As a prospective journalism major, I am applying to New House in Syracuse University and Boston University as well. These schools I know are really interested and scouting for students who take physics as it is one of the 3 basic science classes, however, I decided to drop that class in my senior year as it was hurting my mental/physical health (since it was too rigorous for me), and I wanted to replace it with an open period (essentially a study hall that I could spend at home) to focus on my passion for journalism and write articles for local newspapers. I really want colleges to know that I am using my open block for this purpose, especially to offset the fact that I haven’t taken physics, so I am considering utilizing my additional information section to tell them, but I don’t know if it is necessary or cluttery to mention it. I am not sure if it will help me at all as a candidate as they see I am not taking a science. I am scared to say that I dropped physics to pursue this as it is not currently in my transcript and saying that i did so might look bad…do you guys agree? What should I do in this case? And if I should include something in my additional info section, what should I say and how should I say it?
I would not include the information about why you dropped physics – that could be a red flag. Do include writing articles as an EC.
Can you replace your class with a less rigorous physics class? IMO, that is going to be a big red flag to not have any level of physics on your transcript.
I don’t see a serious problem if you want to put something like, “During my open period I write articles for local newspapers.” Of course hopefully you actually have that as an activity, in which case they are unlikely to care about this additional information. But I doubt they will hold it against you either.
I would definitely not mention Physics, and I would not expect them to spontaneously connect this statement about what you do during your open period with the fact you have not taken Physics. I think you just have to accept that is what it is.
A few additional comments:
–In an older post you noted that regular physics is an option in your HS. Can you switch to that level rather than drop physics completely?
–If you have already submitted any applications showing you are taking honors physics, you must notify the admissions officer at each college (in writing) that you have dropped (or are taking a lower level) physics. If your final transcript does not match the list of classes on the application you will be at risk of having any acceptance rescinded.
–As I tell every applicant, be sure to create an application list that includes reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be excited to attend.
–A picky thing but it is the Newhouse (one word) School at Syracuse. You wrote it as two words in both of your posts. It may be spellcheck, but take care on the actual application.
My kid got into a very top school with no physics. Emphasize your writing. Can you include a supplement for your journalism activities with samples and resume, maybe a letter of recommendation related? You could ask the colleges.
My kid dropped a level in math in order to take a class related to their interest and the guidance counselor explained. It might be harder to explain dropping a class for a study hall so I would avoid the negative and, again , emphasize the positive.
I wouldn’t go there. You dropped a class. No explanation is needed. You can’t justify it.
It speaks for itself.
What you are doing is making an excuse.
Your reason is legit but it will not be seen in a good light IMHO.
There’s many great and easier J schools to get into so have them as a back up.
Good luck.
Is the physics class on your transcript and it shows a W? Will it just show for the first marking period with a grade?
Place the schools in two buckets:
-
Schools that you already applied to and communicated a senior year schedule that included physics
-
Schools that you have yet to apply to
For #1, you have to email your admissions person and/or post an update in your portal, notifying the school of a change in your 12th grade classes. It’s ok to write a brief explanation that physics was taking too much time and you wanted to replace it with a class that better suited your interests (writing articles would be in your activities, correct?) You should do the same for any college that has already accepted you.
For #2, if there is no record of physics on your transcript, you don’t have to write anything. Just report your senior year classes as they are. If you have a W on your transcript, you should explain why, again, just a short explanation.
I wouldn’t mention dropping physics…at.all. And frankly, I wouldn’t mention what you are doing in your “free period” either.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.