I’m planning on being an accounting major. I got a B- in 101 in the spring and just finished taking 102 for in a 4-week summer session. In 102, I got a 76 on my first midterm (dropped) and an 85 on the second. However, on the final, I failed with a 63 and barely passed the class with a C. Even though I passed, I was disappointed because I had studied very hard, but I also feel it was partly my professor’s fault. He’s very clear with what’s on the exam and even gives us a review sheet. We had to study all 6 of the statement of cash flows operating equations, and he only put one on the test and three of the equations we had never discussed in class and it wasn’t on the review sheet. I guess he expected us to read about it, but never gave us the pages to read since this was a 4-week class and we never read or were responsible for the entire chapters in class. Regardless, I did struggle in this class and in 101 and now I feel like I’m not smart enough for intermediate. I’m a slow learner, but most kids in my class seemed to understand everything the moment it was taught. I usually have to spend the weekend reading the textbook and doing problems until I get an “aha!” moment. I feel like I have to work twice as hard as the other kids while they don’t seem to, and I end up doing poorly while they excel.
Has anyone felt like this when they were in college? Are there any CPAs or recent graduates who did poorly but still succeeded in life? Should I just give up or continue into intermediate? I really want to be an accountant, but my grades are discouraging me.
I know someone who was a college accounting major many years ago who was put on probation because her accounting grades were too low. She switched her major to business and found the courses easier and managed to graduate. She then spent her entire career as an accountant working successfully for several different companies.
Never take a 4 week summer course…esp if you are a slow learner. You have no time to rest or let the info sink in.
Some people have to work harder at learning…that is okay. Make sure you get extra help with tutors and going to professor office hours.
it doesn’t sound like you have a great grasp on the foundation to accounting yet. Rather than take intermediate in the fall can you see if your allowed to retake 102. I think you might do better in a traditional semester than a abbreviated schedule which moves much faster. Also read the chapters your covering even if not told directly to. If your not allowed to retake spent time this summer reading the book, perhaps looking for a class on edx or coursera, see if a local community college has a class you can audit etc. No need to give up yet but you do want a good foundation.
@iickyviicky , I think the issue at hand was the accelerated summer schedule. You got a B- the first time, so it’s too early to say you’re not cut out for Accounting. In the future, don’t take the difficult classes during summer. Take easy classes during summer.