Withdrawing from a class

[Two]

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As my friend put it: "I'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place."
For this semester, I am taking 13 credits this semester. This barely puts me as a full-time student. I also have a scholarship to my CC that says I need to be enrolled as a full-time student or I lose it.

My problem is this: My CHM1045 class/teacher.
I am acing my CHM lab (I have a different lab teacher), but I have already failed the 1st test & I have a feeling I didn't do so well on our 2nd test either. My CHM teacher is horrible & doesn't explain anything in a way I can understand. I went to him for help, and he got so frustrated, he just yelled at me.

Should I withdraw from the class?
Does it look bad on your transcripts? (this would be my 1st W and I am a sophpmore)
Help/advice would be nice.

 

[OneDay81]

I agree with Cowgirla... If it's still possible for you to pull a passing grade, stick with the course and get outside sources of help. I was completely frustrated with my Chem II course until I found some online lectures that really made the subject sink in and my understanding of the material skyrocket.

 

[Two]

He doesn't curve anything.
There are 5 tests worth 500 points & 1 final test worth 200 points.
The regular tests are 30 questions each. I got a 56% on the first test & I pretty much guessed on everything for todays test.

I calculated that if I got a 40% for this test, I need a high A & 2 mid B's for the tests and at least a 70% on the final to pass with a C.

Is there any specific outside material you guys recommed? I took chem in high school (required), and I have never been good at it. Chemistry and math are my weakest points.

 

[OneDay81]

I really like Khan Academy lectures and that is what I have been watching. You can either watch them online or I downloaded his apps to my ipod so I can watch them whenever and where ever. They are divided up into 10-15 minute lectures covering a very specific topic so you don't end up listening to 1-2 hour lectures covering stuff you don't need help with. He also has math lectures on there too, and I plan on using them when I start studying for the GRE again.

 

[StartingoverVet]

I am going to go with a middle of the road answer.

But first, don't do anything that would put you in a severe financial situation that you won't recover from. If you only lose the scholarship for one semester, AND you can absorb the cost that is ok. If you cannot absorb the increased cost, don't risk missing out on school completely.

BUT, if you can afford to lose the scholarship then I would try the recommendations up above to get some extra help and see if you turn the grade around and then only take the W at the last possible time. Certainly don't want an 'F' or 'D' on your transcript if possible. Plus the extra time in the course will make it a little easier next time.

Also explore resources at your school. There are often learning or tutoring centers that may be able to help you with your professor's expectations. Sometimes it is a matter of adapting to a new way of doing things or thinking about things that you may not have encountered before.

Whatever you decide, don't worry that one class will make the difference in your chances at vet school, career, or life.

Good luck.

 

[Horsingaround31]

I agree with StartingoverVet. Seek out the tutoring center on campus -- every school has one. I had a tutor for both Physics I and II and she was the reason I passed! It's worth the time and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I found Schaum's Chemistry supplement to be a really big help in understanding the material and providing a ton of problems/questions for practicing.

 

[Cypress]

I would say stick with it as well - a W will look suspicious on your transcript and will hurt you possibly as much as getting a low grade because they may realize you dropped it to avoid a lower grade - seek out other resources for help in the subject - sadly having crappy professors is all too common - learning early on how to succeed despite having a less than impressive professor will be a great skill to have throughout school.

I know I had a few friends that had some success with Chemistry For Dummies in helping explain some of the material they were having difficulty with. I would also suggest reaching out to your lab TA - see if they have any advice for you - maybe they will help you with your lecture material. I have also spent some time online looking up tutorials on difficult subjects when my professors weren't hitting the mark on explaining - you may be able to find an online video of a lecture - or an animated video that may help explain things better.

Asking around class to see if anyone else would like to study with you is a good option too - study groups are great if you are all in the buisness of kicking ass on the next exam - so just make sure you chose study partners well. You may also want to contact the chem department at your school to see if they have a list of inexpensive tutors available that could help.

Good luck!

 

[that redhead]

Stick with it.

I learned that college chemistry courses are all about keeping up with/ahead of the average. In orgo II, I think I ended with a 60% even, and I got a B in the class. I got a 51% on my first gen chem II test and I was upset. I then learned the average was a 49%. A lot of professors enjoy scaring their students, it seems, and tell them under no circumstances will they curve the class. But when test averages are low, they kind of have to throw in something.

If you can get away with a passing grade, I'd take the hit. Ws don't necessarily look bad but especially when you need the scholarship money, it just isn't worth it. Worse case scenario, a school asks about one bad chem grade and you can explain your situation.

 

[168135]

Stick with it.

I learned that college chemistry courses are all about keeping up with/ahead of the average. In orgo II, I think I ended with a 60% even, and I got a B in the class. I got a 51% on my first gen chem II test and I was upset. I then learned the average was a 49%. A lot of professors enjoy scaring their students, it seems, and tell them under no circumstances will they curve the class. But when test averages are low, they kind of have to throw in something.

I wouldn't bank on that. I've had class averages in the 40s, low 50s in all three of my chemistry classes, my math class, and cell and molecular II and none of the profs scaled. I only ever had two profs scale. One told us at the beginning of the semester and I found out about the other one from other students.

 

[Marsala]

I have to agree with scarcelyheard.

At my school, gen chem, o-chem, physics, and bio are not curved. Math is curved but in a weird way. If test averages are low, it is what it is. Professors don't have to throw in anything. In fact, at my particular school, it is very difficult for an instructor to be removed from teaching duties (they really have to screw up).

Get a tutor, find online resources, find a classmate who is doing well to help you study. Good luck.