<p>Hello,
My son has been ill for two weeks (and has a diagnosis of a serious health matter)...with all the missed school and looming stress of dealing with the health issue, he's now terribly behind in two AP classes-- Physics C and Calc BC.</p>
<p>He has been admitted EA to a major institution in Engineering (where these courses are highly recommended), has an Ivy "likely admit" and is awaiting another EA from one more highly ranked school</p>
<p>My question -since he's so behind in classes and doesn't need them to get his HS diploma - but he does need to study these topics before heading off to college (although the schools on his list will require him to take calc and physics again regardless of his AP scores) -- can he drop the Physics class?</p>
<p>Should we contact the schools he's been accepted to- must we? If we don't , will he be rescinded later if the classes noted on his application aren't completed?
I have no problems sharing the medical condition with the schools- but would like to do this AFTER the financial aid/ potential merit package is received. Is it dishonest to wait until March to notify schools?
Mid year grades will not be required at one school (they got first quarter grades) but if he's admitted to the second EA school they will be required.</p>
<p>ADVICE?
I think his health and stress will improve if he lightens his load-- and one option is to take the course at a local college spring semester -- even audit and self study for AP this spring.</p>
<p>If you know that your son is going to be out of school for an extended length of time, have you contact his school and requested a tutor to come to the home? In our public school, if a student is going to be out of school for a documental medical reason, the school will send a teacher to tutor the student. This allows for the student to remain on track so when he/she returns, it is easier for the student to academically transition back into the class.</p>
<p>Usually colleges want engineering majors to have taken Physics C and Calc BC in high school, but I would contact the admissions director at each college, explain the situation, and get their feedback.</p>
<p>My personal feeling is to address what is best for his health FIRST, then college, second. This is just my opinion, but I would have him drop the 2 courses that would relieve the most stress and promote his healing process, and then wait until all the responses are in before contacting any of the schools. Have him then zero in on what his first choice is, and contact that school only and explain the situation. It seems like wasted time and precious energy to contact any school other than the one he is interested in attending. Good luck to both of you and best wishes for a speedy recovery.</p>
<p>He should keep Calc, but it would probably be find if he dropped Physics C. I talked with several admissions people at various engineering schools and non of them say that they recommend AP Physics. In fact, many mentioned AP Chem and AP Bio and completely left out physics…</p>