I’m dropping my online Intermediate Algebra class. Its the second week but it is very intensive and has a lot of assignments back to back and I fell behind immediately. Sunday the 23rd is that last day to drop a class with a full refund. So I am going to notify my teachers and get my $200 refund. The absolute MAIN reason I did not do good in the class was because I totally underestimated the amount of work and time required to be successful in it. I knew it would be tough but my reasoning was that I used to be good at math and I figured all my algebra knowledge from high school and an algebra class in college in 1984 and a math placement class in college in 1990 would help me get a fairly good grade. Buzzzzzzz-WRONG!
On the first three assignments I did OK. But after those I couldn’t figure out the most simple equations and concepts. Plus I had nowhere to study without being bothered so the staff let me use the TV room for myself to do homework. But I had to wait for it to close at 11:00 pm to enter it by myself and even then, people would wander in and out even though they knew they were not supposed to. And I was ending up not finishing my homework until 1:00 am or 2:00 am each night when I had to get up at 6:30 am to get ready and go to work.
My teachers tried to help me and they suggested I stick it out for another 8 weeks then if I still was having trouble to drop it then and take it over again and those 8 weeks would benefit me when I took it over. But I don’t have a lot of money so I decided the smartest move was to drop it now for the refund and take it over again in Fall. I just underestimated the class. My sisters are trying to help me and I knew they would be disappointed in me. But I told my older sister on the phone, this current class I was not prepared. I didn’t get the textbook until two days into the class. I had to purchase a specific algebra graphing calculator for a $100 and I didn’t get it until 4 days into the first week of class. I had problems signing up for a software program so it contributed to my falling behind.
But I reassured my sister, when I take it next Fall I know what to do and I will be prepared. I have the materials already, I will register earlier, I will use a tutor and academic coach and any other help out there. When it comes to college, I have always had this stupid pride thing about not wanting help from a tutor or accommodations.
Well now is not the time to be picky or prideful. I only have three more classes to go for my degree and I will do whatever it takes to pass them. That’s the bottom line.
I’ll be alright but I am very disappointed right now. But hey, I’ve done seemingly impossible things before and I will do them again in my life. So this is where I stand. It irks me to quit, but I can’t have everything go my own way all the time.
You’re doing what is best for you and that is what you need to do. I am also taking Intermediate Algebra. I take a computer based class but I take it at the Community College so there is a teacher available to help. I have several years to go before I graduate. I have to take 2 to 3 years of pre-requisites before I, hopefully, get accepted into a 2 year medical program. I commend you for being 3 classes away. That’s awesome.
It’s good that you are getting out of it without taking a hit in the pocket book. Math is a subject at which you don’t want to fall behind. Not having an instructor available to explain things can make you do that. Good luck on the three classes you need to graduate. I’m sure you will do well in them.
Yes, thanks @sirBoring and @Rhubot. That is my plan. If they offer the same class this coming Fall, I will try the same class again.
My sister strongly suggested taking another online class this coming summer. I have always avoided summer classes because they are almost always accelerated courses. That means they are slated to only last 6 weeks. That sounds great but the catch is that the 6 week classes actually have all the work of a 3 month quarter crammed into them. So I always skip summers but my sister is right when she says that I always do better in my life when I have something to do. She pointed out that I do better if I have something I am committed to. She just said that I should take a “fun” class, something that doesn’t count toward my degree but just something I might have an interest in like art or creative writing or something like that. I agree.
I’m taking online classes right now but I’m not doing too well I should have never stopped going to school when I became psychotic this is the last year I can go back and if I would have to finish 6 classes in less than 4 months so I am probably stuck with online school but I am moving way too slow I just want to give up on school completely
Thanks @47average. Perseverance is the key. I started college in 1985! I have huge gaps in my education for years at a time, like when I was happily killing myself with crack for four years (I’m being sarcastic) . Or when I was too interested in money so I put all my energy into my jobs and put my education on hold for a few years. So yes, perseverance will help both of us.
Oh, you’re in high school? Do what I’m going to do and use every resource available. Talk to counselors or teachers to see what help is out there. A tutor maybe?