Deep Trouble! What do I do! Help!!!

Mh475 · 11-19-2009, 05:21 PM

I'm a freshman here. So I wasn't doing too great in my chem class so I withdrew a few weeks ago. Now I know I wasn't doing too well in my Calculus class either so I inquire and find that I'm failing and the teacher recommends withdrawal.

Can I withdraw from two classes in the same semester? Do I just take the F? What are the consequences of the two actions?

I already have a deficiency because I withdrew from the Chem and now I might have to withdraw from Calc!

I just had a really rough start and now things have come crashing down on me. Will I get kicked out of school for this (my worst fear) or will I be okay if I keep things good next semester?

scottj · 11-19-2009, 05:30 PM

Dear Mh475 : If your story is true as reported, you should be in your advisement period in order to select courses as a freshman for the Spring semester. Did none of this get discussed with your academic advisor? If not, why not?

Whatever you do, an "F" is out of the question - avoid that at all costs. Boston College is now coming to a close of the 11th week on the academic calendar. How far off the mark could you have been in calculus not to know at this point that you are failing to the point of a professor recommending withdrawal?

To answer your questions on academic progress, you really need to speak with your academic advisor.

swimcatsmom · 11-19-2009, 05:33 PM

Are you receiving financial aid? You may want to talk to a financial aid officer about the effect of the withdrawals if they drop you below half time.

miragemage · 11-19-2009, 05:35 PM

You should be fine, although I suggest you speak with your dean as well as any possible advisers you may have. At the very worst, BC will place you on academic probation, but it isn't grounds for expulsion, at least not yet. I say you put more effort into studying/taking notes for those classes (and all classes in general) and you should be fine for future semesters. I don't see a problem with withdrawing from two of your classes (unless prohibited by your school), just expect to have to make up those courses over the summer or by overloading a couple of semesters.

worried_mom · 11-19-2009, 05:50 PM

How are you doing in your other classes? Will you have at least a 1.5 GPA (1.667 if you are in LSOE or CSON)? Then you should definitely follow the advice of your calc teacher and withdraw from the class. According to the "Academic Policies" posted on the BC website, you'll still be "in good standing" and won't be kicked out. But you will have to make up those deficiencies as soon as possible -- probably by attending summer school, since I would not advise overloads for a student in trouble (and your GPA will probably not be high to get permission for overloads anyway).

Quote:

To continue enrollment in a full-time program of study, a student must ordinarily maintain a cumulative average of at least 1.667 (1.5 in Management and 1.5 for the first three years in Arts and Sciences) as the minimum standard of scholarship and must not fall more than two courses behind the total number of courses a student of their status is expected to have completed (five courses each semester in the first three years and four each semester in senior year with the exception of Nursing where students take four courses in the first semester freshman year and four courses in the second semester senior year). Any student who is permitted by the deans to continue enrollment in a full-time undergraduate program is considered to be in good standing.

You do NOT want an F on your record, as it will kill your GPA -- better to take the W:

Quote:

Students who withdraw from a course after the drop/add period will receive a grade of W. The grade of W is not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

I hope that this is indeed just a “rocky start” and you do have your act together now and will be able to buckle down next semester. Do you know how you got so off-track? Please, please take advantage of the resources available to you through the Academic Advising Center and the especially the tutoring offered by the math dept. to help you get through calc.

leanid · 11-20-2009, 09:40 AM

Mh,

Are you taking calculus and chemistry to fulfill a core requirement, ie math and science, or are you taking them because they will figure into your eventual major? If the former, why not take an easier route. If the latter, and you are a math/science type, then I am guessing that maybe something is going on with you, unrelated to academics, that is getting in the way of doing well in those courses.

By all means, talk to your advisor -- and dean, if necessary! They can only help if they are aware of a need.