<p>I'm working on a biology degree but struggle so much with algebra that I don't know how I'll get past the core math to get any degree at all. I'm good with chemistry and physics math so maybe that's a sign that my case isn't completely hopeless, but I just don't understand college algebra at all. I take detailed and well organized notes, never miss a class, study for what seems like hours and have even seen tutors, but still get embarassing scores. I even studied on my own all summer long but am already falling behind. </p>
<p>They will test me next week for a disability in math, but I don't know how basic accommodations like extra time during tests will help. Maybe I just haven't found the right tutor yet. Part of the problem also seems to be that the professor shows us very easy examples in lecture but then assigns way more complicated problems in homework and on tests without showing us how to work them. There were even a couple problems on the last test that came from brand new material I'd never seen before, so I had no idea how to even start them. If I wanted to teach myself, I wouldnt have wasted my money paying for this class at all and would have long since clepped out.</p>
<p>I understand the material from the class underneath this one, which I did pass, so I don't even know where to begin or why Im failing this one. It's like there's a major information gap in between the two classes that I'm missing and don't know how to get to. </p>
<p>I feel like the butt of some joke for trying to get a science degree with math problems like these, but there's nothing else I'm interested in. I love everything from medical research to neuroscience to particle physics, and I know Im not dumb, but that's what it really feels like right now. Is there hope for me at all?</p>
<p>Don’t give up! I am a high schooler and in multivariable calculus. You must be thinking I am a genius right? NOPE. I am actually not even that great at math naturally. I learned that you HAVE to study the subject very hard. I struggled in algebra one also. I too found the tests and homework harder than examples discussed in class. The key is taking innovative and looking at the hard problems a head of time and then asking the professor as she teaches the easy ones. I also use shalums outline to get me exposed to all kinds of problems. Believe it or not, but I may have some kind of learning disability. I work my a$$ off though and get good grades tho.</p>
<p>Could you find a tutor or upperclassman to help walk you through the harder homework problems or show you how to solve them (perhaps, describing their thought process as they go along)? Problems always seem easier when the professor or TA is doing them, but you need to practice doing them yourself without any help at all. After you see another person solve them, practice doing as many problems as you can. Think about why you’re doing what you’re doing–don’t just memorize the solution as the professor or TA does it.</p>
<p>Perhaps, you could work with someone to try and figure out what about the subject that you’re struggling with. The problem may not be how much time you’re spending on the subject but how your studying or what you’re focusing on. Is it missing prerequisite knowledge? Do you just need to practice more problems until you get the hang of it? Is there a certain type of problem that you struggle with? Are you over thinking the problems because you’re just too stressed or rushed? Have you gone over your exams to see where you went wrong? Try to go through the harder problems that appear on the test with your professor or TA so that they can explain to you the thought process they were expecting you to go through. What may seem like “brand new material” could easily be the application of the course material in a new way or to a new problem.</p>