Help!! Tough Situation - One class left to graduate...

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hello, I don't know if this is the right place to post this in, but I have some frustration and worries with my current situation and I'm hoping to get some thoughtful advice and support. I'll try to keep this as short as I can.</p>

<p>I recently "graduated" from college and finished all the requirements for the major... except for passing one required class, which I will be retaking this upcoming fall. The professor is really strict at grading and isn't nice about partial credit. A lot of my classmates made the same mistakes ended up barely passing the class or not passing the class at all. The thing is that the same professor is teaching the class again this fall. The class is only offered once a year in the fall and I tried to find every way I could think of to make up for the class before graduation in June. However, that was unsuccessful and now I'm stuck retaking the class this fall with the same professor. After completing the rest of my other coursework, I don't see much relevance from this course. I really wish I didn't have to take this class, but it's required by ABET in order to receive my degree. </p>

<p>He flunked a handful of other people too, so he'll be seeing some familiar faces this fall and I don't think he'll be any nicer with grading this time around. I can go to every office hour and ask questions, but I don't want it to look like I'm putting on a show. I usually try to figure things out on my own and if I'm really stuck, I'll ask the professor. Maybe I'm not understanding things correctly? Even if I work really hard and try my best, I still run the risk of not passing again which is what I'm really afraid of. I don't want 5 years of hard work and stress to go to waste just because of one class. </p>

<p>Since I only have that class to deal with this fall, I have tons of free time. I tried getting an internship for the fall, but I got turned away from two of them because I can't make a full-time commitment thanks to that class which meets twice a week, in the middle of the day. The grace period on my student loan is going to end in a few months and I really want to get started paying it off, but this class is just causing a lot of delay in my plans. I just want to successfully complete the class, get my degree, get a job, and get started with my engineering career. </p>

<p>In a nutshell, I am one class away from completing my B.S. degree and I'm really worried about my current situation with that class. Have any of you been in a similar situation? How did you cope with the psychological stress and frustration? Any advice for someone going through this situation?</p>

2

<p>I really suggest that you just suck it up and do everything you have to to succeed in your one class. Do every single practice problem and be thoroughly careful not to make math mistakes, and ask for help whenever you need it. It doesn’t matter if you don’t see the value in the course; complaining about it won’t get you out of having to do it nor will it make it any easier.
Keep looking for internships or part-time work in some way, shape, or form. You’ll get some money, which is always a good thing. Also, you have plenty of time to apply to places so that you know that you’re graduating into a job.</p>

<p>All in all, you pretty much have to do the obvious things which you already know. Don’t try to circumvent it.</p>

3

<p>Yep, sounds like life. You just need to do it, and more than likely take the class more seriously, become more disciplined, and get the grade your potential deserves.</p>

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<p>Absolutely.</p>

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<p>Why? Obviously a lot of other people passed the class (since only a handful failed), they didn’t have some magical potion, and, since you already have seen the material, it should be even more simple. </p>

<p>I understand that some professors are more strict, but you just have to adapt, complaining will get you nowhere.</p>

4

<p>You already know what you need to do to finish, so why not just bite the bullet and do it?</p>

<p>Do you realize how ridiculous this situation is? You spent 5 years of your life working towards a valuable, and rewarding degree. Do you really want to throw it all away for NOTHING in return?</p>

<p>Muster up any kind of energy you have and pass this class. Seriously. Take good notes, attend every class, and do all problems he assigns (including any “optional” ones). Join a study group if that helps you. Find a tutor on campus. </p>

<p>Believe me, once you finish your degree, you will kick yourself for thinking the way you are now.</p>

5

<p>Start studying now!</p>

6

<p>I’d say since you already took the course and know what he tests you on it should be easy this time around…</p>

<p>I hope you saved a lot of your homework. Really nail everything down. Don’t let this one class stand in your way from moving on with your life.</p>