Question about my Math Classes

College Life
1

Hi,

I’m doing a math major at my university and am currently enrolled in Linear Algebra, which I need for the major. I felt like I understood the lectures and reviewed my notes a bunch of times already (classes started last week Monday), but when I got the first homework assignment I was completely stuck and couldn’t really answer any of the questions - it just felt different than what we did in class somehow. I tried scheduling an appointment with the Academic Resource Center, but all of the tutors’ hours there are during my class times (they only have three tutors for Linear Algebra). I went to the Math Lab on campus too, but it was really unorganized and I just ended up sitting there without anyone ever actually getting around to help me. My professor doesn’t have office hours until tomorrow, but the add/drop period ends tonight. I feel awkward emailing him asking about so many of the homework problems.

I’ve also been sitting in on a Calculus 3 class as an alternative if i decided to switch out of Linear Algebra. I think that so far the lectures in Calculus 3 were easy, the homeworks aren’t too difficult, and the professor seems nice. The problem is I don’t need Calc 3 for the math major at my university. However, I plan on sending out transfer applications to places where Calc 3 is required for the math major.

So I don’t know whether I should drop Linear Algebra (which I’ve been struggling with) and add Calculus 3 (which has been fine) before the add/drop period ends tonight. I know that I’d have to deal with Linear Algebra no matter where I go, but this is the last semester that can affect my transfer applications (through the Mid-Term Report) and I’m not sure if I should risk taking a class I might not do well in right now. After I transfer, I’d then take Linear Algebra with hopefully a better professor and feel less stressed about possibly not getting an A since I wouldn’t have applications looming. I’d also feel like I wouldn’t need to maintain my 4.0 GPA and it’d be fine if I got a B in one class or something.

Thoughts about if I should stay in Linear Algebra or add Calc 3?

2

If you’re struggling and can’t find sufficient help, I’d drop the class and take Calc 3. You are in the situation, however, where you will have to take linear algebra at some point or another, but I think that if you can take it at a different time where you will be less stressed, then do that.

This would be really helpful if you could talk with you advisor, but I guess that really isn’t possible if the add/drop period ends today.

I was actually in a situation like this last spring. I added an online class that looked like it was going to be an easy general education class, but when the class showed up on my course management page, it was harder than I thought. Unfortunately, the late drop period had just started (12:01 a.m.), so dropping the class left me with a “WN” on my transcript, which isn’t bad, but could’ve been avoided if I would have done it two minutes prior.