Need some advice

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I do not really know which thread to put this in, but I think this is the best one.

Currently, I am in college trigonometry at a local CC. This is my last required class for my A.A. My problem is that I remember the formulas but it is just not fully clicking for me. I study for the tests, and I feel fairly confident that I will pass them, but when I get them back, I do not do well. From what I have read, the use of trigonometry in Calculus is not as in depth as I am learning, so I should be fine. As of right now, I have a 70 in the class, but if the trend of the test scores go as they are, I will fail the class. I am in high school, and if I do not pass I will still get my diploma, but I will not be apart of the AA graduates section. I know it is very silly to care about the specific group I am in, but this has been the only thing I have been passionate about throughout high school. Plus, I feel like despite what my parents say, I will feel like a disappointment to not just myself, but to them, too. I also am worried that I will not be able to test out of it when I take the math placement test at the university I am attending. I talked to my professor and she told me that all I need to do is memorize, memorize, memorize, and that “If I want to become an engineer” I have to be able to memorize everything very well. I feel like despite all of my hard work not just in this class, but over the years that this one subject will ruin a lot of things for me. As of right now, I am studying for the next test, then the final which is two weeks from now.

If there is any advice anyone can give please do, I feel like a failure and will greatly appreciate any feedback given.
Thank you

2

@Stedworth Trig is heavily used in calculus (especially Calc II), FYI

How do you study for the tests? Do you work extra, challenging problems without peeking at the answer first?

Where do you think your primary weaknesses lie in math?

3

Have you tried using some other materials, like a guide to trig from the local book store or setting aside time to watch videos and do problems on Khan academy?

4

@CharlotteLetter I think my biggest weakness is applying material from previous chapters/classes and knowing when to apply it
@CheddarcheeseMN I found a different tutor today. Much better, but I still have a lot to go. I will look on khan academy though!

Thanks!

5

Do you ask question in class and office hour?

6

I would definitely try to find some one on one help (is there free peer tutoring?/ do you have $ for a tutor?) AND I would use internet resources. I’m not familiar with which ones have good trig help, but I’ve looked at some for other subjects and they do a GREAT job of explaining and breaking down concepts as well as providing practice problems. Some even let you know – before you’ve finished the problem – if you’ve gone off track so that you can identify your issues.

Memorizing doesn’t help if you don’t understand, deep down, what it is you’re memorizing and why. What you have going for you is a desire to master the material, so you just need to connect that some good instruction.

I

7

@gardenstategal I found a tutor that helps me a lot. I understand the chapter so far so I think I’ll do good on the test.
@CharlotteLetter yes, almost every class