As we all know, college is much more complex than high school. With more challenging classes, more responsibilities, and new experiences, it’s no wonder some students struggle.
Fortunately, these students have plenty of options for seeking help or changing their college courses.
How Can I Pass Math In College?
Many colleges have different options for students who are struggling. Some colleges have math waivers for students with learning disabilities. Other campuses might provide tutoring or other extracurricular activities for students. For the most accurate information, be sure to check with your campus counselor.
What Is a “Math Waiver?”
As stated earlier, certain campuses provide students with “Math Waivers.” Math Waivers allow students with learning disabilities to graduate, despite not finishing their math credits. However, these students must still finish and pass all of their other classes to receive the waiver.
To be eligible for a Math Waiver, applicants must be determined to be suitable candidates. Meaning, their learning disability must be verified before they can start the program. For more information, check with your campus counselor or administrative staff.
What Happens If I Fail Math?
It’s common for students to become overwhelmed and fail a course, especially early on in their college careers. If a student fails math, they won’t receive the credit for the course and will have to retake the class.
Retaking a class can affect a student’s GPA and potentially their financial status. Be sure to speak with your campus counselor and ask for help if you’re failing a college course.
How Can I Ask For Help?
One of the best ways you can get back on track is to ask for help. If you’re failing a college credit, there are many ways to receive help and assistance.
Speak With Your Professor: The first way to start receiving help is by speaking with your professor. Professors are here to help students learn and grow, but they can’t mind readers. Let your professor know early on that you need extra help, be polite, and consider the best methods for speaking with them.
Speak With Your College Counselor: Another person students can turn to in times of need is their campus counselor. Counselors can aid students in finding alternative resources such as tutors and study groups. Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss how you can move forward.
Seek Out a Tutor: Seeking out a tutor is an excellent way to get help. Many college campuses have tutors on-site, making them incredibly accessible. Alternatively, you can seek out third-party companies for tutoring services.
Ask Your Friends For Help: Asking your peers for help and advice is another excellent choice. Some of your friends may have passed the course you’re struggling with or have strengths in those areas. Seek out your friends, let them know what you’re experiencing, and find out how they can help.
Use Online Services: There are plenty of online services that students can seek out. Websites such as Khan Academy can be excellent options for additional practice. Alternatively, students can sort through the online course material provided.
Find Out What You Need To Pass: Finding out what you need to do to pass a failing course is another way you can seek out help. For example, a student may find out they need to pass the rest of their assignments with a C or better. This information can better guide the student, allowing them to make smarter choices.
These are just a few of the options students have for seeking out help. It’s possible for students to seek out additional extra credit from their college professors. As always, be sure to speak with your campus counselor and professor before moving forward.
What Options Do I Have For Dropping Classes?
There are multiple ways to finish and fail a college credit. Students can drop classes, withdraw from classes, or fail them entirely.
Dropping: Dropping a college credit essentially means resigning from a class before it has an impact on the student’s transcript. Dropping a class doesn’t have a negative effect on a student’s transcript. However, dropping classes may impact financial aid and scholarships.
It’s important to note; there are deadlines for when a student can drop a class. Each campus is different, but it’s typically a few weeks after the course has begun.
Withdrawing: Withdrawing from a course is typically seen as a last-ditch effort. This process is started when a student realizes there is no possible way for them to pass the class. Withdrawing from a college credit will require a student to get approval from their professor.
With that being said, some courses are required for degrees and will need to be retaken. Additionally, some campuses limit the number of withdrawals and have other stipulations.
Taking an Incomplete: Taking an incomplete is commonly reserved for students with special circumstances. Circumstances such as health complications, deaths in a family, or other unforeseen complications. Students who take an incomplete will need to make up their work and stay in touch with their professor.
Failing: Failing and retaking a college credit should not be seen as a viable option. Failing a course will negatively impact a student’s GPA and potentially their financial situation. Additionally, some colleges don’t allow a student to retake a course more than two times.
Keep in mind; all colleges will have varying rules and regulations. One campus might allow for multiple retakes while others limit the number of withdrawals. For the most accurate information, be sure to speak with your college counselor or administrative staff.
Is It Better To Fail Or Withdraw From The Course?
Dropping a class is typically better than withdrawing. Dropping a course is typically done early on in the semester and has no impact on a student’s GPA.
However, withdrawing from a class is far better than failing. Failing a college credit will negatively impact a student’s GPA and come with a slew of consequences. That being said, withdrawing from a class should be seen as a last resort.
If you foresee issues with a class or a professor early on, it may be best to drop the class before you invest too much time. As always, be sure to speak with your college counselor before making any rash decisions.Can I Finish College Without Math?
Yes, it is possible to finish college without taking a single math course! There are plenty of degrees that don’t require math credit. These majors typically fall into the Liberal Arts Category.
What Degrees Don’t Require Math?
As stated earlier, there are a ton of college degrees that don’t require math credits. These majors can include:
- Foreign Languages
- Art
- Music
- Education
- English Literature
- Philosophy
- Communications
- History
- Theater Arts
These are only a few of the most common degrees that don’t require math credits. Even some social sciences don’t require math credits. As always, speak with your campus counselor or administrative staff for the most accurate information.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Pass Math In College?
Many campuses have options for students who are struggling. If a student is struggling with math, they should speak to their professor and campus counselor. Alternatively, students can drop classes early on in the semester or withdraw from a class later on. That being said, both of those options come with consequences.
