So my freshman year started off well, my lowest grade was B+ during my first semester rest were A’s, second semester i did a little bit worse getting B- as my lowest grade and a B+, rest were A’s. I go to a school that has trimesters so my third semester I really screwed up, I got an F in a math class… what made it even worse was that it was an easy math class. It was a pre-calc class that wasn’t all that hard I was struggling with some personal issues and skipped/ didn’t study. I even got a W that same semester because I dropped a business class. I am a computer science major and I love computer science. The lowest grade that I’ve gotten in a CS class was an A-. I’m really doubting my ability to major in CS now that I have to retake a lower end math class. I’ve gotten the confidence and counseling I’m going to work my butt off during this incoming fall term. Still, I ended up with a 2.87 GPA and it makes me worry. I will be taking Intro to Chemistry, the same math class that I failed, Writing second year (requirement), and Introduction to Japanese (not taking a CS class since the one that is next in sequence for me is not offered during fall term for some reason). I also plan to stay over the next two summers to get ahead and make up for my mistakes. Are my chances ruined? Should I switch majors? Do I have what it takes to be a computer science major?
By the way, I’m an incoming Sophomore. Also, my university (University of Oregon) does not have an Engineering program.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. It is not unusual at all for grades to be lower than usual freshman year. Many students have adjustment issues that first year. It is the first time living on your own with no parental supervision, no real rules, and a lot of new social situations. You did very well your first 2 quarters and really only had trouble that 3rd quarter.
It sounds like you have really made efforts to resolve whatever problems you had and are taking school seriously now. I would certainly not give up on CS because of one class. You sound a lot like my son his first year. He worked really hard his next year, took advantage of office hours, and got extra help in his one problem class. He found that instructors are often more interested in helping out a student who is making extra efforts to learn the material. He came back strong and you will too.
Also, I start school towards the end of this month.