<p>I am a Freshman whose double majoring in Math and Engineering and I failed my Calc 1 class. Honestly, I'm devastated and depressed because of it. I LOVE Math, and I'm very upset with myself. I wanted this Math research position in a couple years, and it seems as if this dream has gone out the window because of this class. Help please?</p>
<p>Do you know why you failed?</p>
<p>Honestly, I didn’t do well on the tests. I had a 75% average on the quizzes, 98% average on the homework but failed the tests…</p>
<p>Do you know why you failed the tests? Was it time, or was it conceptual. </p>
<p>Does your school erase the F if you take it again?</p>
<p>Maybe get a tutor next time.</p>
<p>It was because she made the problems insanely hard, honestly. I’ve heard she’s had the hardest professor at the college. They will erase the D i received, but I really wanted that position…</p>
<p>Take a deep breath, and try again. I know it’s frustrating to fail when you’re highly invested in something. I had the same experience with the first Actuarial Exam. I failed that test (!<em>&$@^</em>), but I studied harder, and I’m taking it again in January. The key is to keep up your motivation, and change what needs to be changed.</p>
<p>I would recommend some books on problem solving. Specifically, this company is really good at that sort of thing: <a href=“https://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Store/viewitem.php?item=calculus[/url]”>https://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Store/viewitem.php?item=calculus</a></p>
<p>I’m currently going through their Algebra series and the Counting/Probability books. The problems they give you really illustrate the concepts. In fact the concepts are only introduced as needed to solve problems, so you never feel like “what is this good for?” If you need a refresher on algebra or arithmetic, check out the algebra/prealgebra books. Same for geometry, number theory, whatever interests you. </p>
<p>Finally, go to the library and look at the books. Try to figure out if you like some of them better than the others. Try to figure out why. Look at some really hard books (like Enumerative Combinatorics, available free online). Look at easier books. </p>
<p>Bottom line: do things that are consistent with being interested in Math.</p>
<p>I think you have way bigger problems than that math research program you keep talking about. Calculus is an essential basic course required for both your majors. How much will repeating it this spring throw off your schedule? Will you need to spend another semester or year in college? Can you afford that? </p>
<p>What can you do differently next time to make sure you do well? You said the professor gave hard exams, but you also said you never do well on exams. Can you find practice problems to work which will be as hard as what you’ll need to do on the exams? Does your school have some kind of assistance for students who are struggling and have you talked to those people? Did you go to the professor’s office hours?</p>
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<p>Take it with another professor, but make sure you can do those insanely hard problems. Seriously, get a tutor to help you learn the material. Don’t worry about the future past Calculus. Just get through Calculus.</p>
<p>Be prepared to accept picking a completely different major. You may not have to, but be prepared to.</p>