Deciding Whether to Drop a Class
I’m a sophomore this spring semester, majoring in Mathematics, and I’m on track to complete my degree by next semester (the start of my junior year). Currently, I’m enrolled in a challenging 500-level math course focused on data science and Machine Learning. The grading structure is quite daunting—just two assessments: a midterm and a final, both of which are take-home assignments.
As I’ve been working on the midterm, I’ve found myself feeling largely unprepared. I’ve spent a lot of time re-reading the textbook and exploring online resources to grasp the assignment processes. I want to clarify that I’m not looking to cheat; rather, I’m genuinely trying to learn the material because I feel lost in class.
My main concern about staying in this course is that the lectures may only leave me even more unprepared for the final, especially since they tend to build on concepts I’m struggling with.
Additionally, if I decide to drop the class, I’d have to take an extra required course next spring, which would delay my graduation timeline. While I’m not entirely opposed to that, it’s something I keep considering.
Currently, I don’t have a grade since we haven’t submitted our midterms yet, so I don’t have any concrete indication of my performance. I know I don’t excel in classes that lack regular homework assignments; I really need that structured practice to learn effectively. I’m also struggling to follow the lecturer due to his accent and slow speech, which makes things harder.
This situation weighs heavily on me. It’s one of the first times I’ve genuinely felt incapable in my field. I worry about how this might affect my long-term goals, including graduate school and my future career. I’ve been told by an advisor that dropping the course before the withdrawal deadline wouldn’t negatively impact my applications. However, I still worry about how this might reflect on my fit for graduate-level programs. Is the lack of homework typical in those classes? I want assignments, not just for a grade, but to engage with the material. I love my major, but my ADHD and a desensitized reward system make it tough for me to dive into coursework without assignments.
I’ve always believed that if something feels “too hard,” it just means I need to immerse myself in it more. It’s not a matter of intelligence, but focus.
I would appreciate any advice from others who have faced similar situations, or insights on whether my concerns are valid. I’ve spoken with my academic advisor, who mainly suggested I consider the impact on my graduation timeline and think about my chances of passing.
Honestly, I’m uncertain if I can pass. I could likely cobble together enough from the textbook and online sources to submit something that might earn a passing grade, but I wouldn’t truly understand what I’m writing. Is that dishonest? It feels wrong to pass a class I don’t believe I’ve truly earned.
TL;DR: I’m in a math course where I’m struggling to understand the material. I feel I could pass, but I don’t think I deserve to, and I’m concerned about the implications of passing this class.
It sounds like you’re grappling with a challenging decision, and it’s completely understandable to have concerns about your academic path and future goals. Here are some thoughts that might help you navigate this situation:
Assess Your Understanding: Since you mentioned that you feel unprepared and uncertain about your understanding of the material, it might be worth considering whether this class is aiding your learning or hindering it. If the class structure is making it difficult for you to grasp the concepts, that’s a significant factor to weigh.
Learning Style and Course Structure: It’s essential to recognize that everyone has different learning preferences. If you know that you thrive on homework and regular practice, and this class structure isn’t offering that, it could severely impact your ability to learn the material, regardless of your effort. It’s okay to acknowledge that a particular format may not suit your learning style.
Long-term Implications: You mentioned concerns about how this class fits into your aspirations for graduate school and your overall confidence in your abilities. Reflect on your long-term goals and whether this class aligns with them. If you believe dropping the class will allow you to strengthen your foundational knowledge through other coursework, that might be the best path forward.
Impact on Graduation: While the prospect of delaying graduation can be daunting, remember that it’s better to take the time to solidify your understanding now than to rush through and end up in a situation where you feel unprepared for future courses or your career. A delayed graduation might be a small price to pay for a stronger grasp of the material.
Seek Additional Support: If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to your professor or a teaching assistant for additional help. They might offer insights or resources that could aid your understanding. Additionally, look for study groups or tutoring services that could provide different perspectives on the material.
Reframing Challenges: Instead of viewing this situation as a reflection of your capability, try to frame it as a learning experience. Graduate programs can be competitive, and encountering challenges like this one is not uncommon. It’s about how you respond and learn from these experiences that matters.
Ethics of Passing: Your concern about passing without truly understanding the material speaks to your integrity as a student. It’s commendable that you want to earn your grades based on understanding, not just completion. If you believe this course could lead to a credential you don’t feel you’ve achieved, it’s worth pondering whether that’s something you want to accept.
Ultimately, the decision to drop the class should be based on your well-being and your goals for your education. Whatever you choose, ensure that it aligns with your broader vision for your academic and professional future. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your understanding and to seek out paths that are more congruent with your learning style!