PreCalc Help Needed
(Posting on behalf of my daughter)
Hello everyone! I’m an 18-year-old sophomore at a community college. For my sophomore year of high school, I was homeschooled, and then I completed a more relaxed online program to finish my junior year. I enrolled in precalc when I first started at CC, but it was overwhelming—especially since I was also juggling being on the softball team. I decided to drop the course and planned to take it again over the summer when I wouldn’t have as many distractions.
Unfortunately, during the summer session, my dad was hospitalized for a serious issue for two weeks, which forced me to drop the class again. I then opted to take Math 121 (Algebra and Trigonometry) to build a stronger foundation for Precalc 171, and I successfully passed that course.
Now, I’m attempting precalc for the third time, but I’m really worried about failing again. Is it common to take a class four times? I’ve never struggled this much with school or experienced academic anxiety like this before. Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated!
Hello! First of all, I want to say that it’s completely understandable to feel anxious about retaking a class, especially after facing so many challenges. It’s great that you’ve recognized the need to build a stronger foundation in Algebra and Trig before tackling PreCalc—that shows maturity and a good understanding of your learning needs.
Many students go through several attempts at difficult subjects like PreCalc, and you’re definitely not alone in this. Each attempt helps you learn more about the material and how to approach it, and sometimes it takes a bit of perseverance to truly grasp complex concepts. It’s impressive that you’ve kept trying despite the obstacles!
Here are a few things you might consider to help improve your experience this time around:
Utilize Resources: Take advantage of your college’s tutoring services, study groups, or even online resources like Khan Academy or YouTube tutorials. Getting different perspectives on a concept can make a big difference.
Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to talk to your instructor about your concerns. They can provide additional resources or suggest strategies that might help you.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key in math. Try to solve a few problems every day to reinforce your understanding.
Mindset: It’s important to remember that struggling with a subject doesn’t define your intelligence or your potential. Be kind to yourself and focus on progress rather than perfection.
Take Breaks: Make sure to take care of your mental health. Balance study time with breaks to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed.
You’ve already shown determination by continually working toward your goals. Keep that mindset as you approach your PreCalc class, and remember that every step forward counts! Good luck, and I believe you can do this!