Failed sophomore year - what to do now?

Parents Forum
1

<p>I am a sophomore at a university in Texas studying biomedical engineering. This semester I failed three of my courses, all of which are graduation requirements and needed for my degree. This in turn dropped my GPA well below a 2.0, which is below the minimum academic standards that my college requires. </p>

<p>Because of my academic performance, I am now on academic probation; I will have this fall semester to make up for this by receiving a GPA that meets the academic standards, or else I face academic suspension or may be dropped from my program depending on the circumstances. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what I should do at this point. </p>

<p>For one thing, I am certain that I will take a leave of absence for at least one semester, hopefully to return later. However I am unsure what I should do during this period of time. I am considering taking classes at a community college that could possibly give me college credit, however I am a bit confused about the application process. According to the website, I can apply either as a freshman or a transfer student. I don't think I can apply as a freshman because it's not like I'm fresh out of high school, but I don't think transfer student applies to me either because I am not looking to switch colleges, and I have not been dropped from my university yet, only on probation. </p>

<p>The other option I am considering is to transfer to another 4 year institution, however I wish to keep my current university as a backup. This involves taking classes at my local community college and transferring to a 4-year college when I can, however if I am not accepted to any then I return to my primary university and continue as normal. But how would I go about this process, considering that I am not officially enrolling in their associate degree program? By this I mean that I will not be attending the CC for two years, only one semester. </p>

<p>I'd really like to sort this problem out and continue with my life. Any help would be appreciated.</p>

2

<p>How about waiting a few days before working out the logistics of your next move and instead giving some thought to why this semester went so badly for you? If you can figure out what went wrong, you may be able to come up with a plan to do better whenever and wherever you resume your studies.</p>

<p>Biomedical engineering is a tough major, and it’s not for everyone. Could it be that it’s not a good choice for you? If the courses you failed are in your major or are closely related to your major, it could be that you would be better off studying something else.</p>

<p>If that’s not the reason for your low grades, can you figure out what is? Did you spend too little time studying? Did you plan your time badly? Did you turn assignments in late? Did you skip classes? Did you do poorly on assignments or tests because your math skills or writing skills are not as good as they should be? Were you distracted by things in your personal life, such as a relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend?</p>

<p>Think a little about what went wrong. It may help you figure out what you could do right the next time.</p>

3

<p>If you want to take classes at the community college, but remain a student at your current school, you do so as a non-matriculating student - one who is not working toward a degree. This is no different than someone who takes summer classes at another school.</p>

<p>Before you do this, talk to an advisor at your current school to make sure they allow this.</p>

4

<p>Why do you want to take classes at a community college? I agree with taking a break to figure out what went wrong first. Community college isn’t always the ‘answer’ to getting back on track.</p>