Classes...

[Sadiamond]

I will be a freshman at Winthrop in the fall. Would you sign up for classes you aren't really "good in" your first semester as a college student. The reason I ask is, I hate Math and Science. I have always "barely made it" when it comes to these subjects. Should I wait or would you wait and take these classes once a gpa has been established by you or take the risk of making D's and having a low gpa your first semester. I will give it my all, as i have before but i just can't get with math and science. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Diamond

[nikki25]

It's wonderful that you are able to understand your strenghts and weaknesses. But, remember, what looks like difficult now, may be a breeze. You may have had poor experiences in the past, but don't let that affect your present.

College is the perfect illustration of the real world. You will have obstacles and trials, but you have to stick it out and meet the challenge. I say that because you don't need to run away each time you encounter a problem or obstacle. You can do well in school. You must first believe that you can.

Don't look at situations and believe you're already defeated when you have yet to begin. When you set foot on Winthrop's campus, know that you are there to excel and that you will not fail. College, much like life, is really what you make it. If you speak or believe you will fail, that's what will happen. If you say "I will succeed" and believe it, you will.

Please don't think that every college course is going to be easy if its not involving math and science. You can have a challenging classes in every area. It's how you meet the challenge that will matter.

Will you decide to sink or swim?

+++

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I will bless the Lord at ALL times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1, KJV)

[1 Woman of Virtue]

I went through the same fears when I started (boy that seems like ages ago! ). I had a lot of problems w/ math and science in high school, and bought into the idea that I "just don't do well in those areas". So when I got to college, I took a math course that wasn't too difficult. On my first exam, I got a 56%. That just broke my overachieving heart! I started to go see the TA 3 times a week, and really started disciplining(sp?) myself.

Once I started to change my attitude about math and science, (i.e. instead of believing that those were areas I simply couldn't excel in, I started saying "I can do all things, including math, through Christ". It doesn't have to be that exact phrase, but something that encourages you), It just got easier to understand. On my next exam I got a 98% (HALLELUJAH!).

The point is, a lot of times we buy into ideas or concepts that aren't necessarily true. The more you believe you aren't good at a thing, the more true that will be. And I guarantee you, no matter when you take those classes, it will still be just as hard until you decide that you will succeed, no matter what.

If you are still unsure as to when you should take the classes, look at the rest of your schedule. If you have an abundance of classes that will challenge you intellectually in other areas, you may not have the time to devote to math/science. But if you have 9 credits of something you are really good at, then maybe you can take 3 credits of math as you'll have the time to give it. God bless you, and I know you'll make the right decision!

But no matter what, ENJOY you undergrad years to the fullest!!!

[reddnhott2020]

I DETEST MATH AND SCIENCE, but I HATE MAKING bad grades even more. I just try harder in these areas, get a tutor ask that cute guy who sits in the front who knows everything (LOL), do EVERYthing you can before resigning yourself to "I am not good in MATH and SCIENCE, so I will avoid these courses at all cost. That cost could be your degree, because most degrees need at least freshman level MATH and SCIENCE. This applies to all aspects of your life, Don't give up until you have tried everything TWICE.
Good LUCK!!!

[NOWorNEVER]

I had the same problem in the first semester of my freshman year. I was all cocky and thought I could handle it.....and I couldn't. I would advise you NOT to take those classes right away. Establish a decent GPA FIRST, then go for Math and Science courses during the 2nd semester. It's very hard to raise a low GPA once its already been set. Unfortunately, I know this from experience.

[SweetestDiva]

My advice would be to not take them in the same semester. Math and science aren't my favorites either, so I did Calculus 1st semester and Physics 2nd. That way, you'll only have one real class-induced stress in your life at a time. I know you asked about math & science, but I would also avoid a bunch of heavy reading classes together.. until you get into your major and can't get around it. I think smart scheduling has a lot to do with success in college. Good luck!

[Classy_Diva5]

Meet with an advisor or a counselor on your campus regarding these classes, and tell them about your situation. Once they know what your "strengths" and "weaknesses" are, they can help you to schedule your courses so that you are able to do your best, and so that you're not swamped with heavy courseloads.

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"Mind ya own, stay true to ya own, be ya own."

Peace and God Bless
*Classy_Diva5*

[pointNclick]

As someone who has been in the higher education system for far too long, I would advise you not to take the harder classes during your first year. I made the mistake of signing up for a stats class the second semster of my freshman year (a mandatory class for psychology majors). I had to take an incomplete near the end of the semester because I was struggling in a class I was not ready for. It took me three semesters to deal with the incomplete and I came out with a decent grade.

The point is, give yourself time to build a decent g.p.a., become more comfortable with campus life, and allow yourself more time to decide what classes you REALLY need. Then if you need to take courses in your most "challenging" areas, space them out so you won't feel pressured. That will give you a chnace to work on any g.p.a. concerns, should something go wrong.

IMHO
(good luck)

[AKAtude]

I remember my freshman year at Winthrop. Good choice! I took Math 140 as a first semester freshman and a biologly class the next sememster. I wasn't very strong in either area, but taking one at a time allowed me time to put more focus on the course that needed it the most. This was especially helpful during that transistion period for me.

Join a study group or get a tutor. Math majors are always eager to assist. Good luck!

[12dn94dst]

OK, I'm going to suggest something a little opposite of what everyone else has said. I do agree that you should not take 2 classes in your weak areas in the same semester, HOWEVER, I wouldn't wait to take them. Go ahead & get them out of the way that way you won't have to worry about them later on and DEFINETLY get a tutor. The more hours you have, the harder it is to recover from a lower grade.

[Sugar_N_Spice]

I would suggest that you wait until at least your second semester, if possible, to take at least one Math or Science course. Many times students jump into difficult classes when they first get to college and don't do well in them b/c they are not fully adjusted to college. However, depedning on your major (like, say if you are pre-med), you may need to start on some o these course now, such as an introductory Chemistry or Math course. So, I wold say talk to the counselor in the department of your major, and in any programs as well (like one for minorities that offers counseling). They can better advise you on this issue than most of us, since they are familiar with you campus. Also, if you know anyone that went to that school, ask them too. If you do decide on taking one of those courses, make sure you stay disciplined and attend class daily, get tutoring (many schools offer free tutoring for certain subjects and courses), attend the Office Hours of your professor and your TA; ask them if they have any pointers on how you can do well in the class, and if you have ANY questions regarding the material don't be afraid to ask both of them to help you. That's what they're getting paid for, anyway.

Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Sugar_N_Spice (edited June 23, 2001).]