I’m currently a community college student and I’ve done well so far - mostly A’s, B’s in STEM subjects. I looking to eventually major in History. I’m currently enrolled in an introductory physics class online - and I’m failing. I have been admitted to the University of New Mexico and am assuming I will keep my admission there no matter what I end up doing about this class; The University of Texas at El Paso is also my backup.
I really want to attend a women’s college, most especially Wellesley. However, I don’t know if I’ll be able to pass this physics class at this point in the semester. I really don’t know if I should just continue, see what I can do, and either take a F or withdraw before the withdrawal deadline. I made it a personal goal to graduate with my Associate’s, but I won’t do that if I withdraw or fail this course. I really don’t know what to do at this point and I’m worried that I have destroyed my ideal future. I’ve tried so hard to avoid UNM and UTEP - I don’t want to be at either school at all.
I can’t imagine any circumstances where F is better than a withdrawal in a class.
Glad you’re doing well-but if your major is history, why are you taking any STEM classes-are they required?
They’re required for my degree plan. I think my main issue here is that physics is online. I wasn’t able to take it on-campus, and I can’t teach myself physics. I’d be much better off in a face-to-face class.
Sounds like a pretty challenging curriculum if STEM is required for a history major, so you should be proud of your success.
And I’m with you-taking physics online would be extremely difficult.
And my advice stays the same-a W is better than F.
A W is much better than an F. Re-take that class when you can get a face-to-face section. Or take a different science class for your science credit. If you don’t complete your AA this semester because of this missing science credit, take the class in the summer session, and get your degree in August.
Thanks for everyone’s response. There is a face-to-face class I can take over the summer, and I’ll probably have to enroll in an easier class online so I’ll keep my full-time status for financial aid this semester. My biggest worry now is how this will affect admission to a very selective school - I’m still applying to the women’s colleges, USC.
I previously attended Seattle University and flunked a class, barely scraped by in two others before I came home. That’s on my record and I feel that it won’t have much of a negative impact because I have explained it happened due to mental health issues and I have recovered well in my class at cc.
One W should not be a huge deal although it may be hard to pick up another class for the semester at this late date. Be sure you keep the financial aid you need. Your previous record at Seattle U will be a factor in admissions.
I’d be careful about being too open about mental health issues as college often see it as a red flag.
Be sure you apply to a list of schools that make sense for transfer students. Look at section D of the common data set for each school you are considering (google “common data set XYZ college”) and see how many transfers they accept. For example Wellesley took 21 out of 235 transfer applicants (under 10%) while Smith took 90 out of 276 (32%) and Simmons took 124 out of 257 (48%). You also need to see what type of aid is available to transfer students as it is often scarce. Apply to a number of reach, match and safety schools that you think will be affordable.
Also I would not dismiss UTEP and UNM as undesirable. They are fine schools and life isn’t always “ideal.” Your goal #1 should be to get your four year degree with minimal debt – your can move elsewhere or do whatever you want once this goal is accomplished.