<p>I didn't know where to post this thread, and I thought this area of the forum was best fit. I signed up to take Physics C, worked hard but ended up with a C+ for the first trimester. However, I talked to my counselor and he said I could drop the class, so instead of a C+ on my first trimester report card there would be a W (for withdrawal). However, I am not sure what to do - to keep Physics C or drop it. I'm not sure how colleges would react to a C+ vs. a W. Can someone offer me their advice? Thank you.</p>
<p>Some other information that might help:</p>
<p>My first tri classes & grades:</p>
<p>AP Chemistry B+
AP Physics C C+
Bio Ethics A
Eng Design Develop A
IB Espanol V SL A
Linear Algebra Dif. Eq. A-
Organic Chem I A-
World Lit II A-
~Health Family Livings A
~Senior Experience A</p>
<p>My overall GPA of first 3 years is 3.71 with a very rigorous curriculum (4 years of Chem, 4 years of Physics, 2 years of bio, and many eng. classes. All honors)</p>
<p>Last Year I took AP Microeconomics and AP Calculus AB.</p>
<p>MY SAT is 2090 superscore. SAT Math 2C is 790 and SAT Chem is 690. </p>
<p>I am applying to some very selective colleges such as Cornell, JHU, Tufts and UMichigan. I do not want them to think I am uncapable of an AP Course (1 test made the difference between an A in the class vs. a C+ but they will not know that).</p>
<p>I plan to major in Biology/Biomedical Engineering.</p>
<p>Whether or not you drop Physics C should depend upon whether you want to continue in the course or not.</p>
<p>Let’s look at your other grades in high-level challenging courses:
AP Chemistry B+
IB Espanol V SL A
Linear Algebra Dif. Eq. A-</p>
<p>I think you can make a good case with these scores that you can handle college-level courses. Colleges would be fine with a C+ in one of the hardest AP courses, but also be fine with a W. </p>
<p>Considerations [ul]
[<em>] Is your GPA affected either way?
[</em>] Are you interested in the Physics C material and would like to learn more?
[<em>] Do you have other AP Scores?
[</em>] Do you have solid recommendations? Those are more important to the colleges you mention than one grade in a very challenging course.
[li] Do you have other interests, hobbies, examples of leadership? Also more important than one grade[/li][/ul]</p>
<p>It sound like your counselor may be suggesting the W to you. He would probably give you good advice.</p>
<p>Thank you for the very thoughtful response. My GPA is not affected because my GPA is only the first 3 years. I enjoy Physics C material, but it also is a lot of work (prob more than everything else combined). My counselor couldn’t give me an answer, and he didn’t really offer any good advice. And as for my recommendations, I am receiving one from my AP Calculus AB teacher. I received a very high A in the class, but another blemish on my application is that I got a 3 on the AP. My teacher noted that the 3 was odd for my performance was excellent (but that’s a diff. story). I also received a 4 on AP Micro. And my E/C are very good, I believe they are the strong point in my application. (Internship, engineering competitions, teacher’s assistant, camp counselor, etc.) After writing this response, I think I will keep the class.</p>
<p>This is what I was thinking, too. I’d probably suggest that you drop it as it affects your gpa, but also probably takes up a lot of homework time. I am assuming that you have already completed Physics A and B? If you decide to continue with physics, you will undoubtedly have a good opportunity to take it in college, which colleges would prefer. You might be better off using the time you spend on work for this class preparing for your other classes (focus on Chem and Organic Chem) as well as fulfilling your leadership and EC roles.</p>
<p>To Moonchild: It’s a lot of effort and contribution, but that’s not really what I’m worried about. If I keep it, my grade won’t really matter (as long as it’s at least a C) because I’ll probably be accepted to a college by then. Same with my other classes, it’s really only the first trimester that counts for that’s what is looked at by colleges. Of course, I won’t slack off but I will have less worries. </p>
<p>To 4kidsdad: It’s too late to add/drop physics classes. I’m either stuck with Physics C or I drop the class. Wish I decided to take that course instead.</p>