I love my CS classes but I'm struggling with math

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<p>This semester I am taking Data Structures & Algorithms as well as the first semester of Calculus. I couldn't love my CS class any more than I currently do but I'm constantly struggling in my Calculus class since I didn't pay great attention in high school in the core Algebra & trigonometry courses (I know enough to get by but I'm struggling with problems I shouldn't be struggling with) and since that class uses everything I should have mastered in high school, I have fundamental gaps in the knowledge needed to get a good grade in that class and my confidence is always low. </p>

<p>Tutoring is the knee-jerk solution to this problem, but there is only so much a tutor can do and my problem isn't with the concepts taught in Calculus (limits, derivatives, differentiation, min/max) but with simple algebraic simplifying and trigonometic identities. I feel useless and my horrible self-esteem is literally making me cry because this should be an easy class for a CS major but instead I'm at risk of getting a disgraceful grade.</p>

<p>Thankfully I own a popularly-used Precalculus textbook and realize there are tons of websites I can go on like PatrickJMT and Khan Academy that are designed to help tutor with these kinds of things, but I need help establishing a system of reviewing and establishing comprehension of the material so I can do better in my Math courses.</p>

2

<p>A good resource for identifying gaps is ALEKS.</p>

<p>You can often find 2 or 3 month free trials online (often associated with homeschool web sites).</p>

<p>Take the precalc assessment test and it will help you identify areas of weakness. Then you can focus on those specific areas (you can use ALEKS for this but sometimes it does not do a great job at introducing tough concepts. In this case though, I think it can really help you find where you need help.)</p>

<p>Also, can you postpone second semester calculus? This might depend on if you are in an engineering program or not. </p>

<p>Good luck! I’d say you are on the right track. Good for you for identifying the problem and then trying to solve it. You are showing maturity and willingness to accept responsibility.</p>

3

<p>If you have too much more trouble, you can always switch to CIS.</p>