I eventually want to apply to get into the one of the engineering departments which want to see a high average in the phys121,122,123 classes. What will the average grade be in your class, and are there any extra credit assignments that I can do to boost my grade? Also, is the average grade different in the other section of phys121?
It is good that you have already begun consulting with the academic advisors in your prospective departments. As you have discovered, several engineering and science departments require (or at least favor) high scores in the PHYS121,122,123 sequence. A high average grade in this sequence is considered to be reliable evidence of good problem-solving skills.
The average final grade in PHYS121A in winter 2000 will be around 2.7. This does not usually vary much between different sections, and this average has changed little in 20 years (according to my colleagues). There is no extra credit work of any type in any PHYS121,122,123 course. All students are graded equally based on the required work, only. See the course syllabus for complete details on grading policies.
When I lectured PHYS121A in Winter 1998, the final grade distribution
for 147 total students was:
Less than 2.0: 16
2.0-2.4: 39
2.5-2.9: 27
3.0-3.4: 35
3.5-3.9: 26
4.0: 4
Several of the students who earned grades below 2.0 or between 2.0 and
2.5 were
'trapped' in the class by the
UW's
drop policies (i.e. they had already used their one 'late drop' in
the autumn quarter). As the unrestricted drop period (first two
weeks) ends before you will receive any grades in PHYS121, it is vital
that you be aware of the UW's drop policy and even more vital that you be
prepared to invest the necessary study hours to succeed in this course.
See the course syllabus for a discussion of the expected weekly study
load. Note that no instructor has any method for allowing you 'extra'
drops, and that no instructor will make even small adjustments in
final grades to help you get into the major of your choice. You will
receive the grade that you earn.