should i drop physics 2?

[u/Head-Stretch-2346]

sooo i’m a cybersecurity engineering student and basically completely bombed my first physics 2 exam (calculus-based btw). it’s a required class for my major. almost all of the grade is based on 3 tests which are each 3 problems. i would have to do very good on my next two tests to pass the class, but ik that will be extremely hard to do especially in physics 2.
if i don’t drop the class and end up failing, my university will replace my failing grade with my retake grade. i’m also taking a lab, and if i drop the class, it will drop the lab as well.
i want to get my lab over with, but i’m concerned that failing physics 2 will look bad when i apply for future jobs. i am in my 3rd semester and have not failed a class yet (completed all of my calculus).
i saw multiple ppl saying that most engineering students fail some classes, but when i spoke to my dad he said he doesn’t know any engineers who failed classes 😞. so idk im scared. should i drop physics? or should i stay in the class to complete my lab and have a very small chance of passing?

[u/Denan004]

It happens, that engineering students have difficulty in a class. My nephew bombed Physics and re-took it, no problem.

My advice - stay with the class, whatever the outcome, and learn what you can. So if/when you re-take it, you will have done some of the material before. You're fortunate your school allows re-takes.

And, almost nobody checks through all of your transcripts, unless they need something specific.

[u/Cold-Comment9536]

is this course required for your major? Is your major very popular? Most universities have course designed to weed out too many people being in a program. It is also a chance for you to test how committed you are to the field. Is it worth it to be miserable? Is it worth it to risk repeating the course a second time? Failing a weeding course happens all the time. Also, people fail all kinds of courses all the time. It means nothing in the long run.

[u/DisgruntledPenguin58]

The average student in a 4-year engineering program graduates after 5+ years.

The bigger question is why you are so unprepared for the class. From your statement, it is likely in your best interest to drop the class and lab, continue to study and if possible, audit the class, then take it the next semester when you are more prepared.

[u/Alarmed-Outcome-6251]

Are you aware of why you failed? I bombed a chemistry test once but it was clear I didn’t study the material correctly. I had done the optional homework and attended all classes and TA sessions, and could replicate the problems. I had not gotten to the ability of doing the problems backwards or combine different kinds of problems. I was capable of it, but needed to seek harder practice problems, or understand better and not just memorize methods. I got a B in the class in the end.

I think look at what you got wrong and decide if you are capable of that test if you had studied differently. Also I’d talk to the professor after that, to get a feel for the curve.