pre-recs as long as you complete them before matriculation. I knew some one who did the biology labs in the summer before he matriculated to JABSOM.

Sweeeeeet Deal!👍
 
Did you end up confirming that you can replace calculus based physics, with the exact same class algebra based?

My 4 year university only offered calculus based, but now I have the option to repeat and take the algebra based at a CC
 
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