<p>If I made a C in Physics I: Mechanics and I don't feel like I know the material, should I retake it? </p>
<p>The only reason I passed at all was because my Prof let us bring in an index card with formulas on it for the test so I would cram so much info onto that card that I was able to survive. Many of my classmates hung on to a C the same way.</p>
<p>The three reasons I am reluctant to retake are:</p>
<p>1.) Money/Time used by retaking
2.) Possibility that I retake and try really hard to grasp the material and not rely on the index card, but then end up making a B, C, or even failing.
3.) Maybe I could just self study?</p>
<pre><code> - My rebuttal against self study is that I will be swamped down by other classes (classes that probably build on the material of Phys 1), and so self study would always take last priority. :/
</code></pre>
<p>please help!</p>
<p>If you are a Mechanical Engineering major (or really any engineering major) it is imperative that you understand the concepts in mechanics (Physics I), many concepts in mechanics have analogues in E&M Physics (Physics II) so if you have a poor grasp on those initial concepts you will be putting yourself at a disadvantage when you take E&M (as well as Statics and Dynamics, Thermo, etc). Whether or not you retake the class is a personal decision, but I do agree with your analysis that self study will end up taking backseat to your other homework, which is something to really consider when making this decision.</p>
<p>If you are a CS major…take your medicine and keep it moving.</p>
<p>I’m a mechanical engineering major</p>
<p>You need to re-take the class for these two reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You really do need to understand the material. Mechanics is basic to the understanding of a lot of mechanical engineering. </p></li>
<li><p>You don’t really want that “C” grade hanging out there on your transcript. However, you can probably not get rid of it. A “C” and a later “A” (hopefully) would average out to a 3.0. You need to maintain a 3.0 or preferably much higher GPA to be in good stead to find a job on graduation. See the thread “Sub-3.0 GPA and Engineering Jobs” in this section.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you are in ME, then you should be able to hack mechanics. Keep up with the lectures and the homework at all times. From here on out, most of what you learn is building on what you previously learned. Missing even a small part of that is a slippery slope downhill, even within one class.</p>
<p>Good Luck.</p>