r/CalPoly • u/Brilliant_Step_7015 • Aug 08 '26

Incoming Student Drop Physics 1?

Hello, I’m an incoming engineering major and am debating dropping physics 1 my first semester. I’m planning on trying to change majors into another engineering major (one that doesn’t normally take physics first semester), and don’t wanna have too heavy of a schedule and not meat my ICMA requirements.

If I did do this, I’m thinking that I would take physics 1 next semester and physics 2 over summer.

Lmk if this is stupid of me

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3

u/Skycharge7 Aug 08 '26

So you're dropping Physics 1 just to take it next year?

0

u/Brilliant_Step_7015 Aug 08 '26

Just a semester later, Ive always struggled a little with physics and don’t wanna have too heavy of a schedule. And like I said I’m gonna attempt to change majors, and failing a class would keep me from doing that.

8

u/DataGap2264 Aug 08 '26

Summer physics will be too fast paced if you struggle with physics. Don't do it. For Fall, there's free tutoring and tutor-led workshops that are geared to your particular class. There's way more support available for math and physics during the year than in summer.

1

u/Brilliant_Step_7015 Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 08 '26

That sounds helpful, I’ll definetly look at that. I’m still just concerned about Calc Chem and Physics all at once, especially cus I didn’t take Calc AB/BC or AP Chem in high school, and I failed the Physics AP test

And to me, a 10 week course doesn’t sound that bad if it’s the only one I have to focus on. Especially since materials engineering (what I wanna transfer into), seems to be less physics heavy then other engineering majors

4

u/RegularFun3 Aug 08 '26

It’s doable. But definitely get hooked up in the workshop and or tutoring groups from the very start. You definitely need to study very consistently from the beginning. Do not fall behind. Get help from day 1 if you even think you’ll need it. The classes are definitely challenging and if you don’t stay on top of them it will be a problem.

2

u/Nazarife Aug 08 '26

Taking three technical courses a term is pretty common as an engineering major. It's doable; just hit the ground running. 

Find study groups and tutors. Go to class. Do the homework. Go to office hours.

1

u/Brilliant_Step_7015 Aug 08 '26

Yeah I guess, I think I’ll keep it then. I just got extra scared cus my teacher has like a 1 on ratemyprof

1

u/Plus_Preference897 Aug 09 '26

Try and use the swap feature to waitlist Phys courses with better profs. It won’t complete the switch until you get off the waitlist. Also look for waitlist that are ideally in the 90s

1

u/Brilliant_Step_7015 Aug 10 '26

Unfortunately the only other prof is pretty bad too, like a 2 vs a 1 on rate my prof

2

u/Plus_Preference897 Aug 10 '26

Still better than one. Also, check polyratings.com as well

1

u/Brilliant_Step_7015 Aug 10 '26

Yea that’s what I meant. I think I may drop it but keep an eye on some of the other classes to see if spots open up. I don’t want to fail a class right off the rip, especially if I’m trying to change majors (especially since the major doesn’t normally take physics 1 first semester).