thanks for the comments and there was a happy ending. I was stressed when I posted this since my child was. But report cards came and final grade in AP physics was a B. (that is without ever having physics before) and AP chem was a C (first C ever). Had honors chem in the past and had a high grade there. Also had another science class, plus a humanity AP. I thought early on it would be too much but determination won out. SOmetimes its a tough place to be cause your child wants to go for it and encouragement helps get them through but when they are stressed it really kills me. I can feel the pain. I hate to hold back someone who wants to try. It was rough and definitely not hurting chances at the schools being considered.