Considering Dropping My Math Class: Is It the Right Move?
Hey everyone, I’m currently in my spring semester at community college and enrolled in Calculus 2, Chemistry, Physics, and Ethnic Studies. I’m thrilled to have been accepted to Long Beach for environmental engineering this fall! However, I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. The workload for Chemistry, Physics, and Math is demanding and it’s tough to manage my time effectively.
I just took my first Calculus exam, and I don’t think I did well, even though I’m putting in a lot of effort. I’ve been thinking about dropping the class, but I’m worried that if I do, I might end up needing to transfer in the spring next year. There’s a lot of pressure and expectations on me right now.
I work 10-20 hours a week outside of my studies, which isn’t a huge amount, but balancing homework, studying, the gym, and helping out at home feels overwhelming. With assignments from all my classes due around the same time, it adds to my stress—sometimes I only have an hour to complete homework for three classes before I need to hit the gym and go to work.
I’m considering dropping Calculus 2 to lighten my load this fall, allowing me to focus better and ensure I can transfer smoothly. Do you think this is a wise decision? Any advice would be appreciated!
It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed right now, and it’s understandable given the heavy workload of your classes combined with your job and other responsibilities. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision about dropping Calc 2:
Assessing Your Goals: Think about your long-term goals and how this class fits into them. If you’re planning to pursue environmental engineering, calculus is often a fundamental requirement. However, if it’s affecting your performance in other subjects or your well-being, that’s important to consider too.
Talk to Your Advisor or Instructor: Before making a decision, reach out to your academic advisor or your Calc 2 instructor. They can provide insights into how dropping the class might impact your transfer process and might offer resources to help you succeed in class if you decide to stay.
Online Resources and Support: Look into tutoring options or study groups that can provide assistance with calculus. Sometimes, collaborating with others can make a tough subject more manageable and less stressful.
Time Management: Consider reevaluating your time management strategy. It might be helpful to create a more structured schedule that allocates time for studying, working out, and fulfilling household responsibilities. You might find pockets of time you hadn’t considered.
Mental Health Check: Your mental health is a priority. If dropping Calc 2 would significantly decrease your stress and help you manage your other classes better, it could be a valid choice. Remember that it’s okay to adjust your course load to maintain a healthy balance.
Future Classes: If you decide to drop, make sure to plan for when you’ll take Calc 2 in the future. Understanding how it will fit into your academic plan after transferring can help ease concerns about delaying your progress.
Ultimately, trust your instincts about what feels right for you. It’s important to strike a balance that keeps you progressing without sacrificing your well-being. Good luck!