Repeating Second Year: A Second Chance to Master the Basics of Physics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's struggles with their academic performance in physics, particularly the impact of a low GPA on their prospects for honors and graduate school. Participants explore the implications of retaking courses, the importance of mastering foundational concepts, and the emotional toll of academic setbacks.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses deep frustration over their academic performance, citing a GPA of 1.66 and feelings of hopelessness about their future in physics.
  • Another participant questions whether the school allows grade replacement for retaken courses, suggesting this could be a potential avenue for improvement.
  • Some participants emphasize the need to identify underlying issues contributing to the student's struggles, such as lack of passion or personal distractions, before moving forward.
  • There are suggestions that different schools have varying policies regarding retaking courses, and participants recommend consulting with the physics department for tailored advice.
  • One participant argues that studying advanced material without mastering the basics is unproductive, advocating for a focus on foundational knowledge through both coursework and self-study.
  • A later reply acknowledges the student's efforts in self-studying and suggests that while they may feel prepared for third-year material, the lack of prior performance could hinder their academic trajectory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best path forward for the student, with some advocating for a focus on foundational courses and others recognizing the student's self-study efforts. There is no consensus on the best approach to improve the student's situation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of addressing personal issues that may affect academic performance, but there is no detailed exploration of specific strategies or solutions. The discussion reflects a range of emotional responses and academic strategies without resolving the underlying challenges faced by the student.

baouba
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
So I got killed this past year in physics. Combined with the fact that I slacked off a lot in first year, I have an awful GPA. It's currently sitting at 1.66 ( out of 4.3) I need ~2.0 to get into honors physics. I'm guessing the possibility of grad school is out the window. I've been studying 3rd year physics all summer to try and get ahead but the damage is done. I hate myself so much right now. That's 2 years I'll never get back. I feel like there's no point and those 2 years of mistakes can never be undone. I need some guidance. Guidance from anyone.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Does your school let you replace grades if you take a class again?
 
While grad school is not completely out of the question for you, it's not looking good at all.

I believe the more pertinent issue in figuring out how to salvage your academic career is figuring out why you're "slacking off". Is it lack of passion? Personal distractions? Emotional issues? Figuring out which of these is the cause of your struggles should be a top priority for you. Trying to move forward without addressing them might lead to more wasted time.
 
Different schools and departments have different policies and recommendations for retaking courses.

Go talk to someone in your physics department and see what they recommend about the situation.

Express that you are open to retaking courses that you did poorly in.
 
baouba said:
So I got killed this past year in physics. Combined with the fact that I slacked off a lot in first year, I have an awful GPA. It's currently sitting at 1.66 ( out of 4.3) I need ~2.0 to get into honors physics. I'm guessing the possibility of grad school is out the window. I've been studying 3rd year physics all summer to try and get ahead but the damage is done. I hate myself so much right now. That's 2 years I'll never get back. I feel like there's no point and those 2 years of mistakes can never be undone. I need some guidance. Guidance from anyone.

Studying for third year courses is pretty much useless at this point. Your awful GPA indicates you did not grasp much of your first two years. So advancing even further in physics is not a good idea until you get the basics down. So you need to spend a lot of time revisiting the basics. You need to do this by taking courses, and also by self-studying a lot. If you don't invest this time, then you will not master physics. Grad school is looking near to impossible at this point, so I would develop a good plan B and focus on that. For example, programming or something applied.
 
Dishsoap said:
Does your school let you replace grades if you take a class again?

Yes my school will replace grades. I learned so much about time management towards the end of the year. I know if I retook 2nd year I would do a lot better, but there's no making up for first year.
 
micromass said:
Studying for third year courses is pretty much useless at this point. Your awful GPA indicates you did not grasp much of your first two years. So advancing even further in physics is not a good idea until you get the basics down. So you need to spend a lot of time revisiting the basics. You need to do this by taking courses, and also by self-studying a lot. If you don't invest this time, then you will not master physics. Grad school is looking near to impossible at this point, so I would develop a good plan B and focus on that. For example, programming or something applied.

This is the part I'm most frustrated about. I only really started working my ass off near the end so I could pass. I'm pretty much up to speed with what I need to know (and in some cases ahead of other students) only through self studying. I know what I should know for a 3rd year physics student, but I only learned it after it counted. I would most certainly do well in 3rd year purely from the fact that I've studied so much over the summer. I don't know what to do.
 

Similar threads

Other Physics PhD after working for few years
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Admissions Dropped out for 5 years -- What are my chances at Grad schools?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Admissions Getting into a top tier Physics PhD Program with a Masters Degree
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
11K
Other How much does GPA and Prestigious school indicate success?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Admissions Big Dilemma - Do I have any chance to study a MSc Physics in Canada?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions Chances with a Low/mid GPA but high PGRE and research experience
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Need advice for Low GPA / Good Research / HEPth PhD application
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K
Admissions What are my chances of being admitted into good graduate schools?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K