Hello… I have a question about my possibility of attending either Durham University or the University of San Francisco. As an upcoming Senior, I have taken no AP classes YET, and (unfortunately, this was so hard for me to write on here) I have to redo Sophomore Geometry for the FOURTH time. (First time (Sophomore) = Failed; Second time (Junior) = Passing 1st Semester but Lost Morale and Failed Second Semester; Third time = Failed in Summer School since I was too far behind) I have lost almost all of my confidence in my academics, I have developed a negative mindset that I’m stupid and can never be like others, and I am fearful that my dream of attending Durham or USF will never happen. I need help. It isn’t normal for a High School Senior to redo Geometry for the fourth time. Living with a family of overachievers in both academics and life, I’m often envious of others and in dire need of assistance. What can I do to improve my academics and make my dreams of attending Durham or USF a reality? (BTW sorry for kind of venting here it’s supposed to be professional, I know.)
You need to figure out where the holes in your math understanding are. Have you ever had any tutoring in math to help with this?
If you complete a chance me/match me thread, it will give us more complete information to answer your college choice questions.
It sounds like you have only completed one year of HS math (algebra 1). Is that correct?
Are you a California resident? (I wondered because you mentioned USF.)
If you are really struggling with high school, and end up not being able to complete the math requirements for entry to 4 year colleges, one very reasonable option is to attend a community college for two years and then transfer. In CA, the UCs reserve space for CC transfer students, and transfer admission is based on your CC record, not your high school record. Even if you are not a CA resident, there should be a similar community college transfer pathway in your state.
My sister struggled with high school math, went to community college for two years, figured out that she was actually good at math with the right teacher helping her, and transferred to UCB where she graduated with honors. It’s a great pathway in many cases.
Yes I have only completed Algebra 1 as a Freshman. I know that in my state, the requirements of graduating is at least two(2) completed years of math. I have another opportunity to retake the class during the Spring of 2026, when close to my graduation(I’m worried I won’t). Even though I am looking forward to it, I am worried I will fail again because of my consistent failures in understanding most of the subject. What are some good study tips and recommendations as to what I must do in order to finally pass this time?
Yes I am a California resident!
I must admit, that was my plan to first go to community college and then transfer, but how can I enroll into a community college with only one year left before graduating(if I even do this year…)? I don’t know a lot about how community colleges work, so where can I receive more information?
You can sign up near immediately. I was surprised to see they have more than 2.1 million enrollees in Ca Community Colleges.
You can work with advisors there to figure out how to transfer to a four year but you’ll need tutoring and other help in math to get up to speed.
Do you have a tutor for hs math ? Have you been tested for a learning disability ?
Are you a U.S. citizen?
If you like that plan, you would first finish high school, and then you would attend community college as a high school graduate. Most students plan to attend CC for two years before transferring.
Here’s the web site for CA community colleges for more information: https://www.cccco.edu
Here is some information about UC transfer programs (if you wanted to plan ahead to transfer to UC): UC transfer programs | UC Admissions
Many UC campuses offer guaranteed transfer (TAG) from community college. You just have to meet their requirements.
Yes I am a U.S. citizen, and I live in the state of California. For learning disability, I do have ADHD, but I personally believe it is my lack of understanding for the subject that causes me to be so behind.
So you maybe need a private tutor. They shouldn’t rush or advance you. If you fall behind in math, you cannot move forward. You need to understand.
Not sure a community college gets you to a 4 year. You need to figure out this one subject. You should speak to a counselor - some schools have tutoring for free or your family can hire one.
Wait, but as a High School Senior living in California, my school’s requirement for graduating is to complete at least two(2) years of math, and Geometry is required. Now unless if I have to take Business math(alternative to Geometry), I can’t automatically attend Community College…right? Or can I attend Community College while still in High School…?
Also with Business Math, it will decrease my chances of attending my dream colleges(Durham and USF), so I would like to complete Geometry as soon as possible, unless if I have no choice but to take Business Math instead.
My nephew never graduated hs in Nevada. Yet attended CC, got a degree at UNLV and makes a good living as an accountant.
You need too talk to your guidance counselor or an admission counselor at the CC.
But you need a plan to overcome math, regardless of your hs status.
Please don’t attend community college while you are in high school. You need to find out what you don’t understand, and get that information under your belt.
You need to speak to your school guidance counselor now and find out what you need to do to fulfill your HS and state graduation requirements. If you need to take business math to graduate from HS…do that!
Then go from there.
I don’t know the CA community college guidelines, but the CCs here are open enrollment…meaning anyone can enroll. BUT to get a CC two year degree, you probably will need to complete some math…CCs offer remedial math courses. Maybe this is what you need.
@Gumbymom do CA community colleges have open enrollment?
College isn’t a race…it’s a journey.
First…you need to satisfy your HS graduation requirements…so make a plan to do that.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting college at a community college.
Are you talking about Durham University in the UK? And USF (University of San Francisco)?
If University of San Francisco…here are the HS courses they require for admission…includes 3 math courses.
Academic Requirements
A strong academic record of college prep courses shows us that you’re motivated and that you care to put forth your best work. To be considered for admission, first-year applicants should have taken:
- ENGLISH: 4 years
- MATHEMATICS: 3 years
- Engineering applicants are required to have completed precalculus
- SOCIAL SCIENCES: 3 years
- LAB SCIENCES: 2 years
- Nursing applicants are required to have completed chemistry prior to applying for admission.
- Biology or Physics (Only one of these courses needs to be completed. It will not increase your chances of being admitted if you have completed both.)
- FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 2 years
Yes, California Community Colleges have an open enrollment policy. This means they generally accept all applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as being a high school graduate or having a GED.
@Xelly44
If you want to do dual enrollment courses at a CC while in HS then you should check with your HS counselor to see if your HS has DE agreements with your local CC.
For learning disability, I do have ADHD . . .
Do you have a special education diagnosis? If you do, you should be able to get the adjusted instruction you need to pass Geometry.
If you have a diagnosis of ADHD, you are eligible for “504” accommodations. Your guidance counselor or a special education teacher should be able to help you with this.
What is your high school saying about taking geometry for the fourth time?
My first thought was dyscalculia. Have you been assessed for that?
OP said above that geometry is a HS graduation requirement, so they have to take it again and pass it.
OP, has the HS offered you any resources to help you with geometry? If not, you might ask your past math teachers and/or your counselor, whether or not you go for an IEP or 504 accommodations.