So right now I have an F in my calculus class, but I have enough credits to never take math again as a junior. I can’t drop it now and the only way for me to not fail first semester is to pass the AP exam with a minimum 3. Assuming that I don’t pass the AP exam, is my life ruined or can I still make it into San Jose State or CSU Stanislaus?
You would have to contact each CSU. CSUS is a non impacted campus and would most likely be more lenient than an impacted campus like SJSU. Better to find out now what your options are than later when you have no school to attend.
Calc has ruined many a GPA…Can you drop at the semester? and perhaps find a way to re-take the course in the summer(assuming you are now a JR)
If you have the a-g requirements and have competitive GPA/SAT you can still get into a CSU. For most majors, most CSUs use the same simple formula CSU GPA *800 + SAT. The use just a-g courses from grades 10 and 11 and cap the AP bonus at 8 semesters. Read more here: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/eligibility-index
Let’s say your CSU GPA is 2.9 and yout SAT 1200 - your index would be 3520. Non-impacted programs at non-impacted campuses have a floor of 2900 - so, you’d be set for Stan State. SJ’s index varies a LOT by major. Some you’d meet, others you wouldn’t. This link will show you last year’s results. Note, they do bounce around a bit year to year…
http://www.sjsu.edu/admissions/impaction/impactionresultsfreshmen/index.html
Others to consider are Sac, SF, Sonoma, Humboldt and Monterrey.
I am sure you’'d rest easier if you talked to someone in admissions at one of those schools. I’d call a couple of them before they close for holiday break.
Good luck.
@NCalRent The thing is that I already have 5 years worth of credits in math, but I’m not sure if I can drop the class. I can’t retake the course because I’m going to Germany for a school program during the summer, so is it possible to retake it next year? I can pass the class if I pass the AP exam (3+), but I’m trying to not rely on that because I don’t want to plan everything out on something with such a low chance of succeeding.
I’d sit down with your parents and academic advisor and discuss your options. 2 semester Fs will deliver a BIG hit yo your CSU GPA and will limit your options after you graduate. Do what you can to avoid that situation.
In my experience, most schools will let you out at the semester with enough pressure from persistent parents.
Good luck