<p>I'm a junior taking Precalc and I'm doing horrible in this class. I'm not sure why because I've always loved math. I had a 99 in Algebra 1 and a 97 in Geometry. Algebra 2 w/ Trig is where I started to question my math skills. </p>
<p>I've noticed that the teacher includes questions on previous chapters on the tests, which I always seem to forget. Thus, I keep scoring 75%'s on tests. I'm also not liking chemistry, which I have a B+ in. Other than that, I have A's in all other AP/Honors classes.</p>
<p>I want to major in computer science at a liberal arts university. The problem is that I'm not too good at calculus and not very fond of the natural sciences (Biology, Chem, Physics, etc.)</p>
<p>For CS, the good news for you is that “continuous” math like trigonometry and calculus are not used that much per se. However, you will need to be able to think logically, in a way that math generally gives you practice for. As a CS major in college, you will likely need to take a discrete math course, and some math-like CS theory courses.</p>
<p>If you attend a school where CS is in an engineering division, you will likely have to take calculus-based physics courses.</p>
<p>If you major in some type of non-CS engineering, physics and math courses like calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations will become more important.</p>
<p>It sounds like the problem is you are focusing too much on the process of the current topic and not enough on how it all fits together. Usually, especially with math, material will build on previous material in a way that if you really understand the current stuff then you pretty much have to know the early stuff. If you find that not being the case, is it possible you are putting your efforts into repeating the problem-solving patterns rather than understanding why a given concept works for a problem?</p>
<p>For me I got 89, 89, 93, 99, 96. 94. That is 1,2,3,4,Finalexam,final. I studied till 1 on most test days and read chapters front and back. By the end of the year I was prepared and did really well. Just study everday so you rmember evrything.</p>
<p>If Cs is truly your passion you do not even need a degree to get hired though it helps. If you devote all your time and energy into CS rather than the courses a liberal college will make take then your CS skills will be far superior to those who chose the latter option.</p>
<p>I like your logic, but unfortunately this is not Hollywood. When you say “If X is truly your passion, you don’t even need a degree to get hired, although it helps.” Obviously no one needs degrees to get jobs, but the reality is that you would get chosen over a candidate without a degree if you have one. And that makes all the difference.</p>
<p>You need to look at how you are studying. Many bright kids flounder at some point because they have been in classes that are so easy for them, they don’t learn effective study habits. The teacher will assign what he/she feels is necessary for students to master the material. That doesn’t guarantee it’s all that’s needed for <em>you</em> to master the material. You’ve already identified the main problem, which is that you aren’t retaining the material. So don’t wait for the teacher to assign a review. Take the initiative and review on your own. Read over older notes and chapters again, do extra problems for review, address your weaknesses, go over your old exams and make sure you still understand how to do all the problems. Also, study regularly instead of just right before a test. Repetition can increase long term retention. Oh, and get enough sleep.</p>
<p>It is true that CS is a subject where a self-educated person can be employed without the usual type of credential (bachelor’s degree). However, alternative credentials or achievements (e.g. quality open source software or contributions to open source software projects) are helpful in this case. Passion alone is not sufficient – one has to achieve at a recognizably high level to be successful (this applies to a lot of other things; a lot of people are passionate about some sport, but few achieve at a high enough level to make a living as a professional athlete).</p>