Failed Calculus 2, Computer Science Major

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

Hi everybody,

I just got news back that I did not pass calc 2. As a computer science major trying to transfer to a UC in 2018, this sent shivers down my spine. I spent most of my time this quarter focusing on my data structures class (which I was happy to get an A in) but I experienced some serious anxiety during my final calc final and my grade came crashing down in what seemed like one day. I feel like such a fool for neglecting my math class so much and I will seriously be rethinking the way I allocate my time. Obviously my grade was not headed in a good direction before the final and in a way, I’m almost glad that I can retake it to “replace” the D on my GPA. Still, having to compete for a spot in such a competitive major with a D on my transcript feels a little like I’m setting myself up for failure.

I love computer science but I’m also interested in business and I have a strong creative mind (I’ve always thought about industrial/product design). I’m outgoing and presentable and I haven’t met many computer science students at my current school who are very similar to me (I’ve always thought that this could actually be a good thing but who knows). Sometimes I get scared that I’m only staying afloat because I’m spending all of my time on CS work and that I’m still in the beginning and I may not be cut out for it. I’m only at a junior college right now and at this point I can’t even imagine what a UC program is like. I don’t have a deep rooted love and passion for computing but I’ve always been a content creator and I have a great deal of interest in getting a product to consumers - especially software due to it’s reachability to people. I am very capable (ignoring the fact that I just failed calc) and I feel that I have many strong aspects of who I am that aren’t being breached by computer science.

This is me freaking out and questioning my major and I have tons of reasons to stay where I’m at. Still, I think I have good reason to question what I’m doing. What do you think?

Thank you so much for reading and I’d greatly appreciate any feedback.

TD/DR - Failed Calc 2. Questioning CS. I love CS but I’m open minded to many careers and majors.

2

I was in the same position as you except I didnt fail any class. I chose CS as my major in my freshman and sophomore years. I got A for all of the Math, Physics, and 2 CS classes that I took. However, I felt really really bored sitting there setting up strategies, writing out pseudo codes, typing in the codes, then you run what you have, fail, try again, fail again for like a hundred of times before your codes work. And to be honest, sometime, I had no idea why my codes worked. After finishing my second CS class, which was C++, I decided to switch to Math major, and I applied to UCLA with Pure math major. I can do Math all day long, but I cannot code for an hour. I love explaining how Math works, and I plan to go to grad school and pursuit a teaching job at a community college in the futue.

The different thing between me and you is that you are interested in CS, I was not, or I realized I was not after taking the 2 CS classes. You know why you failed Calc 2. It was not that you are stupid or anything, probably you just didnt spend enough time for it. Calc 2 is not an easy class, especially if you are not too into math. It is actually one of the hardest Math in my CC, just after Linear Algebra and Diff. equations. To me, Calc 3 is even easier than Calc 2. Retake it, be serious this time.

You can be majored in CS and minor in Business, or otherwise, depends on what career you want to do in the future. Actuary requires a lot of Math, so you probably dont want it. All of these are impacted majors at any UC, however, even if you dont get in, keep following your dream at the school that values you. My CS professor got both of his Bacc and Master degree from Cal Poly Pomona, and he is making more than 150k a year (thats why I want to become a professor LOL). So, keep up good work, seek help from your college’s resources as needed, change if you dont like what you are doing. I know it wastes time, but i think youd rather waste several years than spend your whole life regretting what you chose. I had a Math professor who had a Master in Pshychology, but then went back to school to take some more classes and applied to a grad school for master program in Math.

3

Just retake, get an A and explain exactly what you said - you were focused on other areas. Not all is lost.

4

@andrewjchang Thank you for the response. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I love CS, I guess it’s just I feel like I appreciate different aspects of it than most other CS majors I meet. I’m glad that you found something that you feel so passionate about at an incredible school.

5

@Ohm888 Thank you for the response, it’s nice to have some reinforcement when I’m feeling fairly down. I feel that a decent explanation of what happened while applying could help me a great deal.

6

@thanksagain The UCs are actually pretty forgiving of transfers. They know we have things on our plate high schoolers don’t. No one wants a failing grade in a major req but I really believe an explanation will help offset it, depending on your GPA and how you do second time around. Good luck.

7

Reading this it seems the real question is not about tactics but about strategy. Not about how to get a better grade in calculus but what your career goals should be. I suggest you go talk with a counselor in your schools career center. that’s what they are there for, to help students identify careers that satisfy their interest.

8

@mikemac has a good point.

9

“I don’t have a deep rooted love and passion for computing”

This to me signals that you probably wouldn’t be happy in CS longterm.

10

There are so so many great jobs where a strong CS background can be combined with an interest in business and creative design. You’re instinct is right…it can be a strength. Talk to some of your CS teachers about this. At the CC level (if that’s where you are), CS faculty often have extensive experience in industry which can make them terrific resources. Once you’ve identified some possible alternative career options, see if you can set up a few job shadows over the summer to see these jobs in action.

11

CS is so competitive to get into as a transfer that a D grade in Calc will probably keep you out, even if you repeat it and get an A.