Dropping Physics?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>[Disclaimer: I'm sorry if this is a long post...]</p>

<p>I am a senior and am considering dropping Physics second semester for a free period. My current school schedule consists of only one free period which is technically to be used as my lunch and on Wednesday, my lab day, I have no breaks/frees (as it alternates with my free period)!!</p>

<p>In order to take all the classes I want this year/semester, I had to give up my lunch period...</p>

<p>I am having difficulty with Physics and it's really going to bring down my GPA as I currently have a B+ and it's one of the only three regular classes I am taking this semester (the others are gym and history). Furthermore, I have been having trouble getting all my schoolwork done without a proper free period during the day to relax.</p>

<p>I'm worried, however, that dropping Physics will negatively affect my chances at my top choice colleges (such as NYU, Brandeis, GWU, and Vassar)... I plan to double major in Psychology and Political Science/International Relations and am certain that a knowledge of physics is completely irrelevant in these fields.</p>

<p>Basically, I want to know your opinions... Is a drop a bad or good idea?</p>

2

<p>Doesn’t look good, obviously, but a really low GPA might be worse. You need to weigh it.</p>

3

<p>Well, my GPA for this semester will either be the highest or second highest I’ve had all through high school… But it could be even better without physics…</p>

4

<p>Well, colleges aren’t going to see your second semester grades in time for the decision, but they will see what classes you take (I think), so don’t drop physics. Although if you fail or something, they might rescind your offers of admission.</p>

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<p>Well, I will definitely know colleges that I am dropping it. It’s been really negatively affecting my studying habits etc and I have already taken four years of science so I have filled all graduation requirements… (I took Physical Science freshman year, Biology and Chemistry (double science) sophomore year, and AP Bio junior year).</p>

<p>Are you sure it’s a bad idea to drop?</p>

6

<p>Bad Idea to drop. It’s worse showing colleges that you’re not challenging yourself. A B+ really isn’t worth dropping for.</p>

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<p>Are you all sure? Anyone else want to give me their opinion? I think i will also consult with my guidance counselor.</p>

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<p>I agree with dblazer. And I’m not sure how your school is, but where I go physical science is for the kids who don’t want to take physics. Like I said, I don’t know Joe your school operates, what is mandatory, and what is not.</p>

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<p>At my school physical science is mandatory for all students and everyone has to take is as a freshman.</p>

10

<p>Drop Physics. Enjoy your senior year, it won’t affect anything.</p>

11

<p>Really? Are you speaking from experience Aerobug? Everyone else seems to be against the idea of dropping…</p>

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<p>It depends if it will show up on your midyear report as a dropped course, because if it does, that’s not good at all.</p>

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<p>@dblazer, I would definitely notify colleges that I have dropped physics for the second semester. I believe it would show up as the B+ for the first semester but I still need to consult with my guidance counselor… I believe the B+ would still be on the report even if I also stated that I had dropped the course.</p>

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<p>Yeah, not a good choice to drop then. They want to see you taking a very rigorous course load senior year.</p>

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<p>Well I am taking two APs, two Honors, one advanced class (between regular and honors) and only have a free period during fifth period (four days a week) and no lunch. I also work for an attorney in my spare time. This is actually my most rigorous year as of yet… :P</p>

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<p>The general consensus seems to be that dropping physics would be a bad idea…</p>

<p>Would anyone else like to contribute? Someone who has dropped physics or has considered doing so?</p>

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<p>You might also want to consider its impact on your psychological state. How would it make you feel if you dropped physics vs. keeping it?</p>

<p>If I were in that situation,
a) If I dropped physics I’d feel like I’d given up
b) If I didn’t drop physics I’d live the next term with an inferiority complex.
So it would be hard for me to choose which one is better. But of course your mileage may vary.</p>

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<p>My advice: Do not drop physics. If you had a B+ this past semester, you can have an A next semester with determination. Study over winter break to get ahead. Then, when you are being taught the concepts next semester, you will be reviewing things you have already been introduced to. Your intuition is giving you mixed feelings for a reason; trust it. I switched to regular level math freshman year because I felt overwhelmed. I never switched back into honors math and, with AP Calc just around the corner, I regret it. Push yourself and see what happens. Best case scenario you get an A. At worst, you’ll end up with a B again and it won’t be the end of the world. You can do it!</p>

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<p>@fizix2,
Well I would feel very relieved and lose a lot of stress if I dropped. The class is a source of a lot of anxiety for me and I would not be alone, 50% or so of my class has mentioned dropping…</p>

<p>@katie393,
I actually probably have a B now as I failed the last test (48%).
I think I might do that, study over break…
Well I wouldn’t want another B as it is bringing down my GPA…</p>