Might Get Kicked Out Of CS Major, What Can I Do?

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

I’m currently in a CS Major at my University. It was very difficult to get into the program because my overall GPA when applying was only around a 3.1, but my pre req GPA was about a 3.8 (I had a 3.8+ on every pre req class, and I got a 4.0 in both beginning programming classes). I had such a low GPA because I am not a good test taker, and most of the classes at my University put a 50% or more weight of the final grade on your midterm and final exams. I absolutely hate that kind of grading scheme, as I am more of a “work on large project” kind of person.

I’ve been in the major for a year, but I cannot pass the first programming class. It’s in C++, and it also teaches some discrete mathematics. I understand C++, and the mathematics aren’t so hard. I get 90% or higher on the assignments.

The problem is 60% of your final grade is exams and quizzes. I have taken this class 3 times and it has always been that way. I’m on my last attempt, and it isn’t any better. I only managed to do well on my other programming classes because there wasn’t such a huge weight on the exams. At that time, it was only about 30-40%, and the professor did not give us a time limit to do the exam. We had all class, and if we needed time afterwards, we could work in his office, but only until he left. In this class, I am always given one and a half hours. The pressure of the exam and time limit always causes me to rush, over analyze, and just mess up on every question. I missed more than 10% on my midterm because of one question. I actually misread this question and answered a HARDER version of it. The professor acknowledged this and gave me half credit, but I didn’t get full credit only because I didn’t answer the question on the paper. That’s how bad it is.

At any rate, I think I am basically on track to get kicked out of my major, so I’m not really sure what to do. Are there any majors I can go to that won’t put such a huge emphasis on tests? I don’t even know what else I want to do besides programming. I’m actually good at this. I’m just not good at tests.

2

Go to the disabled student service office and get help or “tested” for test taking anxiety. They should be able to help.

3

Most colleges put a lot of weight on the finals. Somewhere between 35-40 percent is pretty normal.

4

My son read your post and said “That’s me” right down to the overthinking of the questions. He has an anxiety dx and is registered with his school’s disability office and gets time and a half on exams. It literally takes him half the exam time just to calm down enough to understand the questions. You will need to see a psychiatrist to get an official anxiety dx. I encourage you to do so.

5

I have anxiety and ADHD too. Before I took any test, I go somewhere to calm down, no distraction. Quietly review my notes.

6

I understand where you’re coming from, however just relax and realize that if you’ve studied and done the assignments then you’re fine.

7

One approach, which I used successfully with calculus and other higher math, is relentless immersion in tests that you create from problem sets or previous tests. As much as possible, gather the kinds of questions that appear on the tests you’re going to take (with the correct answers available to compare your answers to later). Spend many hours every day doing the tests you have created. I spent eleven hours everyday on doing problem sets for more than a year. I succeeded in higher math after being 12 years out of significant education because I did that.