Can't seem to grasp AP Physics...affect my chances? (yet another question XD)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
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<p>Hi everyone again,</p>

<p>As implied by the title, I have a problem regarding coursework grades.</p>

<p>I'm taking AP Physics B this year, and I just can't seem to grasp the class. I've thought about it before, but I think it's mostly because I don't have a really good teacher (I hope the real case isn't I'm looking to blame my lack of excellence in Physics on others). I mean, when I sit and think of a Physics problem, I do understand why this would happen and what would be the result, but I can't seem to turn my thinking into formulas and mathematical terms.</p>

<p>This is where the problem really lies, because I ended up getting a C for both first quarters, a C+ for third, and (because 4th quarter is the easiest), I might just get a B/B+/A. Since I live in New York, our state exam, the Regents, will count as a "5th quarter" grade, so if I score a 90 or above on it, my Physics class grades will be - C, C, C+ B (or B+ or A), A.</p>

<p>If you average that out, it becomes between a 2.5 (C+) to a 2.7 (B).</p>

<p>What I was wondering was, let's say the worst case scenario happens, aaaand I end up receiving a C or C+ overall average in Physics. How would that affect my chances at CU?</p>

<p>In Earth Science I got an A final grade
In AP Biology I got an A final grade as well
In AP Physics B it will be a C, C+, or B</p>

<p>The fact that I got a low grade will hurt my chances, right? Then what if I apply undecided or English/history, like mentioned in my other thread? Will my declared or even undeclared major divert CU's attention from my Physics grade?</p>

<p><em>sighh</em> I'm so stressed >__<</p>

<p>Please respond, and thanks again for taking the time to read and/or answer my question..</p>

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<p>You should come to my old school....the physics regents wasn't required :-)</p>

<p>The physics grade would probably raise a red flag, but you've performed well in the other sciences so I'm sure the committee would notice that.</p>

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<p>Physics is just hard no matter how good ur teacher is. I'm so happy to pass my 2 semesters of physics at Cornell ;)</p>

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<p>I hope Chemistry proves better -__-</p>

<p>I heard from a former student that my Physics teacher has a lot of pride in himself and in his AP Physics students, so he doesn't give out C's or C+'s often. Normally he would bump up students with high C's or C+'s to B for final average.</p>

<p>If I'm one of those lucky ones, a B wouldn't still raise a red flag, would it?</p>

<p>Thanks guys for responding though. I wish I had the natural ability to grasp Physics. In AP English we learned about a fallacy in argumentation called false dichotomy, where it's false to break a situation down into two components (like Collegeconfidential either helps students or doesn't), but it's true for Physics - either you get it or you don't.</p>

<p>XD</p>

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<p>Wow... I got straight Bs and B-s in Regents (read: non-AP, non-honors, standard) physics and I was fine. I did apply as (and am) a humanities major, having aced all my high school humanities classes, but I accordingly blew off physics. If you were going for a Physics major I might think you should be a little wary, but if you're going for English/history-- don't worry about it.</p>

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<p>Alright! Just checking!</p>

<p>Thanks for the input lianri!</p>

<p>(That really makes me feel better, ^^)</p>

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<p>Yes it affects your chances. If you're not a science major then the effect will be small, but if you're doing engineering/science then the effect on your admissions will be greater. Dont' worry about it too much though, as it would likely never be a deciding factor in your admissions, especially since you are avoiding science and doing english/history. BTW, you don't declare your major before you get to school in CAS.</p>

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<p>Ahh, okay! Thanks!</p>

<p>But really? You don't declare your major before you get in? So when I apply, my "field of interest" would be English/history but they won't ask me what my declared major is until AFTER I get admitted?</p>

<p>I think that helps me out XD</p>

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<p>Most people in CAS don't officially declare their major until sophomore year. I did it at the end of freshman year so I could get an adviser in my major field of study. Cornell puts that on the application just to get an idea of what its incoming class plans on studying and they will make an effort to assign you an adviser within your major, which is more important in some majors than others. I actually got an adviser in the field I applied for, but then I switched which major I wanted. But definitely don't worry about declaring your major. The advantage to CAS is that it offers by far the most diversified education of any college at Cornell so you may change your idea of exactly what you want to major in, especially in something as broad as English/history.</p>

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<p>getting one bad grade in one course, out of all hs courses, wouldn't automatically rule your app out. Getting a C certainly would hurt, but I suspect that it won't be the deciding factor in determining whether or not you will be admitted. Remember, the admission procedure at Cornell is very holistic. They put much emphasis on your ecs, essays, and other variables in addition to your academic history. GL.</p>

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<p>Thank you for the advice mikeyc765 and patlees88.</p>

<p>In the end, I hope I get a B.</p>

<p>I really do plan to step up my EC's a lot this summer. I don't really plan to relax that much during it (even though I should, but I have a habit to push myself..>_>..)</p>