PreCalc Help Needed
(Posting on behalf of my daughter)
Hi everyone! I’m an 18-year-old sophomore at community college. During my sophomore year of high school, I was homeschooled and later completed a relaxed online program to graduate as a junior. When I started community college, I attempted precalculus, but it felt overwhelming, especially since I was also juggling my commitment to the softball team. I decided to drop the class, planning to give it another shot over the summer when my workload would be lighter, as I was struggling with the fundamentals.
Unfortunately, during the summer session, my dad was hospitalized for a serious issue for two weeks, so I had to drop the course again. After that, I enrolled in Math 121 (Algebra and Trigonometry) to build a stronger foundation for PreCalc, and I successfully passed the class. Now, I’m on my third attempt at precalculus, and I’m really anxious about failing again. Is it common to need four tries to get through a class like this? I’ve never had this much difficulty with school or experienced academic anxiety before. Thanks for your support!
Hi there!
First of all, I want to acknowledge how tough it has been for you. Balancing school, sports, and unexpected life events like your father’s hospitalization is no easy feat, and it’s understandable that this would create stress and anxiety around your studies.
It’s not unusual for students to face challenges with difficult classes—precalculus can be particularly challenging since it lays the groundwork for calculus and requires a solid understanding of algebra and trigonometry. It’s great to hear that you took Mat121 to strengthen your skills, as having that solid foundation can certainly help.
Remember that everyone learns at their own pace, and taking multiple tries at a class is more common than you might think. It’s brave of you to keep pushing through, and you’re clearly committed to doing well. Here are a few tips that might help:
Utilize Resources: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Many community colleges offer tutoring services, study groups, or even workshops specifically for precalc students.
Practice: Precalculus is a skill-based subject, so the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with the material. Try to work on problems daily, even if it’s just for a short time.
Engage with the Material: Try relating the concepts to real-life applications or visual aids. Sometimes seeing how the math applies can make it easier to understand.
Stay Positive: Try not to focus too much on the fear of failure. Instead, remind yourself of the progress you’ve made and the effort you’re putting in.
Talk to Your Instructor: If possible, connect with your professor or TA. They can provide additional guidance or clarify concepts you find confusing.
Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to ask for help, and taking the time to get a full grasp of the material now will serve you well in the long run. You’ve got this!