(Next to) Failing Pre-Cal Algebra... ((Rant))

I'm used to being an A/B student, and have (possibly too high) hopes for college... but no matter what I do, I can't seem to 'get' pre-calculus, and I've never had THIS big of a math problem before... no matter what I try, I can never manage an average above a 78. This is new to me (my last report card was this C and 3 A's), and it makes me feel like a complete failure to life. (I feel like I'm the only one with this kind of problem in my class)

Perhaps I'm getting into an overachiever mindset, because I know plenty of people who don't make constant A's/B's that I couldn't imagine anything other than 'successful' after high school. So then I think, well, if all else fails, I suppose I could just work full time in a Barnes and Noble with a side job at a local coffee shop or something. That sounds basically like heaven anyway. But do people do that? Is that enough to support yourself? uugh...

And then I neglect my Spanish class because I'm busy maintaining a barely passing grade in math while trying to remember (and enjoy) US History. So I feel like an ass when I make a bad Spanish grade, because I want to learn Spanish, and I know it's not that hard, but I just never seem to have the time... But I love history. I'd read about the stuff we're learning in there anyway. I even already know a lot of it. And the teacher's cool too.
But math always ends up ruining my day...

Anyone else with this problem? I'm almost convinced it's next to incurable; I can do homework, if I work really slowly with my notes, but then I never can remember what I did/how to do it, and never finish tests.

Meh. Sorry. Just had to get that out. And if you read any of this, or reply, with anything, thank you..... U_U

 

I am really in awe and full of hated memories.....as I hated math but graduated as a CA and the top ten. So go figure. I still hate math for math's sake as if I can apply it to what I am doing it is not really relevant to me.

Take heart and just plug along as I did and have earned more than a good living with it.......even hating math.

Was the challenge of puzzle with financial that intrigued me, not the numbers......but I earn a living with numbers.....go figure...life is just what happens.

 

Your complaining about making one C?.. You are going to be just fine. That is a 3.75 GPA.

You have NOTHING to be ashamed about.

If your having trouble in a particular class, I always went to the tutor in that department, there is always one available at the school I go to, and give great assistance with what I don't understand.

Sounds like your doing just fine though, matter fact you are doing VERY good.. compared to most I would say.

Good luck, and hope everything works out for you.

 

I feel you, I get really pissed off at myself when I get Cs too. I've got a C in Biology right now, and man... I can't get over it. The exams are just ridiculously detailed.

Anyhow, you should just take it easy on yourself. Stressing about it isn't gonna do much good. Just know that you've gotta improve this one grade. That's it... don't worry about it, just know it. Take your studying seriously... and you'll be fine.

 

Get a D. It'll be good for you. :redface:

 

I used to go nuts if I made C's. Now I'm so fucking sick of the bullshit that I don't care. I used to have close to a 4.0 - now it's a 3.3. I love learning new things, but I'm sick of teachers and tests.

When I took precalc I made sure that my teacher knew upfront that I am a math idiot. So every night in class the teacher would ask me if I understood whatever it was that he was going over. If I didn't - he would start all over, and if I was still a bit confused I would talk to him after class. So just talk to your teacher. It sounds like stress is causing you to forget the information when you are taking tests. So just quit freaking out about the C. Oh and chew gum or suck on a mint when taking your test - it's supposed to help you remember better.....and it has helped me in the past. (I have bad test anxiety)

 

Getting a tutor if you can is good advice. Something about the book and/or teacher is just not clicking with you in this class. I totored math, including some high school, to work my way through college, and had some great results. I had a girl go from probably needing summer school to getting a B. A different voice and viewpoint can really help. And remember: There's nothing wrong with saying "I don't understand" and asking for help!

 

Thanks, people. I feel so much better since reading the replies to this topic!

I'll continue to try my best at it, and just so I survive the semister, I suppose.

I get extra help when I and the teacher can, and it helps some, so maybe I can get by with that.