<p>Hey CC, my application is ENTIRELY built around physics and similar sciences. However, I just took my IB Physics final and it's possible that I'll get a B in physics this year solely because of that final. I had a low A before because of the labs, which I never do well on.</p>
<p>If I had a somewhat (not highly, but plausibly) competitive HPYS, Berkeley, MIT application beforehand, will this kill my application? </p>
<p>Note: I will be taking college physics next year (senior year) for two semesters. I will probably be able to get a letter of rec from my physics teacher. This is my teacher's second year teaching.</p>
<p>Can anyone help? I don’t think an explanation letter as to why my teacher doesn’t give me A’s in labs will help.</p>
<p>you need to relax a little. you are only in high school. one “B” will not change the outcome of your college application. having your teacher write a letter explaining why you receive a “B” is just over the top.</p>
<p>Well, it’s not the GPA drop that I’m worried about as much as it is that this grade is in a subject on which my entire application is based. I’d be applying for a major in physics after getting a B in 1st semester highschool physics.</p>
<p>That’s why I’m worried that it’s a problem.</p>
<p>Even on the premise that your application is strongly based around physics is a danger in itself.</p>
<p>You appear one dimensional. And it’s even worse that you think one B will kill your chances at schools.</p>
<p>You need to rethink how you will portray yourself in the admissions process and get over that B.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks guys.</p>
<p>SpaceDuck, it’s funny that you say that because I actually tried to make myself more 1-dimensional looking (“focused”) because I had some art and literature extracurriculars and a few big volunteering things. I’m a little confused. My passion is physics and I also enjoy these other things. I do a lot of physics activities but don’t want to let this laundry list stale my application or overshadow my other EC’s while staling my application.</p>
<p>How can I best represent my passion for physics without looking like a 1-dimensional, laundry list student? Is it all in the essay (or mostly)?</p>
<p>Slowwww down. Physics is hard for the majority of students, and IB Physics sounds brutal. A B won’t kill you.</p>