Unfortunately, I did not pass my AP Physics last semester, and I’m extremely concerned about this; will I be rejected solely based on the fact I didn’t pass? Should I email the colleges that I applied to and notify them that I did not pass the class, and ask if making up the grade at a community college would be recommended?
I’m getting mixed signals from the people I’ve asked, so I’m not entirely sure what the best course of action is for me. I asked my counselor, and she told me that since I took physics freshman year and got an A in the class, which she noted was fairly impressive, there’s no reason for me to make up the AP Physics grade. On the other hand, on many threads on here regarding a similar issue, it is advised to contact the school and let them know. Personally, I’m not certain whether on not making up the grade by taking the class at a cc would help considering the class ends on June 2nd, which would pass the admission notifications, meaning that the adcoms wouldn’t be able to take into consideration the grade I got in the class, but only the fact that I’m trying to make up the grade.
Note: I emailed an adcom at one of the schools that I applied to a few days ago, and received this reply, which I found to be fairly unhelpful: “Thank you for the updated information. The admission committee carefully reviews each application to make sure applicants are a good match for ____. Decisions are largely based on high school GPA in a college-prep curriculum, standardized test scores, a personal recommendation, and a personal statement presenting your ability to effectively form and articulate thoughts in writing.”
My understanding from your post is that your high school transcript now shows a failing grade for AP physics first semester senior year. Are you taking the second semester now? If not then there is very little you can do. Your high school counselor’s assessment seems generally correct. That said a failing grade on your transcript will stand our. Is there anything you can do regarding the course? Are you planning to prepare for and eventually take the AP exam? Any positive action that you take regarding the course can help mitigate the failing grade. You however need to drive that positive action.
I’m not taking the class this semester anymore, and I don’t think I’d be able to be in the class since it’s already been a week. If I had to do something about the grade, the only thing I’d be able to do is take the class at a cc. I would definitely enroll in the class if it would prevent a rejection, but I don’t want to take the class if it would have no impact whatsoever.
Whether or not you need to make up the grade, yes, you should contact the colleges in question and ask them. The college will see your grade, so if you do not contact them, and they admit you, they may still rescind their admissions offer when they get your transcript.
Thank you all for your replies – I really do appreciate them. If I do notify the colleges about the failing grade, will my entire application be degraded and looked briefly upon as a result of the grade?
As you are responsible and inform them, it probably won’t actually affect it much (unless you’re applying to programs related to physics), as it’s generally considered an elective.
But not telling them, and then them finding out, that would be more likely to cause problems.
Yes you should notify the schools (you also need to update your courses for second semester since you aren’t continuing in AP Physics). No you don’t need to retake it at CC - your GC is correct. You already took physics. And yes, it doesn’t look great that you failed a class in senior year, but there is nothing you can do about it at this point. Taking physics at your CC doesn’t change the F on your transcript that has been submitted with your application nor is it necessary (unless you are planning to be a physics major or engineer?)
Sometimes there are bumps on the road. This is one of them. Assuming you have a good mix of reach, match and safety schools, you should be fine.