I failed AP Physics B...

Eneq

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I am very good at math. I scored a 670 in math on the SAT the first time (no studying) and I am breezing through pre-calculus. This year at my school they tried something new with AP physics B. It's called a flipped classroom. Basically the way we are supposed to learn is by watching videos at home and then doing worksheets at school. The teacher never actually "teaches." It's supposed to help us get adjusted to college. Nevertheless, that is not my learning style at all and I have struggled greatly all year. Last semester I barely squeaked by with a 72, but this semester I will probably fail. I know for sure that if it was taught like all my other classes I would be fine. Stuff like physics comes naturally to me. I have been in engineering classes for three years now and I have had no problems. So basically, how will this affect my chances? Also, how should I let it be known that this was just an isolated incident and that it wouldn't happen if I was "taught." I don't want to make it sound like I am complaining, but I am just frustrated. As far as other stats go, My GPA is around a 3.33 right now, and my sat is 1800 total, I plan on taking it one more time and improving my score greatly. I have played baseball at school for three years now and I am very active in my church. Any help will be appreciated.
 
I assume your asking about your chances with the USNA.

Your transcript will show that it is an isolated event.

I would not say anything about how it could have been better if you had been taught.

What should be of more concern is that you GPA is "around" 3.3, with that GPA I would assume your class standing is not toward the top. In todays competition you have an uphill climb, worth the try though.

You should always apply, but have a plan B and C in place. Check into NROTC Scholarships, though that may not be any easier. Always have a back up.
 
Don't let this dissuade you from applying but be realistic -- a 3.3 GPA (before a failing grade is averaged in); a failing grade in a hard science class; and relatively low board scores for a service academy all mean that you should pursue other options as well (the "Plan B" and "Plan C" that other posters talk about). You'll never know unless you apply but on the numbers it may be an uphill battle to get into USNA. Maybe NAPS would be an option (and you have to apply to USNA for the road to NAPs to open up).
 
Being honest, I've seen a low grade in physics hurt a candidate. If you are still very interested in a SA, consider retaking physics over the summer if possible in a "real" classroom. If you get an A or B, that would really help. If you still struggle, as the above poster said, you may find yourself struggling at USNA.
 
I am retaking physics over the summer. I know that I have about a 99% of getting either a B or an A. Because someone mentioned it, right now I'm also looking at the USAFA as well. Would my chances be about the same there? Something I should probably mention is that I am a Junior
 
Keep Pushing

Eneq...

Keep pushing... I tell my kids and the kids that I coach that our failures are truly meant to be our greatest accomplishments. When you don’t give up and push through your wall you achieve the wisdom and greater understanding of setting new objectives to reach your goals. I’m certain that by taking it over the summer and getting the better grade it shows your desire not to give up. Not too many kids will do what you’re doing, you will be successful. Good for you!!

On another note my son just set his classes up for his Sr. year and he originally had AP Cal, & the on-line AP Physics but he just decided he was not comfortable with the on-line. He spoke with his AP teacher and he supported the decision. The on-line is also new at his school. I’ll have to tell him what your communicated. Thank you for the insight.
 
I don't intend to be mean, but if you say that it comes pretty naturally to you then how did you not do well on your own? Just my two cents.
 
I am very good at math. I scored a 670 in math on the SAT the first time (no studying) and I am breezing through pre-calculus. ...As far as other stats go, My GPA is around a 3.33 right now, and my sat is 1800 total, I plan on taking it one more time and improving my score greatly. I have played baseball at school for three years now and I am very active in my church. Any help will be appreciated.

Another thing to consider is this: I don't think that your scores will be considered stellar scores from all that we are learning. The boys we know who got appointments this year have well over a 4.0 GPA in a top, rigorous school, had taken AP calculus in 11th grade, had varisty sports and SAT scores higher than yours. Still, they felt VERY fortunate to have gotten in. Many with much better scored did not make it. I agree to have a plan B.
The one poor course might not hurt you, but your package as a whole might need to be stronger. Sounds like you can get your math to over 700 on the SAT. Are you cpt. of the baseball team with a couple of varsity letters? Eagle Scout or Boys State?
I don't know how they do it, but many of this have all of the above and more. Keep working and good plan to re-take the Physics course. My math kid said physics was bruttal.
S

(Also, if you are going to NASS or one of the other academy summer seminars, my understanding is that you get some good insight on what to do to strengthen your record)
 
I think one of my problems with physics is that it is calculus based and I haven't taken calculus yet. When we learned about forces and stuff, my engineering classes helped me, but when we learned about stuff like quantum physics and thermodynamics, I was completely lost. My team never has had an official "captain" so no I have never been captain of my team. I have never really had any leadership positions will I know will hurt me. My ECs besides baseball are just different stuff at church. I don't know if this will help, but my baseball team is favored to win state this year in Georgia. Thanks for the advice
 
Being honest, I've seen a low grade in physics hurt a candidate. If you are still very interested in a SA, consider retaking physics over the summer if possible in a "real" classroom. If you get an A or B, that would really help. If you still struggle, as the above poster said, you may find yourself struggling at USNA.

So, if someone fails AP/Honors and retakes the regular class over the summer and gets a 99%, does that help them a lot? Or is that just expected of every applicant (doing really well in summer school)?
 
So, if someone fails AP/Honors and retakes the regular class over the summer and gets a 99%, does that help them a lot? Or is that just expected of every applicant (doing really well in summer school)?

I think the point is that a failure in an AP course, especially Physics, Chemistry, or Calculus, without it being remedied/erased prior to applying, will preclude you from being academically qualified. It has nothing to do with doing well in summer school.
 
^^^

Agree. USNA academics is a whole lot tougher than any h.s. AP course, especially in the math and science courses. So, if a candidate struggles in h.s., USNA worries that he/she will not succeed at USNA. If you retake a course and do well, that suggests you have the ability and maybe there was simply an issue with that one course at that one time (e.g., poor teacher, personal crisis, etc.).

However, do not take this to mean that a candidate can get Cs and Ds throughout h.s. and then "make them up" with As and Bs over the summer. This is really about a one-off situation and demonstrating to USNA that you CAN do the work at a high level.
 
Thanks for clearing that up. Haha, are there kids that think they can just do bad the entire year and go to summer school to make it up? Thanks again.
 
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