So im in a weird situation i guess. In order to get into my computer science department i need a 3.0 gpa in 6 classes collectively. The six classes being english 1, english 2, calc 1, calc 2, physics 1, physics 2. I have a “C” in both english classes but i retook 1 and got a B+, I have a “C” in calc 1, a “B” in calc 2, a “C” in physics 1, and a “B” in physics 2. I went to speak with my advisor and he pretty much told me I’m in a tough spot and should rethink my major. I was pretty upset because i didn’t want to let go of computer science but it seems i probably should let go because a lot of my peers are flying through these courses with A’s and B’s, and I’m here struggling which would probably mean I wouldn’t do great in the CS courses. I can still get into the program if i retake english 2, and physics 1, but if I can’t manage to get decent grades first time around I feel like i wouldn’t do well in later courses. Has anyone retaken courses or struggled to get into the program? If i do retake these courses would it look horrible on my transcripts? Should i continue?
Why did you choose CS? It should be noted that those prereq’s are not very related to the core of CS. If you have prior experience with CS, continuing may make sense. It doesn’t directly follow that bad grades in those classes = not good at CS.
That said, the ease of your classmates comparatively is notable. I wouldn’t be too worried about transcripts at this point. Focus on finding your major/plan from here.
The bigger question to me, beyond why CS, is what are the possible alternative majors and paths? What else would you be interested in?
IMO, I think you’re fine. I’d focus on improving to do the best you possibly can if this is what you want for your future.
I was getting C’s like nobody’s business in community college and managed to start earning A’s and B’s in all my math classes after I transferred to university. I put in a lot more brain power into those classes and graduated with a math degree, which has opened doors for me. I currently work as a software engineer.
It just boils down to how bad do you want this, how much are you willing to put in, and if you’ve put in all you’ve got and can’t hack it, then what are you going to switch to next? You need to have a game plan.
I know a kid who couldn’t pass Calculus 2 and it was preventing him from getting further at his school in CS. He was doing good in his computer science classes, but he just could not do this class. I think he was on his fifth try before he finally passed when he took it with me and he graduated in CS, now works as a programmer in California and makes a decent living.