I am currently working towards a major in economics but i’m scared of taking calculus courses. I’m required to take
Calculus I and II, and I am almost positive I will not pass them. In high school, I did good in algebra I and II and geometry. But as soon as I got to pre-calc, I barely passed it with a 70. My teacher was helpful, I studied constantly, but as soon as I came to take the test, I couldn’t do it. Even my homework was a challenge and took me over two hours to finish 10 problems. I hated that class and I don’t want to ruin my GPA and sanity by taking Calculus.
I would have to take Calculus I and II at a community college.
Is there a way to see if I am going to suck as Calculus?
Do you think it would be a good idea to switch my major?
Does your college offer pre-calculus? I know you passed it in high school, but it might help to take it again.
Do you have any careers in mind yet?
Calculus is a lot different from Pre-calc, at least for me and my ability to understand them (I also had a hard time with Pre-calc, but found Calculus to be manageable). I would say that, if you truly want to major in Econ, to not switch just because you would need to take Calc.
If you don’t actually want to do Econ, then switch anyway. If you’re taking Calc in college and it’s just way too bad, then consider switching after talking to an academic advisor. In any circumstance, I would not change majors until you have had a real talk with your advisor.
@Class2020ru If you wish to major in econ, I also suggest retaking pre-calculus even though you passed it. Calculus isn’t really that bad, but it can be a nightmare if you don’t have adequate preparation beforehand.
Does your school have a math support program? Talking to someone in that program or just talking to a math professor who has a reputation for being helpful might yield some suggestions about services your school offers that can help you. You’re not the first student they’ve seen who’s been anxious about calculus. If the support is available, getting it set up before you get into the class could help give you the confidence you need.