Should I Drop This Class?
I’m a sophomore majoring in Mathematics and on track to finish my degree next semester. Currently, I’m enrolled in a 500-level math course focused on data science and Machine Learning. The grading structure only consists of a mid-term and a final, both of which are take-home assignments.
As I’ve been working on the mid-term, I’ve found myself feeling completely unprepared. I’ve spent a lot of time re-reading the textbook and searching for online resources to grasp the concepts needed for the assignment. I want to emphasize that my goal is to learn the material, not just to complete the assignment without understanding it.
I’m considering dropping the class because I worry that the lectures will leave me just as unprepared for the final, especially since they’ll likely build on concepts that I’m struggling with. One significant factor is that if I do drop the class, I’ll have to take an additional required course next spring, delaying my graduation timeline. While I’m not entirely opposed to this, it’s definitely a concern.
As of now, I don’t have any grades since we haven’t submitted the mid-terms yet, so I can’t assess how I’m doing in the class. I know that I typically struggle in this kind of format because I need homework to help solidify my understanding. Additionally, I find it challenging to follow the lectures due to my difficulties with the lecturer’s accent and slow speech.
A significant worry for me is the long-term implications of this situation. For the first time in my academic life, I feel uncertain about my capabilities in my chosen field. I know that I can do math, but failing to grasp the material in this class makes me question my potential for graduate school and my long-term career goals. An academic advisor mentioned that dropping the class before the withdrawal deadline wouldn’t negatively impact my applications, but I still worry about fitting into graduate-level programs that might have similar styles of teaching. Is it typical for graduate math courses to lack homework? I don’t seek assignments to inflate my grades; I genuinely need that structure to engage with the material. Though I love my major, my ADHD and low dopamine reward system make it hard for me to focus on reading when there’s no assignment to motivate me.
I’ve always been taught that if you find something “too hard,” it’s a signal to immerse yourself in it more. It’s not about intelligence; it’s about commitment to the subject until you grasp it.
I’d appreciate any advice from anyone who has experienced something similar or perspectives on whether I’m overthinking this situation. I discussed my concerns with my academic advisor, who suggested thinking about the impact on my graduation timeline and whether I can pass the course.
Honestly, I’m unsure if I could pass. Given the midterm’s structure, I could probably piece together enough information from the textbook and online resources to get a passing grade, but I wouldn’t truly understand the material. Does that mean I’m being dishonest? It feels wrong to pass a class that I don’t believe I deserve to succeed in.
TL;DR: I’m struggling in a math class and feel like I could pass, but I don’t think I deserve to. I’m worried that passing without understanding could be harmful in the long run. Should I drop the class?
It sounds like you’re grappling with some significant challenges in this class, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few thoughts that may help you weigh your options:
Assess Your Goals: Consider what you want out of this class and your education overall. If your goal is to truly understand data science and machine learning, and you recognize that you’re not currently grasping the material, it may be worth thinking about whether another course format would suit you better.
Seek Additional Support: Before making a decision, you might want to explore if there are additional resources available—like tutoring, study groups, or office hours with the professor. Sometimes, a different interaction can clarify confusing material.
Evaluate the Impact on Graduation: Think about your graduation timeline and how this class fits into your overall plan. If dropping the class means pushing back your graduation but ultimately leads to a better understanding of the material (either by retaking the class or taking a different course that aligns better with your learning style), it might be a worthwhile trade-off.
Reflection on Learning Style: Since you mentioned that you need homework to learn effectively, consider if this might be a sign that you should select classes in the future that align with your preferred learning style. Graduate programs can vary widely in teaching styles, so during that time, you might still encounter a mix of formats, including those with more structured assessments.
Self-Compassion: It’s important to be kind to yourself in this situation. Feeling like you “can’t do it” in one class doesn’t reflect your overall capabilities or potential in your field. Everyone faces challenges in certain subjects, especially at advanced levels.
Consult With Others: In addition to your academic advisor, seek out feedback from peers or professors you trust. They might help provide perspective on whether this class is likely to impact your future aspirations in a significant way.
Long-Term Vision: It might help to separate your feelings about this specific class from your overall goals in mathematics and your aspirations for graduate school. Many students face obstacles in their education, and how you respond to them can often define your educational journey more than any single grade.
Ultimately, the decision to drop the class should align with your academic goals, your learning style, and your well-being. Trust yourself to make a choice that reflects what you need right now. Whatever you decide, it’s an opportunity for learning and growth. Good luck!