<p>I'm a senior and just finished the first month of the year with an F in AP Physics B. The marking period ends the first week of November. I have Honors Calculus also but it hasn't helped so far. It's my third AP course and first science AP. I've never felt so lost in a class before. I failed both of the tests we've had so far and I don't know what I should do. I'd rather not drop the class but it's seeming like a better option day by day. I don't want to fail the class and have my GPA drop. University of Penn is my first choice and I want to apply early decision. I don't want to hurt my chances of acceptance with a low grade in an AP course. </p>
<p>What should I do? Also, what types of study materials should I use if you suggest I stay in the class?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>What’s with all these failing AP Physics threads lately? Honestly, just read the book. Of course, you will need a decent ability of understanding concepts in order to succeed in the course, but if you’re unable to grasp the concepts, it shows that you’re not prepared for an elite college such as UPenn. My advice would be not dropping the class and simply work your butt off for a B. If you’re able to accomplish that, then it shows that you might be prepared. If not, just imagine the difficult coursework you will encounter at college, especially at an Ivy school. </p>
<p>Using Princeton Review’s prep book also helps.</p>
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<p>I wouldn’t say so; Physics concepts are more difficult for some to comprehend than they are for others. Read your book (I know Cutnell & Johnson is a pretty easy read; I’m not sure of other books) and try to digest the concepts. Ask teachers and friends. And I’ve heard that PR’s prep book is good too; buy a copy. Most importantly, don’t give up…at least not yet.</p>
<p>Figure out what the latest time you’re allowed to drop the class is, write that down somewhere, and then do the best you can in the class until that time. Then decide. If you’re still failing, drop it.</p>
<p>Wow. Join the club. I had a thread a few weeks ago about how I was failing AP Physics B. I had a 42 F in Physics and I was beyond upset. I’ve managed to get it up to a 74 (nothing incredible, I know, but at least above average). My advice to you would be to:</p>
<p>-buy a review book
-ask your teacher to help you on certain areas of weakness
-ask classmates for help (really helps!)
-drop class if its affecting other classes. Just drop to honors if its too much.
-pay attention in class (don’t just mindlessly take notes, really understand what you are doing–this helped me a lot)
-Most of all don’t procrastinate–you’ll end up regretting it</p>
<p>best of luck</p>