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OK So im taking a math class (calc 3) at columbia since i live in NYC and I think I may get a D. Should I drop the class? I mean..im not sure what the curve is yet, but im having a really tough time.

If I drop the class, theyll see I withdrew and know I did bad anyway, so should I just take it and hope they dont hold it against me? I mean, even if I only understand 50% of the material isnt that better than not taking it at all?? And even if it doesnt help me, how much do you think it'll hurt me?

By Celebrian23 (Celebrian23) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 08:18 pm: Edit

drop it, it'll really hurt you, but if you care more about personal enrichment, keep with it

By Bettina (Bettina) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 08:29 pm: Edit

I think a drop is better than a poor grade--drop can be for any reason like schedule conflict. But don't drop it before talking to the prof.

By Robyrm (Robyrm) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 09:09 pm: Edit

I would say that if you anticipate taking another follow on math class in college I would definitely drop- since, regardless of the grade, you are not understanding the material. If you are taking the class just to have a math class in your senior year...then I am not sure it is worthwhile.

By Annieivy (Annieivy) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 09:17 pm: Edit

Drop it, especially if it's your only college level course. It will be the colleges only example of how you've done at a competitive college.

By Jro_87 (Jro_87) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 09:50 pm: Edit

Thanks for the replies - I'm actually surprised by what's been said.

What if I submit an explanation highlighting some of these points:

- I'm taking 9 other tough classes, including 6 APs

- I can't stay after to ask the professor questions because I have to rush back to my high school

- I can't meet with the professor because his office hours are during school

- We're allowed to work together, but since I'm in high school I have no group of people to collaborate with

- The way the curve there works, *somebody* (the people at the bottom) is going to fail. With all of these factors working against me, it is not surprising that that somebody is me.


I had this amazing opportunity to take classes at a great college, and I didn't pass it up. I had trouble, but I stuck with it. It's either this class or nothing at all - do I get points for wanting to take the class rather than take a lunch? Can they really hold it against a kid for putting herself out there and taking a shot?


Or do you still think I'd be better of dropping it?


Thanks again.

By Jro_87 (Jro_87) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 06:12 am: Edit

bump..please?

By Robyrm (Robyrm) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 06:40 am: Edit

9 other classes including 6 AP's...cmon. No other explanation needed. Drop it.

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 09:38 am: Edit

Can you take it credit/no credit or pass fail? If so, do so. If not, drop it.

By Annieivy (Annieivy) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 09:55 am: Edit

The only way I'd say it was OK to stay is if your intended major has nothing to do with math. Otherwise you're showing them what your aptitude is in college level math.

By Ohio_Mom (Ohio_Mom) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 12:06 pm: Edit

Ditto Northstarmom.

By Justplayin104 (Justplayin104) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 05:15 pm: Edit

It's OK to fail when you've given it what you've got.
We need to stop determining our value based on what other people think of us, i.e. adcoms.

Who cares about how Yale ranks you? Who cares how Stanford perceives your worth? When it's all said and done, you have to live with yourself - they're not there when it's 1 am and you're trying to sleep every night.

By Hoo_29 (Hoo_29) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 10:29 pm: Edit

Om, Justplayin, that is horrible advice. You do realize that classes cost money, don't you? And "just failing" is just losing thousands of dollars. I am taking classes at a college(not exactly Columbia), but it is very important that I do well because those classes are equally weighted to HS courses. I am really surprised that and ivy actually offers HS courses to people. Does that mean that you have already been admitted and can go for sure next year?

By Justplayin104 (Justplayin104) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 10:50 pm: Edit

...so its ok to fail when it's cheap?

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 11:37 pm: Edit

First, the only way colleges will see your grade at Columbia is if you send them a Columbia transcript. If this is the only class you've attempted at Columbia, there will be no need to send a transcript if you fail.

I think Justplayin is on the right track: you have to decide if continuing this class is going to add or take away from your self-confidence. If so, drop it. If you think you will learn something important (and perhaps that something is not necessarily about math), maybe it's worth continuing even if you do fail or get a D.

On the other hand, if the class is causing you to have problems keeping up with your "regular" high school classes, there may be no question - drop it now. But first think about what you have to learn from this experience, both positive and negative.