Mediocre math grade - now what?
Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:45 pm
I tried to post this earlier, but it didn't work... hopefully I haven't double posted!
I'm a current undergrad (in the early stages of undergrad!) hoping to do a PhD in experimental physics or experimental applied physics. I've done intro physics and an upper level physics course, and I've achieved As in all of them. I've also done well in Calc III. My problem lies in linear algebra, an important course, in which I scored a B in freshman year.
I'm worried that this B will be a substantial barrier to getting into a top physics graduate school. I'm not sure what to do about it - I'm considering retaking the class, but I don't think I'd enjoy it, and it might defeat the purpose, because I'm not sure how a retake would look. My grade in the final was substantially better than my midterm, so I feel as though I understood the material well towards the end of semester. I'm also considering taking extra math classes to demonstrate that I can do math, but I'd much rather spend the time doing physics or another science. It sounds really pathetic, but I'm at a loss - if I've screwed up my chances at doing high level research, I'm going to consider looking for internships to explore other options and to strengthen myself for the job market.
For context, I should say that I'm at one of HYPSM, and though my GPA is currently ~3.7, I hope that it will rise when I take more classes in my major.
I'm a current undergrad (in the early stages of undergrad!) hoping to do a PhD in experimental physics or experimental applied physics. I've done intro physics and an upper level physics course, and I've achieved As in all of them. I've also done well in Calc III. My problem lies in linear algebra, an important course, in which I scored a B in freshman year.
I'm worried that this B will be a substantial barrier to getting into a top physics graduate school. I'm not sure what to do about it - I'm considering retaking the class, but I don't think I'd enjoy it, and it might defeat the purpose, because I'm not sure how a retake would look. My grade in the final was substantially better than my midterm, so I feel as though I understood the material well towards the end of semester. I'm also considering taking extra math classes to demonstrate that I can do math, but I'd much rather spend the time doing physics or another science. It sounds really pathetic, but I'm at a loss - if I've screwed up my chances at doing high level research, I'm going to consider looking for internships to explore other options and to strengthen myself for the job market.
For context, I should say that I'm at one of HYPSM, and though my GPA is currently ~3.7, I hope that it will rise when I take more classes in my major.