My worst nightmare has been realized.

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LuciusVorenus

LuciusVorenus

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So for the past few weeks I've been having this recurring nightmare of missing a midterm...

Anyways, apparently what happened is on Friday (a lecture I missed) the date of our test was moved from Wednesday to Monday. An email was sent out that "the syllabus has been updated" and I thought nothing of it. Woke up this morning and realized I'd missed my midterm. Oops.

So right now I have two options:

1) I got a pretty good score on the first midterm, and the average for the class was very low (mid 30s). If I do reasonably well on my final (which is 50% of my grade) I can most likely still get a B. So one option is to just stay in the class and do my best.

2) However, if the average for the final ends up being higher than expected (anything above a mid 40s) there is a very real risk I will get a C in the class (my first C too 🙁 but I feel like it's important to note that this is an engineering class and not part of my sGPA). So my second option is to drop with a W and take it again next year.

I've emailed the professor and am waiting for a reply, but given the two options, which one is the best idea?

TL;DR: I'm an idiot.
 
Is this for an Ochem class? or some random GEC?
 
Ouch.

Every so often I'll have a dream where I miss a midterm or an important due date for a class I don't go to lecture for. Many times I'll even dream that there's an entire class I completely neglected the whole semester through sheer apathy and laziness. The psychoanalysis here is probably that this recurrent dream is a manifestation of the latent guilt I have for choosing to skip some classes.

Anyway, sorry I have no advice to give you—just wanted to say I sympathize.
 
niblet said:
Ouch.

Every so often I'll have a dream where I miss a midterm or an important due date for a class I don't go to lecture for. Many times I'll even dream that there's an entire class I completely neglected the whole semester through sheer apathy and laziness. The psychoanalysis here is probably that this recurrent dream is a manifestation of the latent guilt I have for choosing to skip some classes.

Anyway, sorry I have no advice to give you—just wanted to say I sympathize.
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In my dreams, it's always been a math class I signed up for earlier in the quarter and just forgot to drop somehow. I realize around finals time that I've been missing the entire class.

But, it's finally happened. Justice has been served for all the lectures I've missed. 🙁
 
CanadianPremed said:
Best decision: Drop the class, a B isn't even worth staying for

Take it another semester

Not to mention the fact, that you're going to stressed for the entire term, and not knowing whether you're going to end up with a C or B, it might take a toll and affect you on your other courses as well
Click to expand...

Not sure if sarcastic or not...😕

OP, whats your current GPA?
 
Disinence2 said:
Just re-take the midterm that you missed.
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There are no make-up midterms. If I had a medical emergency that came with a doctor's note (like if I broke an arm), then my final would be worth 75% instead of 50%.
 
ahaha that sucks man. I'm not laughing at you, I'm just laughing at the fact that I'm not the only one who has these types of nightmares. Ive also had a nightmare that right before an exam where the professor let us bring in our book, notes, computer, etc,I forgot them all. It didnt happen in real life, but still. It is a nightmare.

My advice would be to take the W. I would advise you to avoid a C at any cost. C's tank your gpa horribly. Play it safe, seriously.
 
Slept about half an hour into an exam once, fortunate I woke up when I did, but you really can't sleep much past 1pm....

Unless the professor will cut you slack - which he might - then I would take the W here.
 
Thego2guy said:
Not sure if sarcastic or not...😕

OP, whats your current GPA?
Click to expand...

The sarcasm was dropping the class the week of finals. What school offers that policy? :laugh:

LuciusVorenus said:
There are no make-up midterms. If I had a medical emergency that came with a doctor's note (like if I broke an arm), then my final would be worth 75% instead of 50%.
Click to expand...

Happened to a buddy, He faked the emgency visit... Ended costing him 200$ + a co-pay -- but they let him take it the monday following exam week, so he got the extra weekend to crush it.


Poor luck...
 
Holy FranZ said:
The sarcasm was dropping the class the week of finals. What school offers that policy? :laugh:
Click to expand...

LuciusVorenus said:
So for the past few weeks I've been having this recurring nightmare of missing a midterm...

.....Woke up this morning and realized I'd missed my midterm. Oops.....


TL;DR: I'm an idiot.
Click to expand...

He said it was a midterm, not a final. I dont think he's a troll.
 
GeorgiadisMD said:
ahaha that sucks man. I'm not laughing at you, I'm just laughing at the fact that I'm not the only one who has these types of nightmares. Ive also had a nightmare that right before an exam where the professor let us bring in our book, notes, computer, etc,I forgot them all. It didnt happen in real life, but still. It is a nightmare.

My advice would be to take the W. I would advise you to avoid a C at any cost. C's tank your gpa horribly. Play it safe, seriously.
Click to expand...

Oh my God. Would you believe me if I told you your second nightmare happened to me as well? Forgot my book/notes on an open book/note test. Got a D. Fortunately I studied my ass off/did the 5% extra credit and got an A- 🙂 First midterm was only 15% in that class anyways.

Although I hear from my friends that this one is REALLY common, especially if you have multiple notebooks that are the same color (what happened to me). So be careful 😛

TheProwler said:
Slept about half an hour into an exam once, fortunate I woke up when I did, but you really can't sleep much past 1pm....

Unless the professor will cut you slack - which he might - then I would take the W here.
Click to expand...

I think I'm probably going to go with the W then. I'm going to wait for his reply though, maybe he'll give me some other options.
 
A single C in a non-core/non-science class isn't going to kill you, especially when you're already at a 3.80. Unless it's some crazy 9 credit hour class, you're talking about .05 (for a 3 credit class, assuming 120 hours to graduate) or .0833 (for 5 credits). Those are both assuming you were on track for an A and get a C instead, obviously cut those in half if you actually get a B in the class. To me it seems like the height of neurotic to seriously consider having to explain a W instead of a C during your interviews.
 
Holy FranZ said:
but a midterm in mid/late may? I made the assumption he was on semesters... it would make sense if he is on quarters.
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Quarter system sucks. Midterms at week 3, 8, and finals at week 11. The worst is when two of your classes have 2 midterms, and the other two have 1 midterm. Then you have midterms at week 3, 5, 6, 8, and finals at week 11.

NightGod said:
A single C in a non-core/non-science class isn't going to kill you, especially when you're already at a 3.80. Unless it's some crazy 9 credit hour class, you're talking about .05 (for a 3 credit class, assuming 120 hours to graduate) or .0833 (for 5 credits). Those are both assuming you were on track for an A and get a C instead, obviously cut those in half if you actually get a B in the class. To me it seems like the height of neurotic to seriously consider having to explain a W instead of a C during your interviews.
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Would I even have to explain just 1 W? I've gotten the impression from others that 1 W is not something you're asked about/asked to explain.
 
From what I understand, it really depends on what you get in the class when you retake it. Personally, I'd take a definite C and very possible B over even possibly having to explain that I dropped a class because I overslept, as well as having to pay for a class twice (though I'm in the position of providing all of my own financing for college, so I imagine that colors my views). I suppose it also depends on how this will affect your overall class schedule for the remainder of your time at school. Is not having this class done going to prevent you from taking another class that has its as a pre-req or can you slip it into your schedule without any more than taking an extra class some quarter? Will dropping it put you below full-time and affect aid/grants? There are a lot of other factors that only you could know the answer to, but you should definitely know those answers before you make a final decision. Not the least of which is waiting to see how the rest of the class did and what your professor's response is. in my experience, many professors will take a very hard-edged attitude towards things like missed exams when they write their syllabus but might be willing to be more relaxed when the actual situation comes up if they like you/believe you to be a good member of their class because it's far easier to relax your written requirements than it is to be tougher than what you wrote down.
 
NightGod said:
From what I understand, it really depends on what you get in the class when you retake it. Personally, I'd take a definite C and very possible B over even possibly having to explain that I dropped a class because I overslept, as well as having to pay for a class twice (though I'm in the position of providing all of my own financing for college, so I imagine that colors my views). I suppose it also depends on how this will affect your overall class schedule for the remainder of your time at school. Is not having this class done going to prevent you from taking another class that has its as a pre-req or can you slip it into your schedule without any more than taking an extra class some quarter? Will dropping it put you below full-time and affect aid/grants? There are a lot of other factors that only you could know the answer to, but you should definitely know those answers before you make a final decision. Not the least of which is waiting to see how the rest of the class did and what your professor's response is. in my experience, many professors will take a very hard-edged attitude towards things like missed exams when they write their syllabus but might be willing to be more relaxed when the actual situation comes up if they like you/believe you to be a good member of their class because it's far easier to relax your written requirements than it is to be tougher than what you wrote down.
Click to expand...

Good advice! Still waiting on him to reply/to see what the average was.

I'm taking 20 units so this won't put me below 12 (required for financial aid). It also isn't a prereq for anything and I can easily take it next year without it affecting my schedule. Also, we don't get charged for additional units after 12 units, so there isn't a money problem either.

I think if I retake it I can easily get an A (I really like the subject matter, and got a high A on my first midterm...what a waste!).
 
If you did that well on the first midterm, and enjoy the class as much as you say, I'd wager there's at least a better than average class your professor has noticed you already and will be more willing to work with you than, say, the guy who has been pulling a C all quarter and acts like they can barely summon the energy to show up every day. Weird crap like this possibly happening is part of why I make a real effort to get to know my professors early on.
 
I saw one secondary that asked for an explanation about all Ws and anything under a C. But could be worth it to avoid affecting cGPA.

Re: last day of school realizing I forgot to go to a certain class all semester dreams.
Ditto. Amazed to see how common it is.
 
Last edited:
Normal people's worst nightmares: Running through the forest with an axe murderer behind you, zombie attack, being eaten alive by werewolves, showing up to work/class with no pants, etc.

SDN worst nightmare: Missing an exam.

Joking, I just had something much worse in mind when I opened this. I think you should probably drop the class though, as a C should be avoided. You could probably endure a B though.
 
niblet said:
Ouch.

Every so often I'll have a dream where I miss a midterm or an important due date for a class I don't go to lecture for. Many times I'll even dream that there's an entire class I completely neglected the whole semester through sheer apathy and laziness. The psychoanalysis here is probably that this recurrent dream is a manifestation of the latent guilt I have for choosing to skip some classes.

Anyway, sorry I have no advice to give you—just wanted to say I sympathize.
Click to expand...
I HAVE THIS DREAM ALL THE TIME! I thought i was the only one...

@OP. Sorry to hear that, but it happens. I would personally just drop the class if you can.
 
The professor didn't give you more warning than this? I've had tests moved back a class but never up a class, especially that close to a test.

And then there was no explicit email, just a vague "syllabus has been updated?"

Not saying you have much ground to stand on but your teacher sounds pretty inconsiderate.

Or am I missing something here?
 
gettheleadout said:
It is very unlikely you would be questioned about a single dropped course over near 100 credit hours on your transcript.
Click to expand...

Good to know! I'm just hoping maybe he'll give me another option still. There is still hope! Maybe! haha

Barcu said:
The professor didn't give you more warning than this? I've had tests moved back a class but never up a class, especially that close to a test.

And then there was no explicit email, just a vague "syllabus has been updated?"

Not saying you have much ground to stand on but your teacher sounds pretty inconsiderate.

Or am I missing something here?
Click to expand...

Nope 🙁 I even checked the class email archive too to see if I missed something, there was nothing! Just an email from the TA. I think he was just upset about the poor attendance at his lectures since it's an 8 am class. He posts his notes online and goes over them word for word so I don't know :/
 
Dan1804 said:
I saw one secondary that asked for an explanation about all Ws and anything under a C. But could be worth it to avoid affecting cGPA.

Re: last day of school realizing I forgot to go to a certain class all semester dreams.
Ditto. Amazed to see how common it is.
Click to expand...

hahaha i thought i was the only one too
 
I had 2 W's and was never asked, in interview or on a secondary, to explain them. They really aren't that bad unless you have like five or more....

I would drop.
 
tiedyeddog said:
I had 2 W's and was never asked, in interview or on a secondary, to explain them. They really aren't that bad unless you have like five or more....

I would drop.
Click to expand...

Forgive my ignorance, but...

Do you stand to lose anything by talking to the prof? If the worst thing the prof can do is refuse to let you makeup the midterm, you're still not any worse off than you are now. Just a thought. 😉
 
LuciusVorenus said:
In my dreams, it's always been a math class I signed up for earlier in the quarter and just forgot to drop somehow. I realize around finals time that I've been missing the entire class.
Click to expand...

Weirdly enough I've had that same nightmare too.
 
If you're on quarters, you've probably only got a couple weeks of school left. Can you even take a W at this point? At my university after week 7 you have to petition to withdraw from a class.

My advice would be to stick it out and do the best you can on the final. Your GPAs are honestly pretty solid, and even if you got a B- or so, you won't take THAT big of a hit (at least not one that you can explain). And relax! In about 2 years, this'll be a funny story.
 
niblet said:
Ouch.

Every so often I'll have a dream where I miss a midterm or an important due date for a class I don't go to lecture for. Many times I'll even dream that there's an entire class I completely neglected the whole semester through sheer apathy and laziness. The psychoanalysis here is probably that this recurrent dream is a manifestation of the latent guilt I have for choosing to skip some classes.

Anyway, sorry I have no advice to give you—just wanted to say I sympathize.
Click to expand...

WOW, I have had the SAME dream. I just had that dream last night about my genetics class... soooo scary. It alternates between genetics and calculus...

Genetics and calculus were attended less than 5% of the time... woops
 
Haha I think it is funny that so many people have the missing test/midterm or forgetting to drop a class nightmare. I can't even count how many times I have had these types of nightmares throughout college.
 
Awwwww poor OP. I send you an Internet hug. That sucks so badly.

I would drop the class, but I admit I haven't read your follow up posts. But from your first post, I would drop and retake.
 
I have to admit, I have the same recurring dream. In fact, it visited me the night before last. What a pain--I always wake up wet with perspiration, and end up have to strip the bed and do an extra load of laundry (as if there weren't enough already).

For me, I have dreams about slacking off/never going to Latin class in high school (note: I took high school Latin c.1996).

I never had this dream until the Spring 2012 semester. I had a baby last October, so I'd imagine the dream is a manifestation of my constant waking fear that I've forgotten something crucially important. FYI--being pregnant and having a little baby definitely kills brain cells (at least mine, haha!). I think it also has something to do with the fact that I am terrified of having to rely on kindness, goodwill, and assistance from others.

You know what's extra-stupid about the whole thing?! I GRADUATED over a week ago. Why am I having dreams about streaking around my high school in my underwear and chronically avoiding Latin class? Is this something I can expect to grow out of as I get over? It seems like there really ought to be a statute of limitations on this crap. 🙂
 
Wait, your worst nightmare is missing a midterm and the second worst nightmare is to not bring your notes to an open book test? Can I have your life please?
 
ElCapone said:
Weirdly enough I've had that same nightmare too.
Click to expand...

Be afraid! Be very afraid...

SunsFun said:
Wait, your worst nightmare is missing a midterm and the second worst nightmare is to not bring your notes to an open book test? Can I have your life please?
Click to expand...

I meant it in a more literal (sleep related) sense I guess. I don't dream much - or rather I don't have nightmares when I dream. So this really has been my worst, recurring nightmare the past few years haha.




Anyways, funny story so far. I ended up talking to him like you guys said (he had me call him on the phone). He told me the average was very low for the second test, and given my score on the first test and the number of points on the final it's very likely I will get a B. Also, as some of you had mentioned (and I overlooked, but he pointed out) I need dean's approval between weeks 7-10 to drop a class with a W and it's 50/50 if I'll get it given the circumstance.

The funniest/nicest part of the whole thing is I got a random email from his iphone at 12 am that just said "Remember, don't freak out - it's not worth it." So that was nice! Haha
 
CodeBlu said:
WOW, I have had the SAME dream. I just had that dream last night about my genetics class... soooo scary. It alternates between genetics and calculus...

Genetics and calculus were attended less than 5% of the time... woops
Click to expand...

Lol same here. To make matters worse, when I check my schedule online, the list includes all classes I was ever enrolled in during that semester, including the ones I dropped (Don't know why they do this). Double scare.
 
Glad it all worked out for you, had a pretty good feeling it would with the way you described your interactions with him in the past.
 
I had a friend in the similar situation a few years back. He came to class not realizing that there is a test. Everyone told him to run to the student clinic faking a stomach flu cause they dont test for it. He ended up getting a excuses and a few more days to study for it.
So my advice is that you do the same... and run to your local clinic asap if you are in the same situation
 
Take the W unless you're SURE you can get a B.
 
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