So me and my parents have been fighting a lot about what level courses I should choose when I start college in the fall. My course selection is actually pretty limited because I am in a BS/MBA/MD program, but I can control the level of the courses I will take by doing well on the placement exams and indicating if I want to be placed into the Honors level of a course. I just took my math placement exam and chemistry placement exam and did very well on both of them, both departments emailed me back their course recommendations and I was placed into the highest level possible for both chemistry and math. My parents actually got mad at me because they think this will tank my GPA and get me kicked out of the program, but I feel I could keep my GPA above the required 3.5. Any suggestions on how to make my parents see that I can handle the coursework and stay in the program. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
“… both departments emailed me back their course recommendations and I was placed into the highest level possible …”
Have them read what you have written here. Unless your parents believe the college wishes its students to fail, they should come to understand that you have done all the work up to now to merit entry into the program and placement at the highest level.
Tell them the college’s exam schedule and when you would like for them to send care packages to you to support you on your path. Pre-write some labels for them.
Smile when you do this, give them hugs, and tell them you are excited.
Congrats to you.
you will do just fine. Once they place you in chem 110 you cant opt out anyway. Same goes for math. Many before you that got placed in what you got placed and got A’s in both classes. It will be a more challenging first term for you than others but you will be fine, as long as you put in the work. Enjoy your summer.
It can be difficult for parents to ‘see’ the world through their child’s eyes because sometimes they let their experiences dictate their view of what they think is the best for their child. As a parent, I was very open to letting my son make informed decisions and trusted that I had provided him with enough skill building to make ‘wise’ decisions. I think that the proof is in your placement test scores and in the department’s placement. You can assure your parents that IF, once you have started classes, you feel that the level of work is overwhelming and you are in fear of a poor grade, that you will immediately reach out for help and change your schedule. This would mean that you must know the appropriate deadlines for adding/dropping a class and have an alternate schedule ready. Assure them that you have indeed listened to all their training and are well armed to make that decision. Show them that you know the dates by which to change your schedule and are ready to make that change IF/WHEN you realize that your higher level classes will get the better of you. Assure them that it is by risk taking that you have been able to achieve your skill level and that you will not know if you can handle it, if you don’t try.
.Parents are delicate and nervous creatures. Treat them gently. They often need frequent reassurances before you start college in the fall. Tell them you understand their worries. Show them your contingency plan (even if you don’t have one). Say if you are not keeping up with the coursework, you can (will? eh) move down a level. Give them drop/add dates as confirmation you made this plan. Good luck (with your parents). I’m sure you’ll do fine.
What college is this?
How late is the drop/add period?
How many credits will you be taking?
Are both classes required for the sequence, and how would the program handle the fact you didn’t take the 'regular’classes ?
Hello. I am going through a similar experience.
I will say one thing. The college will not place or recommend any classes they think you will not succeed in. If they placed you in the highest levels, it is because they believe you are capable of succeeding.
Your parents should be proud of you for being placed into the most advanced classes, not the opposite. I think that yes, these classes will be challenging, but these will be the classes that will help you succeed.
If you find out how to convince your parents to agree to you taking these classes, please let me know!