Panicked by Midterm in Physics. Better to drop or stick it out?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
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<p>So I just got my first physics midterm back, and I'm absolutely devastated. I got a 51/100--roughly 20 points below the average and barely on the C edge of the C/D cutoff range.</p>

<p>Now, I know my trig was not up to par, and that I wasn't doing very many practice problems. I probably got a little lazy/cocky. I know that to improve, I need to put in more time and effort. A lot more. 90+% of the blame is my own (--with maybe 10% due to the fact that I have a rather unhelpful, foreign TA).</p>

<p>But with that in mind, how can I even hope to overcome this hump? I calculated that even with As in all my other classes, if I manage a C in physics (not guaranteed), my otherwise decent 3.75 GPA goes down to about 3.4.</p>

<p>It's hard for me not to resort to panic, even insofar as I know that's the wrong way to be. I should've known better, I didn't, I am at a low C right now. I have to do something.</p>

<p>Here's where I need some help:</p>

<p>I'm taking 16 credits right now. I'm a junior with only ~55ish credits to my name. To remain a full-time student, I'd need at least 12. I'm working in a lab for money now, but suspect I may be able to take at least 2 credits for credit. Dropping physics and picking up lab credit will put a DR on my transcript (I already have one in a non-premed prereq) but will absolve me of the potential C or D.</p>

<p>It will also set me back from being application ready until at least fall of next year since I'll have to take Physics I next semester. I was thinking about potentially taking a gap year to work on a personal project, but as of right now was on course to apply next year.</p>

<p>I know I can do better on Physics. I'm just not certain I can do better on it right now. My other classes are difficult, high-level genetics-major courses that are massive time sinks. My math is rusty, and I'd have to go back to look at trig to really get to where I want to be. I know that I'll have to do this over winter break to have a fighting chance at finishing on time, but I think I can... This whole plan may not actually work if it's too late to register for lab credit, but I could try...</p>

<p>Suppose it was the difference between taking a C (or even, ugh, a D) and a gap year or late graduation... which would you pick?</p>

<p>I don't know what I can do with a sub-3.5 GPA guys... Like, medical or otherwise... I'm too ugly for porn... That's my greatest fear.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for reading. I know it's neurotic, but we've all probably had similar experiences and you know the value of guidance. I appreciate your guys' input.</p>

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<p>My math isn’t greatest but I don’t understand how if you get a C in say a 4/5 unit physics course and As in other current courses takes a junior’s GPA from 3.75 to down to about 3.4. Could you clarify?</p>

<p>If its any consolation, S ended freshman year with GPAs under 3.2. He ended up taking a gap year, got GPAs up to competitive level and got 3 acceptances. His last 3 years of college included a C or two. IMO, although not ideal, one C in a physics course is not in and of itself fatal assuming other parts of med school app are competitive. </p>

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<p>Thanks Jugulator for telling applicants that a <em>gasp</em> C is not the death of your dream to go to med school. One of the most beloved posters here, bluedevilmike, got a C+ in orgo and went on to I believe 12 medschoool acceptances. My daughter followed in his footsteps and got a C+ in orgo as well…ended up with 9 acceptances. I know that pre med is stressfull for some, but chill…nobody is perfect. Make sure the rest of your app is well rounded in all areas.</p>

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<p>I mean, it was a very low C on my first exam–it was almost a D. Mostly I’m just concerned as to whether dropping it is an option, and if that makes sense.</p>

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<p>Last year my son got 2 low C grades out of 4 of his semester tests in intro Bio course. He was really panicking and was ready to drop it 2 days before his final. But I told him to stick with it and study really hard for his final. He ended up getting an A- He was really happy he didn’t drop it. Does your physics teacher curve grades? Sometimes teachers curve the final grade. His physics teacher did. </p>

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<p>How many tests/exams will this class have? What else is part of the grade?</p>

<p>?? How can you be a junior with less than 60 credits. Do you mean that this is your third year, but you still have sophomore standing? As far as I know, if you’re on the semester system, you’re not a junior till you have 60 credits. </p>

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<p>If you dropped it, could you take physics in summer school? It sounds like you need to devote more time to it, and if you are already this overwhelmed by the workload it doesn’t bode well for success as the semester goes on. I like summer classes, particularly so you wouldn’t have competing study priorities - you can get your brain into full time physics thinking. </p>