Should I pass/fail physics for higher gpa?

[jakewagmin]

For context, I have AP credit for Physics 1 and 2, and also credit from a community college for Physics 1 and 2 (which I got during high school). An advisor recommended I take Physics 1 and 2 again at my four-year college. However, I am not doing so hot in the classes now, and will likely get a B/B- in both. I can still place a pass fail on these classes, and doing so would raise my gpa.

I had the following questions:
- would a pass/fail raise red flags in medical school apps?
- Should I pass/fail or just take the GPA hit?
- Has anyone experienced medical schools not accepting AP or community college credit for physics?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[diltiazemm]

- would a pass/fail raise red flags in medical school apps?
- Should I pass/fail or just take the GPA hit?

Don't P/F any prereqs. If you apply to schools that don't need university physics, it should be 🙂 However, I think it would look odd if your grades were all A's, and then two specific classes are P/F... But take this with a grain of salt, I'm not an advisor!

- Has anyone experienced medical schools not accepting AP or community college credit for physics?

Quite a few schools want to see university-level physics... These are just a few:

Yale: "U.S. Advanced Placement credits from high school do not themselves satisfy premedical requirements, but advanced college courses (for which students are made eligible by AP credits) may be substituted for introductory-level courses in each of these subjects."

USF Morsani: "At least two semesters of basic principles of physics, with at least one semester at the college or university level. If a student has taken physics with laboratory through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be strongly encouraged to obtain one semester at the college or university level."

Tufts: "...AP credit will not count for your physics requirement. However, the requirement can be satisfied by completing a course where physics was a prerequisite or completing an advanced course that incorporates physics (e.g. physical chemistry or engineering course). You should document this information with an explanation on your secondary application."

Honestly, a B may bring your GPA down, but as long as the rest of your application/classes are solid, it shouldn't be an app killer. P/F will absolutely limit your options though.

 

[jakewagmin]

Don't P/F any prereqs. If you apply to schools that don't need university physics, it should be 🙂 However, I think it would look odd if your grades were all A's, and then two specific classes are P/F... But take this with a grain of salt, I'm not an advisor!


Quite a few schools want to see university-level physics... These are just a few:

Yale: "U.S. Advanced Placement credits from high school do not themselves satisfy premedical requirements, but advanced college courses (for which students are made eligible by AP credits) may be substituted for introductory-level courses in each of these subjects."

USF Morsani: "At least two semesters of basic principles of physics, with at least one semester at the college or university level. If a student has taken physics with laboratory through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be strongly encouraged to obtain one semester at the college or university level."

Tufts: "...AP credit will not count for your physics requirement. However, the requirement can be satisfied by completing a course where physics was a prerequisite or completing an advanced course that incorporates physics (e.g. physical chemistry or engineering course). You should document this information with an explanation on your secondary application."

Honestly, a B may bring your GPA down, but as long as the rest of your application/classes are solid, it shouldn't be an app killer. P/F will absolutely limit your options though.

Do you think they would not consider the physics credit from community college?

 

[diltiazemm]

Do you think they would not consider the physics credit from community college?

I'm not sure, I think CC credit should be OK. But the dilemma is that they will also see the physics classes you're currently taking, and P/F might look bad in that context.

I hope a more knowledgeable person can pitch in here, as I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction!

 

[LunaOri]

It would look a little funny to be taking physics for the 3rd time and taking it P/F. What grades did you get the first two times? Is it too late to withdraw from the class and take it later?