Should I withdraw?

[altamont850]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys!

I'm currently taking precalculus and trigonometry. I have very high "B"s (borderline "A"s) in both courses. The problem is that my grades are slowly decreasing. Our instructor is giving multiple quizzes weekly and I never feel prepared (unlike tests, where I seem to do well). If I continue this pattern, I could possibly earn a B or C in both courses.

On the other hand, if I were to really buckle down I could remain at the high B or low A grade level. The problem I foresee is that I may slip up and be in a situation where I'm unable to withdraw ( and I'm unsatisfied with my grade). The deadline to withdraw is approaching quickly and I need to plan my next action. In all likelihood, the situation could go either way.

Have you guys ever been in a similar situation? What would be your course of action?

Was it wise for someone who never attended high school to take two college level math courses in the summer?

My rationale is that I already have one W (bogus brit literature course) and it would probably not be wise to tack on more.
Any help is appreciated!

 

[SN1]

Hey guys!

I'm currently taking precalculus and trigonometry. I have very high "B"s (borderline "A"s) in both courses. The problem is that my grades are slowly decreasing. Our instructor is giving multiple quizzes weekly and I never feel prepared (unlike tests, where I seem to do well). If I continue this pattern, I could possibly earn a B or C in both courses.

On the other hand, if I were to really buckle down I could remain at the high B or low A grade level. The problem I foresee is that I may slip up and be in a situation where I'm unable to withdraw ( and I'm unsatisfied with my grade). The deadline to withdraw is approaching quickly and I need to plan my next action. In all likelihood, the situation could go either way.

Have you guys ever been in a similar situation? What would be your course of action?

Was it wise for someone who never attended high school to take two college level math courses in the summer?

Any help is appreciated!

If you are in between A and B+, I would suggest NOT to drop. How much do the quizzes weigh toward the final grade? In my math class, the quiz is only worth 10 % while the remaining 90% come from the tests so I would NOT worry if I was in your situation. If your tests grades are good then I think you will be fine.
I am NOT sure how you were able to take 2 college level math courses together in the same semester. Unless of course, one isn't geared toward your major. There are usually prerequisites to take before you can get into the next level.


I believe you can normally drop a course at least after the 2nd test. See how you do on that one.

I was in a similar situation when I had physics. I barely scraped a B on the first test and I was seriously thinking of dropping. My teacher told me to NOT drop because some students will get better as the class progresses. I listened to her and ended up acing my last 2 tests and received an A for the class.

 

[altamont850]

"I am NOT sure how you were able to take 2 college level math courses together in the same semester. Unless of course, one isn't geared toward your major. There are usually prerequisites to take before you can get into the next level."

My major is biochemistry and the school I was accepted to for the fall only requires Trig before Calculus 1. I'm taking precalculus so I'll be better prepared for calculus. This seemed wise because I have to go all the way to Calculus 3. Like I stated before, I didn't have the opportunity to take high school mathematics and I need a stronger base in math.

 

[235788]

avoid C's or worse at all costs!! They torpedo your GPA

 

[Donald Juan]

Dont drop a A/B border grade. That would just be silly. If you are borderline, that means you can still pull it up/keep it up, it's not doomed yet.

If you can't do that, then what makes you think that you could retake the course and get an A? (I'm assuming you'll have to retake these courses if you drop them).

 

[GoSpursGo]

If you're borderline A/B and worried about not being confident on these quizzes, roll up your sleeves and study until you ARE confident. Trust me, you can't withdraw from a class every time you MIGHT get a B; that's just silly 🙄

 

[ozzi22]

If you're borderline A/B and worried about not being confident on these quizzes, roll up your sleeves and study until you ARE confident. Trust me, you can't withdraw from a class every time you MIGHT get a B; that's just silly 🙄

this 👍

 

[NeuroKidd]

While I don't think an occasional W is going to slaughter your chances at getting into med school, it seems like you're in a solid position to earn an acceptable grade so you should probably tough it out.

IMHO, you should also try talking with your professor about your issue with all of those quizzes. If you are really doing well on tests and it's just the volume or pace of quizzes that's keeping you down, your prof may be willing to just count your test grades. Gotta be tactful about it if you're gonna bring that up though. Good luck.

 

[altamont850]

You guys have made many logical arguments. I guess I will buckle down, study more and remain in my courses.

 

[Donald Juan]

You guys have made many logical arguments. I guess I will buckle down, study more and remain in my courses.

Ah, team SDN saves the day again.

 

[boobelle]

You guys have made many logical arguments. I guess I will buckle down, study more and remain in my courses.

You're making the right choice, especially since you said the point of taking the course(s) is to prepare for college math...bailing midway through would be counterproductive. I second the advice that you talk to the instructor and work on figuring out why you're having difficulty with the quizes...use this as an opportunity to correct your studying approach in advance of the heavier and more difficult courseload ahead of you.