Will Dropping AP Physics 2nd Semester ruin my chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I am considering dropping out of AP Physics next semester and switching into AP European History and one other class instead (my counselor already told me it's possible to switch to AP Euro).</p>

<p>I have already applied to a few highly selective schools (Northwestern, U of C, WashU) and I'm wondering if the schedule change will ruin my chances.</p>

<p>I have a 5.47 weighted GPA (5.0 scale), I've taken 8 AP Classes not including Physics, have lots of ECs and scored 33 on the ACT. I am also a National Merit Commended Scholar.</p>

<p>My Physics grade is currently at a low B but could easily drop to a C because the final is coming up and I've heard it's really hard. </p>

<p>I want to drop out because I don't like the subject, the teacher doesn't teach the material very well at all, and I've spent way too much time on the class, especially considering I will probably end up with a C. If I continued with the class next semester, I might get a B second semester but it would take an insane amount of time, tons of work, and lots and lots of stress (I've had trouble sleeping lately and I think it's because I'm so worried about physics). I would rather take AP Euro because I enjoy history and I know it would be much more manageable than physics. My other grades have all been a little lower than usual this semester and I think it's because I'm spending too much time on Physics. Another reason I want to drop out is so I can focus more on my other APs instead of just struggling through AP Physics. If I took AP Euro I probably would not take the AP test though.</p>

<p>If I switch out of Physics, how will it affect me/my applications? Will colleges deny me, even though I will have switched to a different AP? My counselor said I should call the schools and ask them if there would be any negative consequences to switching my schedule this late in the year. If I call them and they say they would prefer me to stay in, and I stay in the class, will they still decide not to accept me because I even thought of dropping? Also, I'm considering becoming a dentist/orthodontist or maybe even a doctor, would it be bad to switch out of my AP Science because of that? I've been thinking about this for a long time and I can't decide what to do.</p>

2

<p>Hmm. Switching to another AP usually doesn’t have any repercussions. I realize, though, that AP Euro is considered an easier AP than AP Physics. I would suggest switching either way because you’d still be in an AP class and your grades would be higher. I don’t really think that colleges would really think of it as negative. I can’t be too sure, though. I don’t work for admissions.</p>

3

<p>Do you think it will affect my chances of becoming a dentist or doctor?
I don’t want to throw away everything I’ve worked for just by dropping this one class…I’m willing to stay in if it will hurt my chances. I want to think about the worst case scenario.</p>

4

<p>Doctors and Dentists really don’t need to know too much besides the absolute basics of physics so I think you would be fine unless you were applying as an engineer, a physicist, or something similar to that. Just ask the colleges first just to be safe.</p>

5

<p>Do you think colleges will think I am just taking an easy way out though? Some of the school’s I’ve applied to are really really selective so I don’t want to lose my chance just because of Physics.</p>

6

<p>Bump! I need more opinions/help!!</p>