Hi everyone! I wanted to ask for some advice on what to do.
I’m currently taking all AP classes besides one (4: physics c mechanics & e/m, chinese, gov, and calc ab). I’m also applying EA for most schools, but most decisions will be out in January, meaning they will likely consider my first sem senior year.
I’ve been a mostly A student, but this year, Physics C is beyond tough for me. Of course I’m aiming for an A but, realistically, I’ll end with a C. I’m projected to get an A in everything else. (I’m trying but god it’s crazy)
Just in case I wanted to see how badly that would affect me. Applying engineering, doing bad during first sem senior year, how much will that affect me?
Depends on the school and your overall profile. Maybe you’re not getting in anyway, maybe you’re on the fence and it keeps you out, maybe on the fence but it’s one grade in a tough class so no biggy, or maybe you are in the safe pile.
Your major may play a role too.
Don’t worry. Do your best because you can’t do more.
As long as you have an assured and affordable safety, you have zero to worry about. In other words, as long as you’ve properly built a list, you are fine.
Don’t know your profile or schools so can’t add much more.
You need to clarify whether your school sends the first semester grades automatically or waits for midyear to send like schools truly require. 99% they won’t hold the grades if they are automatically sent even though they technically are able to do so.
Contrary to popular belief, depending on the date, schools will see the grades prior to EA. My rule of thumb is if they are sent more than 2 weeks prior to a decision being made - assume they will be seen. While it is possible that schools ignore the grades sent, I am afraid I do not believe that will be the case.
One of C26’s schools asked for first semester grades when available but said they will still be considered for the EA deadline (Jan 31 decision date). Their high school also automatically sends first semester grades to every school that they have sent a transcript to. Some may ignore it but I wouldn’t take that chance.
Agree OP should try for a tutor.
Many HS semesters don’t even end until mid January so the grades wouldn’t have been finalized and sent in time for a late January notification. Obviously it totally depends on this student’s school’s academic calendar and their policy.
For sure on getting a tutor no matter what. It’s only mid October. Plenty of time to get grades up!
Agree with finding a tutor. And not for college admissions. But if you want to become an engineer, you WILL be taking more physics in college, and having a strong foundation is critical. You have an opportunity to build a base right now, so take it.
Meet with your teacher. Explain that you want to major in engineering (and why; that’s important). Elicit your teacher’s help in figuring out what’s going sideways for you. Do you understand the concepts but the calculations on the problem sets and quizzes are tripping you up? That’s one type of issue. Or are you shaky on the concepts? That’s something else. Can’t apply the formulae correctly? Yet another issue.
Nail what the problem is- and let the teacher help you find a tutor, some extra assignments, some remedial work that will catch you up. You’ve got plenty of time to fix this.