Failing a physics class. Grad school?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of failing a freshman physics class, particularly when the final exam constitutes 60% of the overall grade. Participants assert that a single 'F' does not automatically disqualify a student from top 10 graduate programs, especially if they retake the course and achieve a higher grade. The consensus emphasizes the importance of overall GPA, performance in upper-level courses, and additional qualifications such as research experience. Test anxiety is identified as a significant factor affecting performance, and addressing it is crucial for future success.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GPA calculation and its impact on academic records
  • Familiarity with the structure of graduate school applications
  • Knowledge of test anxiety management techniques
  • Awareness of the importance of upper-level coursework in graduate admissions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research strategies for managing test anxiety effectively
  • Learn about GPA calculation methods and how retaking courses affects it
  • Explore the significance of undergraduate institution reputation in graduate admissions
  • Investigate the requirements for graduate school applications in physics programs
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students in physics, academic advisors, and anyone interested in understanding the graduate school admissions process and the impact of early academic performance on future opportunities.

leonidas24
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
I can think of at least one negative thing about having a physics final exam worth 60% of the overall grade. Namely, you can perform well year-round only to receive a bad case of test anxiety when it matters most. I just took such an exam, and am now almost certainly (>95% chance) going to fail the class. It is only a freshman physics class, but it will be on my record nonetheless. My question is, are my chances now completely shot as far as going to a top 10 grad school is concerned? My grades are otherwise good (not great), but if I perform exceedingly well over the next 3 years, in addition to meeting all of the other requirements (research, etc), do I still have a chance?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
well, it is just a freshman course so it isn't that reflective on your overall prefermonce. I mean there is still a lot Physics course you'll have to take...doing good on them will make them overlook your freshman course.
 
You're waaaaaay too paranoid. Don't even sweat it.
 
Quite the opposite responses I was expecting. So failing a subject in one's major, even if only a freshman class, doesn't automatically put me at the bottom of the pile? I always assumed an 'F' on a transcript is near automatic exclusion from the top programs.
 
you have to retake it right? so it won't kill your gpa anyway. grad schools will look at overall gpa, physics gpa, and your upper courses. They probably won't care if you failed a first year course, if you retook it and got an A.
 
How did you do well in the course but are sure to fail the final so bad as to fail the class?
 
Hepth said:
you have to retake it right? so it won't kill your gpa anyway. grad schools will look at overall gpa, physics gpa, and your upper courses. They probably won't care if you failed a first year course, if you retook it and got an A.

Yes, I will have to retake it. But I was under the impression that both the 'F' and subsequent grade would be included in my GPA.

whs said:
How did you do well in the course but are sure to fail the final so bad as to fail the class?

As I said, the final was worth 60% of the final grade so it can easily turn a solid grade into a failing one. I felt reasonably well prepared going into the exam, but for some reason I became immensely nervous just beforehand, and during the exam itself I wasn't able to think clearly, I got light-headed and nauseous, heart palpitations, etc. I basically just freaked out, and I have no idea why. Silly, I know.
 
leonidas24 said:
Quite the opposite responses I was expecting. So failing a subject in one's major, even if only a freshman class, doesn't automatically put me at the bottom of the pile? I always assumed an 'F' on a transcript is near automatic exclusion from the top programs.
Nah, in many/most cases there's no automatic exclusion based on one narrow criterion like that. Any one thing that you don't do well on can, in principle, be made up for by other things.
 
Well everyone on this thread is being optimistic right now. I'll be the first to say, its not going to help you that's for sure. Can anyone link to that thread where everyone listed their qualifications and what grad schools they got into? That was a real reality check for me.
 
  • #10
On the other hand, the top 10 is overrated anyway.
 
  • #11
As an added thought, I think the more immediate problem is dealing with the test anxiety. Graduate school application is years down the road. Between now and then there will be many more exams, some of them worth more than 60% of the final grade.

Not to mention once you get in you'll likely be faced with exams like the candidacy, the comprehensive, and your final defence.

Failing a single class is not a show stopper. But you're not going to be as competative as the students who fly through undergrad with near-perfect marks in every class.
 
  • #12
Phyisab**** said:
Well everyone on this thread is being optimistic right now. I'll be the first to say, its not going to help you that's for sure. Can anyone link to that thread where everyone listed their qualifications and what grad schools they got into? That was a real reality check for me.

http://www.physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1847
 
  • #13
Yikes! That is a reality check. :frown:

Based on a cursory look over the applicant profiles, though, I think it's fair to conclude that attending a prestigious undergraduate school can make up for a GPA that is a tenth or two lower than perfect.

I am in a bad situation right now in my own freshman physics class. I never knew that mechanics could be so mind-numbingly hard. I'm also attending a well-known university, though, so I think that it's fair to say my classes are very difficult. At least not all hope is lost...
 
  • #14
I heard DeVrY is starting a Physics Graduate program...

Just kidding.

Just re-take it, and everyone will keep it husu-hush about what happened.
 
  • #15
I passed.
 

Similar threads

Other Physics PhD after working for few years
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Admissions Need advice for Low GPA / Good Research / HEPth PhD application
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K
Schools Is a top physics grad school possible with a lower tier undergrad?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Admissions Should I forget about grad school?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Admissions Research experience for physics grad school application
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Admissions Dropped out for 5 years -- What are my chances at Grad schools?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Advice: Doing grad school abroad and getting a masters instead of PhD
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Admissions Will bad grades on Chem & Bio hurt my grad school chances?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Is a Low CGPA a Deal Breaker for Grad School Admissions?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K