My story is probably like everyone else s’ but for some reason I just can’t seem to pass a class every semester. Ive tried taking less classes and I always fail one. I don’t just mean your basic English class, I mean trig and calc and chemistry. Some of these may be a basic class or easy class to some people but math is not my strong suit at all and chemistry is basically a calculus class . I don’t want to quit college at all, nobody in my family has ever gone to college and I will do anything to get a degree. I know, go to the tutor and talk to teachers, ive done that. For some reason when I take tests nothing makes since anymore, like the teachers always ask the questions in a much harder way then how we learned it. Im a junior at OSU studying exercise science but I have to switch majors because I wont be able to get into the program now because of grades. If anyone has advice or any tips at all I am all ears!!!
Thanks
What is your GPA?
I’d go directly to your counselor to get advice. It’s hard to know the specifications at different schools so try asking someone who is pretty much getting paid to help you with stuff like this. Sorry about your situation, and I hope it turns around!
iv only had one semester at osu so far and its a 1.8 I believe
my counselor isn’t good at all, i just recently switched counselors and am meeting with him next week. my last counselor basically told me I need all A’s next semester in CHEM 1&2 and trig to stay afloat
That sucks. I don’t know you but I genuinely feel for ya. Let us know how the new counselor works out! And for a little inspiration - I know it was a long time ago but - my mom had a .9 her first sem of college and has been a successful nurse now for more than 20 years! Don’t give up hope!
I don’t understand - if you fail a class, aren’t you retaking it?
1.8 GPA is not academic probation where I teach. You should talk to the Dean of Students (or OSU’s equivalent) and find out what you really need to do - an academic counselor or advisor is not enough if you might have to drop out.
I appreciate it! Ill do anything to stay in school I really just don’t understand why I need some of these classes and im terrible at them.
It’s academic probation because it was my first semester. OSU is rough, my math teacher barely spoke english and she was teaching math. Math is like learning a new language to me, the numbers just get jumbled up and never make since.Also we never got formula sheets in that class.
Several things:
- I do not completely understand your situation. You say that you have finished 1 semester at Ohio State, but you also say that you fail one class every semester.
- If you have 1.8 at the end of first semester, you should need a 2.2 (assuming same no. of credits) in the next semester to come to `good standing';. Now. this good standing may not be sufficient for you to get into a major of your choice (especially in business or engineering), but you won't be dismissed from the university either.
- `Shop' for easier classes till you get to good standing ... it is as simple as that. This is not an advise a counsellor will give you, but ask other students and find classes that are easier to As and Bs. This may not help you get into a selective major, where they are expecting you to finish certain classes (and maintain good grades), but you will be able to continue at OSU.
If you don’t understand why you need some of your courses, and therefore you fail them, you need to change colleges.
My son is dealing with that in some regards, he just set up his first schedule and already he “has to” take a class he hates. Which he will likely fail because if he doesn’t like it, he won’t do the work.
You should think very carefully of what you want your major to be in regards to your career goals. You also may think about going to a trade school where you focus only on what your career goal is. For example, if someone wants to be a lab tech, they can go to a 2-year program where all you learn is to be a lab tech.
There are also colleges overseas, in Australia for one example, where you do not take any electives, you only take courses in your major.
Yes, if you can take electives (that you like) and get easy As, that is a way to get back on track.
BUT…If you HATE your program of studies, you should focus on what you DO like, and getting into that instead. You certainly should not be forced to take math if it is immaterial to your program of studies, but if you are studying exercise science, you need math to work the science.
Have you thought about becoming a personal trainer or something like that? The education would be much different.
My son went through the same thing his freshman year. He was majoring in Athletic Training and the science courses were very difficult for him. He managed a C in human anatomy but human physiology was terrible. He could retake a few sciences with the freshman forgiveness rule, but it still left him in a bad situation. He was miserable and going through a bad break-up at the same time.
Once I let him know that I was aware of the problems and wanted to help him, he felt a huge weight lift. So my first suggestion is to talk with your parents. My first question to him was “Do you like OSU?” - a resounding “yes” answer, so then we knew he wanted to stay there, but needed a different major.
We sat down at the computer together and looked through literally every major OSU offers http://majors.osu.edu/. We knew he needed something that wasn’t heavy in the sciences and finally settled on Construction Systems Management. Luckily his gpa was just high enough to transfer into that major and that fall he was like a new person! Very happy, regained his confidence and loves his major. It will take him an extra year to graduate, but will probably end up with a better paying job than he would have in AT. He’s completing a 6 month internship at the Columbus Airport (terminal modernization project) and will graduate next May.
I agree to try to take some Gen Ed courses to help bring your gpa up and take some time to look at other majors. Maybe take advantage of the services offered at the Younkin Success Center http://younkinsuccess.osu.edu/about-us/departments/career-counseling-and-support-services/ - it may give you more options than an advisor in your major may give.
It looks like you may be a transfer student? It looks like you’ll still need Biochen, Anatomy, Physics, etc. http://ehe.osu.edu/downloads/academics/program-sheets/exercise-science-specialization-in-exercise-science-education.pdf, which are all difficult. Open your thoughts to a new major and see what’s out there - you may be surprised. Good luck!
Is there a possibility you have a learning difference or disability? It sounds like you are especially struggling in math and math-based science classes, and on tests. This is not uncommon for someone with learning difficulties, which is not a reflection on you or your intelligence. If you’ve sought help via counselors, tutors and teachers, maybe it’s time to explore whether there is another issue at play. OSU has an Office of Student Life Disability Services. I would make an appointment with them. They offer counseling, advocacy and can help with accommodations, including on tests. Disabilities come in many forms. It is admirable that you are the first in your family to attend college and are determined to graduate. Perhaps discuss with them the possibility of a learning difference, the type of support you might need, and even whether you might consider a degree with less math and math-based required courses. Best wishes and don’t give up!
I am a sophomore at OSU, if I see you on campus perhaps we can get together and map out a strategy for your success this semester. I just finished General Chem 1 and 2 with a B and will be taking Calc 2 this semester. I must admit, I didn’t get an A because I was lazy and juggling a business at the time. But here are the websites that saved my math grade and science grade, and no its not Khan Academy… I love his ideology of free education for all but I just cannot learn very well with him. Here’s the sites that will help you out:
MATH (Pre-Calc through CALC 3)
https://www.calculusexpert.com/library/
CHEM, MATH(trig included), PHYSICS (ALL)
http://socratic.org/
What I did was I would use the videos above as my primary teaching avenues and then use the textbooks and lectures as a supplement.
Hope this helps