Hey guys. I’m in my second year as a Biology major and am retaking Bio 1 for the third time as well as College Algebra for the third time. The first time, I underestimated how difficult it would be and made a D. The second time, I underestimated my teacher and didn’t develop good study skills yet and made a D. I withdrew from Algebra my first time and failed it the second time. I’m retaking both classes for the third time. I’m so embarrassed but also determined. I’m not a science or math person. I’m more into the arts. But science fascinates me and the career I’m going into is biology based so I figured this major made sense. I’ve had my doubts. I know I’ll be graduating late because I’m two classes behind. If I passed the first time, I would be in Calculus and Botany and Animal science or something. Heck, even if I passed last semester, at least I would be in Bio 2 and trig. I’ll be honest. I’m scared. I’m confident I’ll pass all of my classes. But I’m scared of moving on to harder classes. I just wanted to see if I’m alone in retaking these same classes twice or if anyone has had this issue also. I know my roommate retook Chem twice (I passed my first time thanks to her) so that made me feel a bit better but not really because Chemistry is hard as heck… And school will only get more difficult.
I am sorry to hear of your difficulties at school. I admire you for your perseverance and confidence. Given you interest in arts and sciences, have you considered a career as a medical art illustrator? The requirements in the sciences are not as heavily emphasized as in biology.
My first thought is why are you studying something you aren’t really interested in and don’t seem to have an affinity for?
Why is the career you are going into biology based? Can I suggest you meet with an academic advisor at your college? Go to the career center too. Figure out what you actually want to study. Taking a class three times isn’t the problem. The problem is studying things you have no true interest in. Maybe you have to take a science class, but does it have to be biology?
I had to take required math classes in college a couple of times before I finally passed. I graduated in six years instead of four. I got my degree and have a career related to my degree. I am not sure why students are worried about graduating “on time” because your timeline isn’t the same as everyone else’s. You are young and still have plenty of time to figure out what path you can take. Use the resources at your college to help you figure it out.