B-/C in PreCalc, did I ruin my chances?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm a PSEO student at my state's university. My high school is a year behind in math which is why I'm in precalc. I do very well in math and I helped tutor younger children and students in my grade for two years. The problem is...</p>

<p>I have terrible test anxiety. Once a test gets put in front of me in a giant lecture hall it's like I've never seen a plus sign before. I have a bad habit of looking away for minutes at a time, avoiding the test in front of me. I have seen a therapist and talked with my teachers, but nothing as improved my scores on a noticeable level. (this has included over-studying, spreading out my studying, and taking the test alone)</p>

<p>Outside of the testing site everything changes. I cruise through homework and help my classmates without even bating an eye. </p>

<p>It looks like this semester I am ending with a B-/C, which is the lowest grade I have ever received. I only need a C- for Calc, but will this effect my chances at more competitive colleges or med-schools? especially as PSEO classes?</p>

<p>In high school and this semester I ended with an A in Chemistry and Biology and an A in my other non-major courses, so I hope you understand that math is not my problem, it's the tests.</p>

<p>Should I retake this class or just move on and do better in Calc?</p>

2

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I’m not sure that’s true. How are you getting As in all your other classes if you freeze up on tests?</p>

3

<p>I think it’s math tests because they usually want a linear, structured way of doing things with littler variation (depending on the unit). With Biology and Chemistry, yes there are structured things but I feel that I can approach the problems from different angles and look at one variable first over the other. I guess I just get nervous thinking that my math teachers will be upset if I don’t do it there way, which is how it has seemed this semester.</p>

4

<p>I doubt that one grade will harm your chances. What I would be concerned about is this anxiety following you through college, med-school and beyond. You will have many anxiety producing examinations in your college career, especially if you’re going for med school. There is a lot more math to come.
I suggest continuing to see a psychologist about the problem until you have found a workable solution. Best of luck to you!</p>