Possibly getting a D in AP Physics 1

Applying to College
1

Hello people,

There probably have been multiple threads about this topic, but they all relate to UC’s, and not on state colleges, etc.

So, as you guys can tell, I am in big trouble. I am a senior in high school - second semester. I am currently taking 5 AP classes (I have taken a total of 10 throughout these four years). In 4 of those AP classes, I have grades that are C and better. BUT, my real concern is with AP Physics 1, in which I have an F, and it most likely will go up as high as a D by the time I finish school. So it’s assured that it will become a D. I have already been accepted to Oregon State University, but I am stressing out over the possibility of having my admission revoked due to this D. Oregon State is really not a “highly selective” college considering the fact that its admission standards are not rigorous when compared to the UC’s and other schools. But I am just worried that this D - my first one in all of my high school career - will be enough to destroy my future. So, I want to hear what you guys think. Is there a high enough possibility that my admission will be jeopardized?

My major is Civil Engineering (I know, I fail at life for flunking Physics lol…) but I might have an A in AP Calculus AB. I truly am very good at math, but AP Physics was a difficult class for me since I never had taken a regular physics class before. I have confidence that physics at college will be so much better than in high school.

Even so, I was also planning on notifying my college of this D before they even get my transcript. They will eventually know about this, I am aware of that, but I thought that if I just decide to be honest and tell them before hand, it will look… less worse? I mean, they will tell that I am self aware. But then again, I heard that it’s best if I leave things as they are and let them discover that themselves when they see my transcript. Anyways, I am conflicted between notifying them or not.
It would truly be a shame if one D is enough to end it all, considering that I have had a rigorous course load all of these years.

Thanks.

2

Yes, go through your GC in contacting the college. They may just put you on academic watch for the first semester. But get in front of the issue so you aren’t surprised later.

3

Wow, who tells you that? Have a problem, bury your head in the sand and hope for the best? What if OSU wants you to take a summer make-up class but they don’t find out about the grade until they see your transcript in July and its too late to take a summer class? Bye-bye OSU.

4

My S is in the same boat with AP Calc BC. We have spoken with the admissions rep at a big 10 and while he said that one low grade is usually okay, he also couldn’t guarantee anything. I would definitely start lining up letters from your GC and physics teacher if you end up with a D so they can vouch for you. Best to be honest as it shows you are trying to do something about it.

5

Be up front about things and get your ducks in a row with the GC.