Worst semester ever

Linas · #1 04-16-2008, 10:01 PM

Well, my semester started out by me being ambitious and taking 20 credits. Physics, Pre-Calc, Bio 101, and Lithuanian (language). I ended up dropping Physics mid term, because i was just doing terrible in it, and my other classes were suffering as well. After struggling with physics i got really far behind in pre-calc, and as im standing now, i am set up to fail this course. I want to tell my dad about it, but hes going to go crazy because he is paying for it. I am also afraid that he might decide to stop paying for it after finding this out. I am also concerned that this is going to effect my chances of getting into dental school. I have had a 3.5 gpa up until this point, but this semester i will be bringing home a 1.6 gpa

. What do you guys think?

heroincredible · #2 04-16-2008, 10:06 PM

Um, a 1.6GPA? really? At my university you get booted if you have a GPA less than 1.7, and if its between 1.7-2 you get put on academic probation. If at all possible drop pre-calc if there is no chance of you getting a passing grade.

Herrlster · #3 04-16-2008, 10:07 PM

Shouldn't've shot for the moon, or you should've tried harder...

Ericman197 · #4 04-16-2008, 10:30 PM

If the grades stick then yes, you will probably mess up your chances of getting into dental school. That may be a good thing, to be quite honest with you. If you can't handle physics or precalc then that's a huge problem. Your best bet now is to see if you can retake the class, which is an option at some schools.

jiant. · #5 04-16-2008, 10:56 PM

maybe try to see if they offer the class(es) during any summer semesters there and try to make it up then.

heroincredible · #6 04-16-2008, 11:02 PM

Oh and man up and tell your dad what the situation is. He might be disappointed/angry, but its far better letting him know whats going on sooner rather than later.

Try and retake the classes in a spring or summer semester, or one in spring and one in summer so you can focus on doing well.

jrthebassguy · #7 04-16-2008, 11:48 PM

I made a mistake once of taking too many credits...never again.

At one point I actually had a 1.0 GPA and placed on academic suspension, but now its above 2.0 (dunno the exact number) and I'm in good academic standing. I've been there man and I'll tell you it sucks, but straighten your crap together next semester and you'll pull through it.

Sneckumhaw · #8 04-16-2008, 11:50 PM

20 credits? That's nuts, this was unfortunately bound to happen.

oldrocker · #9 04-17-2008, 02:29 AM

How do those 4 classes add up to 20 credits?

peterbright · #10 04-17-2008, 05:17 AM

See if you can get an incomplete & repeat the courses you are having difficulty with.

CrashClint · #11 04-17-2008, 06:22 AM

If you have been maintaining a 3.5 GPA, there is a good chance you may just get probation. I would talk to your advisor right away. You should have been straight with your advisor and parents as soon as you started having problems keeping up.

CrashClint · #12 04-17-2008, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldrocker

How do those 4 classes add up to 20 credits?

If they have labs that go along with the class, it can add a couple credits to the class.

mothmonsterman · #13 04-17-2008, 06:24 AM

First of all, who in their right mind would study Lithuanian?

We all have bad semesters, I myself have been put on academic probation at least 4 times.

TrooperFarva · #14 04-17-2008, 07:12 AM

My advice is to take pre-calc and physics as summer courses at a local community college this summer, and then transfer the credits. It should count the same as re-taking the classes, so your GPA will be back in good shape, but the differences are 1) It's over the summer, so you still graduate on time, and 2) It's at a community college, so it's a lot cheaper.

heroincredible · #15 04-17-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mothmonsterman

First of all, who in their right mind would study Lithuanian?

We all have bad semesters, I myself have been put on academic probation at least 4 times.

Seriously??? Where do you people go??? Here you get academic probation once. The second time you get booted out, unless it really was only 2 bad semesters and you are a sweet talker. The third time, the guy wasn't so lucky and got kicked out.

santucci218 · #16 04-17-2008, 11:29 AM

take my advice, im a failure.

You dont want to do that kind of stuff. I look at how i am in school and its pathetic. Im a total loser. I take like 4 classes and i usually fail 2 or 3 of them.

you dont want to be like me. If that means being a part time student just so you pass the few classes you do take, its a much better choice than taking too many and doing poorly.

KeithBMI · #17 04-17-2008, 11:34 AM

Welcome to my world.

Join the club.

**Thor** · #18 04-17-2008, 11:48 AM

I would have a heart to heart with your pre calc instructor first,
and explain your difficulties. See if there is any tutoring
available to bulk you up.

Secondly, make an appointment to see the Dean of Students
or Dean of your class. Again, explain your difficulties, and
ask advice for the best way to resolve your issues successfully.

Do these things immediately!

Profs and Deans are often willing to cut you a break if you
are open and candid with them. They are willing to help people
who show a willingness to help themselves. Believe me, you
are not the first guy who found himself way over his head in
college. Most people aren't smart enough to holler for help
when the going gets rough. So, GET SMART!

Lastly, make an appt with your Dad to discuss your situation
and concerns. You can also demonstrate that you are taking
corrective actions with the Profs and Administration. As noted,
you may have to retake the course, or you may take a
summer course. With the dean's approval, you may ask for an
extension till the fall. I once got seriously behind on a Math
Psych course, 201 level, and the dean arranged for me to hand
in all the work on Sept 1st for full academic credit for
the previous semester. My sales career started early.

I think your Dad will be much more sanguine about the situation
if you have addressed it proactively. But you should
address it with him asap.

Brad Barker · #19 04-17-2008, 11:58 AM

know your limits. i absolutely hate taking any more than four classes a semester. i have a friend, though, who would take seven+/-one class every semester for about two years. i knew what kind of schedule i could handle, and he knew what kind of schedule he could handle.

jokn388 · #20 04-17-2008, 12:38 PM

+1 on that.

My roomate/best friend is preparing to take 21 credits and I will be very surprised if he doesn't maintain his 4.0...he's absolutely crazy.

But we all have our rough semesters. My guess is you are taking pre calc and physics for some kind of requirement outside of the major (we call it CORE at UMD). So my suggestion is to take others suggestion and talk to the professors, maybe if you can do well on the finals and show that in the end you understand the material they will give you a passing grade. Go in to office hours whenever you can.

And live and breath the subjects Stop playing bass/going out/getting sleep. Seriously. People get good grades in hard classes because they put in incredible amounts of time. Math and physics are hard subjects, especially for those who are majoring in a non-math related field.

And also keep in mind that your grades can drastically improve until the semester ends. Most classes have 1 more series of tests and then a final, with other projects, homeworks, and papers. The end of the semester has the highest density of points, so get cracking. It's not over yet. Just live and breath the stuff everyday and you can get those grades up to a passing level. I did it last semester, it sucked, one of the worst times of my life, but it all paid off in the end.