Will a D in AP Physics C First Semester Impact My College Acceptances?

In summary, receiving a D in AP Physics C during the first semester may have a negative impact on college acceptances, especially for programs that require strong STEM backgrounds. However, colleges consider multiple factors, including overall GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. Improving grades in subsequent semesters and demonstrating a commitment to learning can help mitigate the effects of a low grade. It's important to communicate with guidance counselors and seek support to navigate the situation effectively.
  • #1
autumnhogan
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I'm a senior in high school taking AP Physics C (equivalent of college calculus based physics mechanics and electricity/magnetism). Through junior year I had a 3.9 unweighted, 4.33 weighted GPA with all A's besides a B and C sophomore year due to mental health issues explained in my application essay. I did 3 years of varsity sports as well as being part of key club and national honor society (both volunteering clubs). I have been struggling with physics and am set to end semester 1 with a D. Will my college acceptances be revoked? Please help.
 
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  • #2
Maybe.

I'm not sure what we can tell you, as it is not our decision. Colleges don't rescind decisions often, but they do. Besides, if we were to tell you "no, they won't" and they do, what is your recourse? Call them up and say "some strangers on the internet said you wouldn't! Unfair! Unfair!".

There's nothing to do but wait and see, and of course, try and get your grades back up.
 
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  • #3
Often, once you send in transcripts with a college application, the college doesn't follow up on grades earned after that. If you could take a lower level AP Physics exam, and scored 3, 4, or 5 on that exam, they college is unlikely to even notice.

On the other hand, if you did manage to really bust your a** and get a handle on AP Physics C and got at least a 3 on the AP Physics C exam, your grades would probably be irrelevant and you might even get the teacher to retroactively increase your first semester grade.

Of course, the school and program you were admitted to, and the general strength of your application, would matter as well. If you were admitted to a non-flagship state college and not in an engineering major, they probably won't care and might even give you props for even trying such an advanced course. Cal Tech, on the other hand, might have a dimmer view of this kind of development.
 
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  • #4
ohwilleke said:
the college doesn't follow up on grades earned after that
I have never seen that a college doesn't follow up. They may not care, but they do check. And while rescinding is rare, it absolutely does happen. \
ohwilleke said:
you might even get the teacher to retroactively increase your first semester grade.
I have never seen that happen.
autumnhogan said:
(equivalent of college calculus based physics mechanics and electricity/magnetism
Perhaps not. I know that's what AP says, but over the years it is becoming less so. That's partially why you are seeing colleges requiring 4's or even 5's when once they required 3's. Some places have stopped giving credit, or give general credit and not credit for that specific course.

That said, the point is well taken: a D followed by an A and a 5 will put you in better shape than a D followed by another D and a 1.
 
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  • #5
You should speak to your guidance counsellor and see what they advise.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
I have never seen that happen.
I have seen this happen a few times, once with one of my kids and other times with their peers.
 
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How do you know they didn't follow up as opposed to following up and not caring?
 
  • #8
gwnorth said:
You should speak to your guidance counsellor and see what they advise.
Okay thanks! I spoke to my physics teacher and he said that because of my active participation in class he is willing to be flexible depending on what my counselor says. My physics teacher believes that due to the rigor of the course it won't matter, but I will attempt to convince my counselor of the importance of increasing my grade.
 
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  • #9
autumnhogan said:
Okay thanks! I spoke to my physics teacher and he said that because of my active participation in class he is willing to be flexible depending on what my counselor says.
"Flexible"? This seems very flaky; i.e., that the grade would be based on what seem to be subjective criteria rather than on objective measures such as your scores on homework and exams.
autumnhogan said:
My physics teacher believes that due to the rigor of the course it won't matter, but I will attempt to convince my counselor of the importance of increasing my grade.
If you wind up getting a D (or maybe a C) for the first semester, this doesn't bode well for your success in the second semester.
 
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  • #10
Mark44 said:
"Flexible"? This seems very flaky; i.e., that the grade would be based on what seem to be subjective criteria rather than on objective measures such as your scores on homework and exams.

If you wind up getting a D (or maybe a C) for the first semester, this doesn't bode well for your success in the second semester.
Yes, but I am getting a tutor second semester, as the learning is very important to me.
 
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  • #11
autumnhogan said:
I'm a senior in high school taking AP Physics C (equivalent of college calculus based physics mechanics and electricity/magnetism). Through junior year I had a 3.9 unweighted, 4.33 weighted GPA with all A's besides a B and C sophomore year due to mental health issues explained in my application essay. I did 3 years of varsity sports as well as being part of key club and national honor society (both volunteering clubs). I have been struggling with physics and am set to end semester 1 with a D. Will my college acceptances be revoked? Please help.
Update! My Physics teacher changed my grade to a C and my tutor is AMAZING!
 
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  • #12
autumnhogan said:
Yes, but I am getting a tutor second semester, as the learning is very important to me.
Interesting way of thinking! Yes, the Learning may be very important to you. It really IS very important to you. It is so important that, you really should thoroughly review and restudy what you did not learn well so that you could learn it better.
 
  • #13
autumnhogan said:
Update! My Physics teacher changed my grade to a C and my tutor is AMAZING!
Wonderful! Now, how well are you learning? Will another pass-through help you more?
 
  • #14
I have to say having an assigned grade as the starting point for negotiation strikes me as unusual.
 

FAQ: Will a D in AP Physics C First Semester Impact My College Acceptances?

Will a D in AP Physics C First Semester Impact My College Acceptances?

Yes, a D in a challenging course like AP Physics C can impact your college acceptances, especially if you are applying to competitive programs or schools. Admissions committees look at your overall academic performance, and a low grade in a rigorous course may raise concerns about your preparedness.

Can I Explain the D in My College Application?

Absolutely. Many college applications provide space for you to explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your grades. Be honest and provide context, such as personal challenges or a particularly difficult transition, and highlight how you have worked to overcome these obstacles.

Should I Retake the Course or Focus on Improving My Grades in Other Classes?

It depends on your overall academic plan and the specific requirements of the colleges you are applying to. Retaking the course and earning a higher grade can demonstrate resilience and a commitment to mastering the material. Alternatively, focusing on improving your grades in other classes can also show an upward trend in your academic performance.

How Will a D Affect My GPA and Class Rank?

A D will negatively impact your GPA and could lower your class rank, depending on your school's grading and ranking policies. Since AP courses are often weighted more heavily, the impact might be somewhat mitigated, but it will still be a significant factor in your overall academic profile.

Can Strong Extracurriculars and Test Scores Offset a D in AP Physics C?

Strong extracurriculars and high test scores can help balance your application, but they may not completely offset a low grade in a key subject area. Admissions committees look for well-rounded students, but academic performance is a critical component. Demonstrating excellence in other areas can certainly help, but it's important to address the low grade directly in your application.

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