<p>I agree with the others who have said that 'C’s in the first semester of an engineering school is nothing to take drastic action about such as quitting. This is especially true at schools that actively practice ‘grade deflation’ in the weeder courses of the engineering department. </p>
<p>I think you need to find a way to educate your parents that what you’re experiencing is the norm for that school (assuming it is), and that you’re better off sticking with it assuming you still generally like the material and major. Maybe your parents just aren’t familiar with the way many engineering departments work (brutal grading at times). You’ve now had a level-set and understand better what’s required to get higher than a C and now you can adjust. As you adjust and realize the level of effort and resources you need to put into the classes your grades will likely improve.</p>