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Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
So, hello everyone and thanks for taking the time to consider this.
I'm 30. I'm still at a community college taking the last few classes I need before transferring to a university. I have been an overachiever all my life and excelled at school. At 18, my depression reared it's ugly head and despite getting in to several great colleges, I had a breakdown and ultimately chose not to go. When I tried to get back into the swing of school, I'd have panic attacks and ultimately self sabotaged when I was able to make it.
I'm back at it, in a better-ish place in my life. This is my.....5th?....attempt at school. I'm serious about it. I also kind of HAVE TO BE as I was laid off from the most amazing job I'd ever had in March. Since I'm camming and in school, EDD/unemployment benefits are not a possibility. I still have yet to make AMAZING money online, but....getting there. My family is helping with my rent on the contingency that I am in this class.
Despite being sooooo against accepting this help (ultimately, it means they can hold it over my head and dictate monetary decisions), I did. I did so that I could take this whole semester off from a non-camming job to focus exclusively on this class.
I've taken and not completed this class twice before. Math 119 - Intermediate Algebra. I took this my jr. year of high school, so to say I don't remember is an understatement. It's like I actively pushed out any knowledge of math from my brain since then. To transfer, I must take this class and the following class as prerequisites that are required for the final math class that will transfer. Essentially, this is another 1.5 years of math. I'm a fucking communications/journalism major! When I'd taken in before, I had a great teacher and luckily still have notes from that time. I got A's on the first 4 tests and I'm kind of using this as a comparison for how I've done on these first tests this semester.
I dedicate hours per day to studying and homework. I've gotten D's on the first 2 tests, and I feel really uneasy about my next test on Wednesday. It's beyond discouraging. And being the at a school with a bunch of idiots is also disheartening.
Ugh, anyways, I guess this is also a rant. Sorry?
I am seeking your input.
PROS: At this point, I'd like to be working (and camming) making my own money. I can take a different class actually applicable to my major next semester that would be less likely to drag down my GPA like this class will do. Failing this class has totally taken a toll on my self esteem - I've been increasingly depressed....and I kind of feel like I've set myself for feeling shitty. I need happiness to be a priority.
CONS: Parental let down - that horrible feeling when they aren't mad, just truly disappointed and....expected. I'd be putting all my eggs in the baskey of this other math class.....who knows....it could always get full before i register. And, of course, no more help with rent (a luxury, believe me I know).
I'm going to class tonight. I will take the test on Wednesday. I thought I did well on the last test and it felt like someone killed my cat when I got my exam back.
If you have any thoughts, please let me know. If you have words of encouragement, I appreciate them more than you'll ever know. If you are leaning toward the "Melly, don't be stupid and just stick with it" take on this, I wanna hear that too.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Have you approached your teacher for some extra help? Many are often willing to put in a bit more effort to the students who are willing to seek out the assistance.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Check to see what kind of grades you need to pass the class. If your final is worth half your grade, then maybe getting D's on 2 exams isn't the end if the world.
Get a tutor!! This is the only reason I ever got through my math classes. I suck balls at math. But I found great tutors and eventually kicked math's ass.
Talk to your advisor. See if there are any resources to help you, at the school. They probably have a math lab, or something. And if you do have to withdraw, maybe you can get an academic renewal or something. Especially if that's your only class.
W's look bad on your record. I don't know what kind of program you are going for, but check to see if they are going to freak out if you withdraw, especially if you have other Ws on your record. If they will, fake an illness. Go see a shrink. Say you are having panic attacks. Get a note and get a medical withdrawl for the class.
Check out Khan academy, online. That thing has saved me more times than I can count.
Do math EVERYDAY. It sucks. I'm an English/liberal arts girl, too. But studying math is different from what we are used to. It's not something you can just skim over or cram for. You have to do a billion problems. And you have to do them everyday.
If you do re-take the class, check out "Rate my Professor" online and find the easiest possible professor. Hopefully one who will give you credit for homework, so everything doesn't depend on the test.
Take a deep breath. You are probably so stressed out, you are making the material harder than it really is. This next statement is meant to be encouraging, not mean, so please think of it in a positive way. They teach algebra, even calculus to 16 year old boys, in high school. 16 year old boys are retarded. If they can do it, so can you!!!
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
This teacher is pretty unwilling to help in that he works at a university as well, and is only on campus for me on school days, during class, and for a 30 minute window after class on Wednesday nights at 10pm.
I am lucky to have the "Math Discovery Center" LOLOLOLOLO THAT NAME- that is free tutoring 13 hrs a day with both math teachers and regular tutors. I take advantage for hours a day 3 days a week.
Homework is only 10% of the grade and since there's been glitches in the site that i MUST submit my homework thru since Sept, he pretty much said homework won't really be a factor in the final grade. WELL, that totally sucks because there goes a guaranteed 100% in the homework portion. Lame.
Tests, midterm and final are 65% of the grade. Since I'm at probably a 65% average on my tests thus far, and the next one looks like another fail, I'm almost half way into the semester without a passing grade.
60% of the class has dropped out already due to frustration with the teacher. The website portion of this NOT ONLINE class is really an extra challenge just due to it's ineffiency.
I've asked to do extra credit. No. Retake a test? No. Submit extra homework? Nope. Show proof that I spend hours in the tutoring center? Nope.
I am also not shy to ask for help. I sit in the front and center. I ask questions regularly in class. I ask him to check my work which he does, but not so much with the explanation of the process. He also teaches formulas i have NEVER encountered before and that are not in the book.....I don't use his methods and tell him so, but it takes away 30 mins of class and confuses everyone.
I feel defeated in all my attempts here.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
It's sad to say that I used Rate my Professor prior to enrolling - between the 2 professors still with open/available classes, this guy was the [barely] better of the 2.
I can't retake this class again [but having the other class as an option is so encouraging - they JUST created this liberal arts math class THIS SEMESTER and kept it quiet so that people would continue to enroll in the 2 prereq for the transfer prereq classes.] This is my 3rd time and I had to petition to even take this class again. So failing or withdrawing will both have the same "can't take it again" final result.
Ugh, I'm sorry, I feel like I'm negating all your suggestions! NOT AT ALL! I've met with every possible person to discuss this: tutors, math dept. chair, math "acheivement" coach, counselor, the teacher, my high school math teacher (a friend's mom), the site administrators for the stupid website that crashes...... everyone.
I just need to stick with it. It's true.... W looks so bad on transcripts.
I will check out Khan.
Thank you ladies.
The stress is DEFINITELY working against me. I think that's what affected the first test, most definitely.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
I would demand to find out about the 10% of the homework that "isn't going to affect your grade." That makes no sense. If he won't answer you, I'd go to the dean. That's ridiculous.
And I still think you should talk to an academic adviser. They usually have more pull than the professors do anyway. It sounds like your professor is a nightmare. I'm sure other students have gone to advising about him, so you're likely to get some help there.
Are the tests midterm and final all weighted equally? How many tests are there? You still may have a decent chance to pull this off. Def get a tutor if the school resources aren't enough. One on one help might be what you need, like for every assignment. That's what I did. Math is math. Even if your teacher is giving you weird formulas and your tutor shows you an easier method, you'll still get the right answer. Get on Craigslist and get yourself a tutor ASAP.
Find out when the last day to withdraw is and if you can't get it together by then, do what u have to do. But don't give up yet!! Sounds like you have a lot if school ahead of you. You said you have 3 more semesters at a community college. Then you want to transfer to a 4 year school. Depending on the program, there could be a wait to get in. Or you might not get in and have to apply elsewhere. I know it seems like you are losing $ now b/c you aren't working. But think of all the money you will lose if you could be in your career at 35, but stretch your education out and don't get into your field until your 38. That's 3 years worth of salary gone.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
I started out as pol sci. The switched to nursing. So I've took math for liberal arts students. But then I had to go back and take math for science majors. I gotta say, the classes were pretty much the same. Algebra is algebra whether you are in an English program, science program, live in Connecticut or Zimbabwe. I also have had bad experiences with brand new classes. The curriculum isn't usually all that established and the teachers are feeling things out because they are new to the class as well. The class is still going to be taught by some left-brained math nerd. There is no guarantee its going to be much easier. I'm taking advanced pharm, right now. It's a new class. The professor has never taught it b4. It's a freaking nightmare. Only 16 out of 225 students passed the first exam. Luckily, he decided to just throw that exam out. He thought it was an easy test, but had nothing to go on because its a brand new class. So, I'm not saying that the new class will suck. I'm just saying you shouldn't depend on it. Do whatever you can to get through the one you are in. You've already invested the $, the time and the headache. Try to make all that pay off.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
I've attempted to get an appt. with the dean. Impossible, and my constant insistance is working against me, as the people who make the appt/their secretaries are just annoyed by me. Pretty weak.
I'm seeing my counselor/academic advisor again on Thursday, so....hopefully something will happen in a positive direction. I'm dubious.
Initially, other students were being passive about it. However, after the website malfunctions, a few contacted the math dept. chair. They gave all of us the same placation: it's the site issue and we can't do anything about it. After that, most of those people dropped out.
I don't even pay attention to his formulas: fortunately, he does not ask for us to use a particular formula on the tests.
CORRECTION TO MY PREVIOUS INFO: Midterm and exams are 55% of grade, Final is 30%. Homework "15%" - I asked specifically "How is my homework grade not affected if I am incapable of doing, finishing, or submitting my homework?" He asked what I don't understand about that and the class laughed at me. To say I was pissed is an understatement.
I am going to get definitive answers on the homework % grade. Since I had to petition to take the class, I do have to submit progress reports every 4 weeks. Next one is in 2 weeks.
Well, the 3 semesters includes this one, and I plan to take a winter and summer intersession if possible. It sucks cuz it's ONLY math classes so I can't transfer UNTIL they are done (to a Cal State or UC - they used to accept if you had one class not satisfied, and you could take it at a CC while at the university. this stopped a few years ago. lucky me!).
I have considered moving to another state because the schools generally allow for that option.
I'm still considering that as a serious option.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
I just realized that I'm 3 days from my period. This means I am pretty irrational and emotionally charged in my thinking and generally make HUGE decisions when I really should not.
OMG. A revelation. I need to stick with this. I can fucking do this.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Have you looked at any online tutorials? Here's a search I did on youtube for Algebra tutorials:
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...be.3UL2t8XFVGc
Maybe if you watch a video again and again, you'll get a better understanding.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eagle2
I have checked, but I'm never opposed to more!
The tutoring center also has DVDs/cd roms/online tutorial options as well. Sadly, learning this way isn't the best for me, but I'm trying everything!
Maybe I should fall asleep with a youtube tutorial on loop. !!!!!!
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
This person is supposed to have very good online math tutorials:
https://www.khanacademy.org/
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
since that's been suggested by 2 people now, I would be doing myself a disservice for not utilizing it. THANKS BABES!
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
^^Yes. Check it out. I would be doing $2 blow jobs under a bridge, if it weren't for that site. Well, maybe $3 blow jobs. Either way, check it out!!!
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
If x equals number of blowjobs and y equals the amount of dollars charged for the BJ, how many would you have to give if you made $262 at the end of the night?
;)
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
I'd have to hit up Khan Academy to find out. I do know $262 of under the bridge bjs would equal lockjaw + very sore knees.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MellyMay
If x equals number of blowjobs and y equals the amount of dollars charged for the BJ, how many would you have to give if you made $262 at the end of the night?
;)
x = 262/y
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
;)
gotta love when formulas actually do have real life applications.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Math was never my strong subject either. Mostly because I never wanted to take the time to learn it, and therefore wouldn't. Its like learning another language that you don't want to learn, and that won't ever really be useful in the real world.
That being said, here is what I did. Its slightly cheating, but not really. More like working smart. I took 100% of my required math courses at a community college. Community colleges courses aren't easier than university ones (it depends on the teacher and the subject), but doing this was really beneficial for 2 reasons:
1.) Community colleges are typically really flexible. I took the class online when I could. I know that the ONLY way I learn is on my own time (I will not pay attention in the lecture unless it interests me), so this saved me the dread of having to go to a class lecture where I already know I hate the material. I learned on my own time, mostly when I was bored late and night, and then showed up for the assigned testing dates & times for exams.
2.) I researched the hell out of every single teacher that taught the math course. I found the easiest teacher (there are teacher review websites & forums out there- or at least there used to be!), and did anything in my ability to take it with the most lenient teacher out there.
Doing those 2 things^^^ made it so I didn't even have to bat an eyelash. I just took the stupid math courses and went on with my life.
So I would drop it until you find a teacher or delivery method that works for you.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Yeesh, my test on Wednesday is gonna be super challenging. Womp womp.
Thanks GlamourRouge as well.
You have all made me feel better at the least, and hopeful at the most. Sticking with it.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
I know you've reached a decision and I'm glad you're sticking with it.. I'm sorta in the same boat. I have to take the course I'm taking for my social sciences credit but math and science aren't my strong points.. English/Lib Arts are. I'm used to not writing my essay til the weekend before it's due and writing a first draft and having it be good enough to turn in.. Not so in math. :( I stopped taking it after my required grade 11 cos I was like eff that.
I found that I started to understand it if I really focused on it. I'm not used to having to focus on school, I'm naturally good at it so it was a real eye-opener when I realized "fuck I have no idea what I'm doing" on my quizzes etc.
When I study I put classical music on :D seriously it makes you zone in like crazy. I hammered through four-five hours of studying and it didn't even feel that long. I didn't even take a snack break lol
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Hey babes,
Just a quickie update. So WHOA last night I saw a commercial about Khan Academy - it's like the universe saying "JESUS H., NOW YOU'VE GOTTA CHECK IT OUT." Haha, it was totally random and I chuckled a bit at the timeliness.
What a difference a few days of PMSing can make. Wow. Obvs Monday I was in that shitty mind set. My circumstances are literally the same since then, but I at least feel less despondent. I'm glad to be sticking with it.
I have gotten a tutor, a friend who is a math instructor to middle school kids. I'm sure if she can deal with thsse lil' shit adolescents, she can handle me. She had offered many times, and I hesitated to have a friend help....but I'm over that. I need to learn to accept help when offered. It's too few and far between...
I'm not super confident about tonight's exam, but....I also don't feel like it's a total bust. A C is *fingers crossed* doable, though, I thought that for the last 2 tests. Womp womp.
Ummmmmmm...... so, this is new to me : I DON'T HAVE A MIDTERM. All of the tests are considered in place of the midterm. SO that 55% of my grade is these tests I've taken/am taking. whhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? It's weird.....he doesn't teach in the traditional Chap 1 then test, chap 2 then test ---- it's more like every 8 "sections" so it's a mix of chapters. Weird, but not life alteringly devastating.
Anyway, I just want to again thank you for your continued support! I'd like to succeed not only for myself, but for you all too!
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Update!
That class and teacher were still a big fail, even up til last week.
My "math achievement coach" has gotten me into another class, though self paced, without having a W from the lame class. In this self paced class, I can take the tests multiple times until I am satisfied with the grade. I am in the math lab/tutoring center the entire time. I'm already doing well and it's been a week.
I definitely think that I gave my all in the shitty class. I applaud myself for getting a one on one tutor, spending hours in the math lab, always asking questions when I don't understand, and persevering through despite being very discouraged. My inclination for a long time has been to just give up.
The stress has been lifted. I'm much happier, with just....life in general. (Doesn't hurt that 3 rad dudes popped up outta nowhere & I've got some dates coming up.) I have more time to cam again. The last 3 weeks were a challenge, if even attempted.
I plan to stop by the lame class on Monday to see how I did on my most recent test. Then Math 119 fades away into a memory. A memory I will force out of my mind immediately.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
Oh yeah. AND----
I'm on track to transfer to a university for FALL 2014. Just gotta take the 2nd part of this neverending Algebra class in Winter, and Stats in Spring. BOOM.
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Re: Doing poorly in my ONE school class, weighing the pros/cons of dropping the class
I share your same struggle - I was reading at a college level in the 6th grade but my brain checked out mathematically after fractions - I'm also ADD - I struggled in college every semester after midterms due to the ADD - 4 months was just to long for me to stay focused - luckily i found McKendree College - their format offers classes in 30 day increments - I kicked butt there and made the deans list even- they had the most awesome math teacher and I found a good tutor - my tutor said something that turned everything around for me in algebra - he said " stop trying to make sense of this - it just is - follow the formula and stop thinking about it " - for what ever reason that worked for me - I went on from there without the tutor and got A's in both Statictics and Quantitative Analysis - my point is to not give up - sometimes it just takes finding the right circumstances to make it work for you - good luck