Do I Effectively Have No Chance At a Physics Program Anymore?

[M83]

I'm about halfway through my associates program in science and math. This semester I'm on academic warning and I fell behind on the material in the first two months. If I don't raise my GPA enough by the end of the semester I face a situation where I would have to sit out for at least a semester before I could resume my program.

My situation is really stressing me out because I want to transfer into a physics program after I finish my associates program, but my bad work habits are holding me back. I enjoy science and math and when I do practice the material on a consistent basis it's straightforward to me. This is simply an issue of developing better work habits. However, I know getting into a physics program requires little room for error, so what are my chances now if it is likely I have to sit out a semester? Comments from physicists and academic advisers would be much appreciated.


Addendum: I haven't taken the physics and calculus courses that are required of my program yet. I've been getting good grades in my math prerequisites (i.e. algebra 1, algebra 2 and precalculus) and astronomy courses.

 

[symbolipoint]

That's a tough situation. Could you just get a job and work for several months, stay out of school for that time, and meanwhile study Algebra 1 and then Algebra 2 on your own to build up your proficiency; and then come back to enroll in the c.c. ? You need to be strong in Mathematics, at least intermediate algebra to begin Calculus 1. You may still need College Algebra & Trigonometry before Calculus 1. Physics requires very strong Mathematics capability.

So I say, maybe stay out of school for a while, work at a job, build up mathematical knowledge on your own; then return to school, the community college.

 

[Vanadium 50]

It is possible to become a successful physicist having sat out a semester. It is not possible with "bad work habits". You know what you need to do.

 

[M83]

That's a tough situation. Could you just get a job and work for several months, stay out of school for that time, and meanwhile study Algebra 1 and then Algebra 2 on your own to build up your proficiency; and then come back to enroll in the c.c. ?

My biggest fear right now is my adviser talking me out of a physics career path. Or he may just have me take a withdrawal in some of my courses to keep my GPA afloat so I can still attend school next semester.

 

[symbolipoint]

My biggest fear right now is my adviser talking me out of a physics career path. Or he may just have me take a withdrawal in some of my courses to keep my GPA afloat so I can still attend school next semester.

Talk about your situation with your advisers right-away. They might or might not know best, but try them as soon as possible. If they're good, at least they may try to give you advice for what is practical now and in the near future.

Your not having taken yet any Physics means you are less able to judge how you like the subject, but anything in the natural or physical sciences will require some Calculus and the courses leading up to it; as well as possibly other Math courses.

 

[M83]

Talk about your situation with your advisers right-away. They might or might not know best, but try them as soon as possible. If they're good, at least they may try to give you advice for what is practical now and in the near future.

Your not having taken yet any Physics means you are less able to judge how you like the subject, but anything in the natural or physical sciences will require some Calculus and the courses leading up to it; as well as possibly other Math courses.

I plan on contacting him over the weekend. At the community college I'm attending they offer Calculus 1-3, Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. Calculus 1-2 are required and the rest count as math electives in my degree program, so my plan is to take all of them while I'm there so I have enough math preparation once I transfer.