Already failing...

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CollegeGirl94

CollegeGirl94

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So it's the second day of classes... And after homework/studying/classes...

Biochem - Surprisingly easy so far (review). But I'm scared for what will come soon...

Multivariable Calc - Picturing things in 3D sucks, but should be fine.

Physics - ^ and prof. expecting us to have already taken Multivariable so he's skipping chapters, homework killed me (spent an hour on a easy problem I still don't get).

Bio Lab - It's a lab for a Bio I haven't taken. Not a problem to learn it, except it takes time.

Am I overdoing it? Should I switch a class for an easier one before it's too late?
 
How are you already failing? 3.5 classes seems like a reasonable course load. Could be worse. Also, how are you just starting these courses now?

What are your ECs?
 
midnight0il said:
How are you already failing? 3.5 classes seems like a reasonable course load. Could be worse. Also, how are you just starting these courses now?

What are your ECs?
Click to expand...
Sorry, I still have Spanish, which is of course.. not a problem as well as another partial credit for TA'ing.

I go to a quarter system school, so last quarter (technically trimester) just started. A full course load here is 3-4 classes with 5 overloading.

By failing, I mean not doing well/understanding.
 
Ah. Makes sense. I have no experience with non-two-semester systems, so I'll defer to others.

My general advice is not to overwhelm yourself. Poor course planning can decimate a GPA. Drop something if you feel that you can't handle it.
 
midnight0il said:
How are you already failing? 3.5 classes seems like a reasonable course load. Could be worse. Also, how are you just starting these courses now?

What are your ECs?
Click to expand...
Clinic (1 day), Hospital (1 day), Research (1), Leader Thingy (1) and hope to start another Research soon/in the summer.
 
Last edited:
Is there a reason you are taking calc-based physics?
 
midnight0il said:
Ah. Makes sense. I have no experience with non-two-semester systems, so I'll defer to others.

My general advice is not to overwhelm yourself. Poor course planning can decimate a GPA. Drop something if you feel that you can't handle it.
Click to expand...
Yeah.. I think I may need to drop the lab after my professor told me it'll get worse/I should have this Bio "under my belt" before taking the Lab. But I don't want it while taking my last Orgo next year either.
 
Are you a junior then? Idk, calc-based physics seems like a nightmare, and I have heard it is at my school. Usually only physics majors take it. If at all possible I would drop that and take general physics next year, that is if you are just starting the first quarter of it. I went to a quarter system school and I know how much it sucks when things aren't offered each quarter. A lot of people had to graduate a quarter or two late, myself included. I wouldn't overwhelm yourself either, especially with how fast quarters go. Biochem is basically all memorization so if you are good with that, don't drop it. If it is only the second day and you already feel in over your head, you should do something about it.
 
Why don't you just take the classes you are prepared for/have the prereqs for ? Can you take something else that you also need to get done?
 
CATDEWORMER said:
Why don't you just take the classes you are prepared for/have the prereqs for ? Can you take something else that you also need to get done?
Click to expand...
Well, all I technically need to add for Physics is a chapter of vectors, so I kind of was a bit dramatic. Especially since freshmen take it.
It's not that I don't have the pre-req for Bio Lab (freshmen are taking it now...), it's just a lot to learn for a Lab (that will hopefully benefit me for the class).
 
cjcarter said:
Are you a junior then? Idk, calc-based physics seems like a nightmare, and I have heard it is at my school. Usually only physics majors take it. If at all possible I would drop that and take general physics next year, that is if you are just starting the first quarter of it. I went to a quarter system school and I know how much it sucks when things aren't offered each quarter. A lot of people had to graduate a quarter or two late, myself included. I wouldn't overwhelm yourself either, especially with how fast quarters go. Biochem is basically all memorization so if you are good with that, don't drop it. If it is only the second day and you already feel in over your head, you should do something about it.
Click to expand...
It's not that bad here. If anything, it's easier than the algebra-based/filled with premeds/huge class sizes/hard exams course.
This one has easier exams/homework/quizzes, but I suck at Physics in general. I like it. I just suck.
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
It's not that bad here. If anything, it's easier than the algebra-based/filled with premeds/huge class sizes/hard exams course.
This one has easier exams/homework/quizzes, but I suck at Physics in general. I like it. I just suck.
Click to expand...

TPR mcat physics manual is better than most physics texts for both physics. You could use it to help you master physics.
 
Idrinkwater said:
TPR mcat physics manual is better than most physics texts for both physics. You could use it to help you master physics.
Click to expand...
TPR won't help with calc based physics...

Your class load doesn't seem to be too much along with your EC's, but everyone is different and only you know yourself. If it is too much for you, drop a class or some activity
 
lmn said:
TPR won't help with calc based physics...

Your class load doesn't seem to be too much along with your EC's, but everyone is different and only you know yourself. If it is too much for you, drop a class or some activity
Click to expand...

never mind
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
So it's the second day of classes... And after homework/studyin'/classes...

Biochem - Surprisingly easy so far (review). But me be scared for what will come soon...

Multivariable Calc - Picturin' things in 3D sucks, but should be fine.

Physics - ^ and prof. expectin' us to have already taken Multivariable so he's skippin' chapters, homework killed me (spent an hour on a easy problem me still don't get).

Bio Lab - It's a lab for a Bio me haven't taken. Not a problem to learn it, except it takes time.

Am me overdoin' it? Should me switch a class for an easier one before it's too late?
Click to expand...

It's just the start of the quarter. You'll get used to it fast. Use all the resources available.

EDIT: mwahahahaha. beat the glitch
 
Agent B said:
it be just t' start of t' quarter. You'll get used to it fast. Use all t' resources available.

EDIT: mwahahahaha. beat t' glitch
Click to expand...
I don't have your Physics skills, I have no Physics skills. :dead:
 
Biochem
Multivariable Calc
Physics
Bio Lab
Spanish
Clinic (1 day), Hospital (1 day), Research (1), Leader Thingy (1) and hope to start another Research soon/in the summer.

Can you drop biochem and take it in the fall? It'll give you time to devote to physics and calc, otherwise, everything else looks good.
 
Theafoni said:
Biochem
Multivariable Calc
Physics
Bio Lab
Spanish
Clinic (1 day), Hospital (1 day), Research (1), Leader Thingy (1) and hope to start another Research soon/in the summer.

Can you drop biochem and take it in the fall? It'll give you time to devote to physics and calc, otherwise, everything else looks good.
Click to expand...
yes, but since it's required for higher up courses and won't be offered until next year 2nd quarter (gotta love this system...) and i'm already behind on the sequence (physio, the one for this lab), I shouldn't really drop anything.. So I'm stuck and worried and confused.
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
yes, but since it's required for higher up courses and won't be offered until next year 2nd quarter (gotta love this system...) and i'm already behind on the sequence (physio, the one for this lab), I shouldn't really drop anything.. So I'm stuck and worried and confused.
Click to expand...

I don't think I'd survive at a quarter system school, semesters allow more room for freedom to do things other than school. What about summer? If not, it's a doable schedule. Just hang in there and strive through it.
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
yes, but since it's required for higher up courses and won't be offered until next year 2nd quarter (gotta love this system...) and i'm already behind on the sequence (physio, the one for this lab), I shouldn't really drop anything.. So I'm stuck and worried and confused.
Click to expand...

There really isn't anything to be worried about though...
 
Theafoni said:
I don't think I'd survive at a quarter system school, semesters allow more room for freedom to do things other than school. What about summer? If not, it's a doable schedule. Just hang in there and strive through it.
Click to expand...
It's hell haha. Every week starting the 3rd week is midterm week.
Orgo in the summer. Gotta love making up for being a terrible student!
 
You are clearly doing too much if you are stressed out on day 2
 
moisne said:
You are clearly doing too much if you are stressed out on day 2
Click to expand...
But I'm not stressed because of timing. I'm stressed because Physics/Bio Lab are too hard in combination with other classes.
 
If you can drop a class, I recommend that you drop the course you're least excited about (physics?). Since it's early in the quarter for you, I think going back to the basics will be essential since you have time to prevent any disasters from occurring.

1. Create a Study Schedule, including all lectures, labs as well as office hours

2. Go to ALL office hours; bring questions with you

3. Schedule your study time immediately after lectures to prevent yourself from having to relearn material

4. If necessary, sign up for tutoring at the learning skills center on campus or go to TA office hours

5. Create or join a study group for the most difficult classes

6. Take practice exams before actual exams; educational psychology research indicates that this is the best way to prepare for exams and to identify any gaps in your knowledge

I've also written a blog on this topic, located here. I hope this is helpful. You can do it! Just create a realistic schedule and follow it, each week. Remember to schedule in stress reducers like yoga or any other physical activities that you enjoy. Good luck!
 
Drop something so you will have time to focus on your harder class.
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
So it's the second day of classes... And after homework/studying/classes...

Biochem - Surprisingly easy so far (review). But I'm scared for what will come soon...

Multivariable Calc - Picturing things in 3D sucks, but should be fine.

Physics - ^ and prof. expecting us to have already taken Multivariable so he's skipping chapters, homework killed me (spent an hour on a easy problem I still don't get).

Bio Lab - It's a lab for a Bio I haven't taken. Not a problem to learn it, except it takes time.

Am I overdoing it? Should I switch a class for an easier one before it's too late?
Click to expand...

Wait, people are giving out different responses. Are these (and Spanish) the only classes you're taking this quarter?

CollegeGirl94 said:
Sorry, I still have Spanish, which is of course.. not a problem as well as another partial credit for TA'ing.
I go to a quarter system school, so last quarter (technically trimester) just started. A full course load here is 3-4 classes with 5 overloading.
By failing, I mean not doing well/understanding.
Click to expand...

Ok I got it now. Multivariate, biochem and Spanish are going well for you. Good. Bio lab is time-consuming and physics is apparently difficult. Not surprising. This is a common problem and requires good time-management skills. But these are the only classes giving the problem and you shouldn't have a problem.

Now from your earlier thread, you have a low sGPA. In that case, wait out around the end of second week and if you're still struggling, drop it. Now your mission is to increase the sGPA and even going the easy route is perfectly fine.
 
AliciaAccepted said:
If you can drop a class, I recommend that you drop the course you're least excited about (physics?). Since it's early in the quarter for you, I think going back to the basics will be essential since you have time to prevent any disasters from occurring.

1. Create a Study Schedule, including all lectures, labs as well as office hours

2. Go to ALL office hours; bring questions with you

3. Schedule your study time immediately after lectures to prevent yourself from having to relearn material

4. If necessary, sign up for tutoring at the learning skills center on campus or go to TA office hours

5. Create or join a study group for the most difficult classes

6. Take practice exams before actual exams; educational psychology research indicates that this is the best way to prepare for exams and to identify any gaps in your knowledge

I've also written a blog on this topic, located here. I hope this is helpful. You can do it! Just create a realistic schedule and follow it, each week. Remember to schedule in stress reducers like yoga or any other physical activities that you enjoy. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tips!
 
Agent B said:
Wait, people are giving out different responses. Are these (and Spanish) the only classes you're taking this quarter?



Ok I got it now. Multivariate, biochem and Spanish are going well for you. Good. Bio lab is time-consuming and physics is apparently difficult. Not surprising. This is a common problem and requires good time-management skills. But these are the only classes giving the problem and you shouldn't have a problem.

Now from your earlier thread, you have a low sGPA. In that case, wait out around the end of second week and if you're still struggling, drop it. Now your mission is to increase the sGPA and even going the easy route is perfectly fine.
Click to expand...
Yes, I got all As last quarter so I don't want to kill my uptrend by now having a "bumpy" trend.

I have like half the quarter to decide whether to drop Physics (no W/just erased from my life), but that means I won't be able to sign up for another class (deadline Friday) in its place.
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
Yes, I got all As last quarter so I don't want to kill my uptrend by now having a "bumpy" trend.

I have like half the quarter to decide whether to drop Physics (no W/just erased from my life), but that means I won't be able to sign up for another class (deadline Friday) in its place.
Click to expand...

Honestly, if you're struggling with physics by half the quarter, you really aren't learning anything at all in the first place... Better to solve this immediately, but if you reach the dead-end fast, drop it and run away.
 
Agent B said:
Honestly, if you're struggling with physics by half the quarter, you really aren't learning anything at all in the first place... Better to solve this immediately, but if you reach the dead-end fast, drop it and run away.
Click to expand...
Yeah, well I have just done one problem set so far. So I'll keep trying for a week or two.
 
Agent B said:
Out of curiosity, what topics did you cover in physics so far?
Click to expand...
Syllabus says: "Speed and Acceleration; 2D and 3D Motion"

First four chapters of Halliday. Concepts are great, problems kill me.
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
Syllabus says: "Speed and Acceleration and 2D and 3D Motion"

First four chapters of Halliday. Concepts are great, problems kill me.
Click to expand...

Weird... It's probably an initial shock and you need some time to adjust. The problems can be hard (I think the last ones usually), but are definitely doable. They force you to understand the concepts. I wouldn't quit because mechanics isn't the hard part of physics (maybe stuff on angular momentum/torque at the end)
 
Agent B said:
Weird... It's probably an initial shock and you need some time to adjust. The problems can be hard (I think the last ones usually), but are definitely doable. They force you to understand the concepts. I wouldn't quit because mechanics isn't the hard part of physics (maybe stuff on angular momentum/torque at the end)
Click to expand...
How do you know where to start with the problems?
I'll start doing more, we're only assigned a few everyday.
 
CollegeGirl94 said:
How do you know where to start with the problems?
I'll start doing more, we're only assigned a few everyday.
Click to expand...

Uh... you start with the initial problems (the easiest) and gradually move on? But don't do every problem. Do like 1 in every 5.
 
Agent B said:
Uh... you start with the initial problems (the easiest) and gradually move on? But don't do every problem. Do like 1 in every 5.
Click to expand...
but like to solve. I read the problem and have no clue what to do.
 
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