<p>Ok, i think I am pretty badly screwed right now. Never have I had a C before but this year i cant stand physics at all, I just suck at it. The first quarter I got an A- in the class because it was all introductory info, but this quarter I got a C+!! I got a 79.4 and I tried to explain to my teacher that I was waiting on acceptance from Notre Dame, and if he could PLEASE help me out, but he would not budge. Below are my current other grades for this quarter</p>
<p>AP Stat- A-
Acctg. I Honors- A+
AP Calc- A+
Physucks- C+
English Honors- A-
AP Econ- B+</p>
<p>Does this shoot any shot that I had of getting into Notre Dame in the foot?</p>
<p>brn, don't mind him. PCB is apparently exponentially smarter and more talented than every one else in the universe, and he likes to remind us regularly.</p>
<p>A C+ is... well, not good. Definitely see if you can pick it up a bit. But sometimes, you just don't get a subject. Happened with me in chemistry, got a 70 something (we didn't use letter grades in my high school). Granted, that was sophomore year, but still. The jump from C+ to B- is probably only a few points, but B- looks much, much better, even if the difference is negligible.</p>
<p>But if you know you're not going to be to do too much better in physics, get the rest of those grades up from B+ to A-, A- to A.</p>
<p>Test scores and class ranking are also both more important, it seems, to admission, so if those are ok, and it's clear that you're not really looking to pursue physics in college, don't count yourself out. </p>
<p>High school physics requires using a set of equations correctly. You're given 3 of four numbers, or w/e, and you solve for the last one by plugging in and finding the missing variable. It shouldn't be terribly difficult, especially for someone looking at top schools. Further, there is a definite inconsistency between the calculus score and the physics score. If you were about to apply, I would strongly recommend including an explanation of that inconsistency. Also, I would like to compare our responses kevdude, if you will allow:
Me: A C+...is not good.
You: A C+ is....not good.
Your further advice includes increasing the grades in other subjects to A's.
I don't see a whole lot of difference. Please stop recoiling so strongly from what I have to say. I didn't mean to be offensive and I'm sorry you read it that way. I know physics isn't easy for everyone, but for someone looking into a school that regularly sends valedictorians and 1600's packing, well, there isn't much slack. I am curious to find out about the OP's full set of stats. Poor grades aren't the end of the world, but they hurt a lot. Without a strong hook, this set of grades could be very damaging indeed.</p>
<p>You're high school physics class may have been way different than brn's. There are some teachers that get enjoyment out of making their classes miserable and almost impossible to succeed in.</p>
<p>However, I doubt that Cs will be looked highly upon by the nd committee. :/</p>
<p>I agree with PCB, though, about needing to see your entire profile. If your GPA is spectacular in all your classes since frosh year, and you just hiccuped in senior physics... then it probably wont be that big of a deal. If your science grades have been sketchy and your grades arnt top notch... then I may be a little worried.</p>
<p>But, there really isnt much you can do now. </p>
<p>It's not what you say, it's how it's said. Your responses are nearly universally negative, while also presenting yourself as an example that doesn't represent the majority of the accepted class. People posting here need advice, not to hear that they suck or that they're not as good as current students. Not everyone can be a astrophysics major, but that doesn't mean they can't get in, and the way you normally respond, whatever your intentions, comes across as discouraging. Yes, there's a place for realism and cynicism, etc., but maybe it's not here.</p>
<p>Sorry for attacking, and yes, I admit that's what I'm doing, but just put yourself back in the shoes of a high school senior, and pretend that your grades weren't as good as they were. It's very stressful, and their dose of reality shouldn't come from a place where they go for positive advice from what are, basically, unqualified kids. </p>
<p>Again, I'm sorry, attack me right back if you want, I deserve it. But, I've said my piece.</p>
<p>brn There's nothing you can do about it now but "Physucks" is one of the hardest science classes I've taken and I've taken Honors Organic Chemistry, AP Chemistry II, AP Biology II, and a six week course at Vanderbilt University and I've struggled more with my Physics class than any other science course so keep your head up</p>
<p>That's right--keep your head up and think positive!!! If you are indeed waiting on acceptance from ND--then I hardly think that one C+ is going to prohibit you admission. Think about your other stats and the rest of your app--surely your ECs, essay, teacher recs, etc will more than make up for one C. If worse case scenario occurs, just explain and be honest--you are not a physics major intent!! Very, very good luck to you and remember to stay positive!!!!</p>