[Kayleigh]

I feel so crappy. I failed my math midterm. 51%. Not even close. I don't know if I can make it through college, I'm failing freshman level classes, and I don't even have a decided major. Not to mention I don't have enough money to keep going to school, I guess I can just go up to my eyeballs in debt, but that seems pointless to go into debt just so I can flunk out of school. I don't even think there's a subject I'm good enough at to major in, even though this is the largest university in the country and they have just about every major under the sun. I really want to post something positive some time. I just don't have anything at the moment. Maybe when (or should I say if) I ever feel better.

[Rapunzel]

You can re-take the class if you need to, right? Maybe you'll do better on the other tests and stuff and won't even need to. It's easy to get discouraged about a bad grade, but it won't even be noticable because it will all average in. You'll be ok. And you don't have to have a major yet. Something will catch your interest, and you'll know it's what you want, or maybe you'll decide on liberal arts or something - a little of everything. That's fine too. Or it's also ok to look at other vocations that don't require college, or just take a break for a while. You get to make the decisions!

Hang in there! ((((((((hugs)))))))))))

[(JD)]

sorry to hear of your struggles Kay... but I am wondering why you chose a University to begin at, rather than a community college? The local cc is much less money, and does not need to weed out their students with marginal knowledge, like a university does. The education you receive is the same for the first 2 years. I'm sorry your high school did not prepare you with an adequate education... you are caught in the middle of our very poor educational system....

maybe you can find a free tutor... another student? You really need to advertise your need for one... and don't put it off... talk to the U counselor now... it's always easier to prevent a failure than to try and patch one up!

I don't recall if we talked about being able to have the U accomodate you due to your depression or whatever... under ADA they will! Another reason to be honest with the counselor.

[Avaa]

Is the reason you are flunking courses because you are taking classes you aren't interested in? Try taking some classes you actually like if you do decide to stick it out, it may encourage you.

[h0kie]

We had something called "Freshman rule", and let me tell you, I used it on a math class. The thing that stinks about being a freshman, especially one with no major, you end up taking the "core" classes. Which most large schools make extra hard in order to "weed out" those who don't want to be there. My advice is keep checking into the tutoring...ask the professor for suggestions. As Sky said, Get help now! Before it's too late.

If at all possible skate through the hard classes with a D (afterall, as my FIL says D=Done) and if that isn't an option, take those course at a Comm. College in the summer and transfer them.

As for a major...declare something for the time being, if you decide you don't like it, transfer. From the little we've spoken, education could be the right field for you. It's a good place to start.

You'll be ok. Freshman year is the hardest...it's usually the biggest transition. If I can help, let me know.

[eskielover]

I started college in 1970...oh so many yrs ago. I chose to go to a junior college (community) due to lack of funds & not really knowing what I wanted to do. I found that it was a good way to get my general ed out of the way for the least amount of money & after so many units, the rest were transferred as credit, but not the GPA. I finished off my BS at a State University after several changes of major, getting married, time off for a 5 week trip to Rome, Italy, & a couple of weeks off to have my daughter (c-section over Spring break). I took one class that I couldn't understand the foreign professor...ended up failing it but took if over for an A in summer school...I found that all things are possible even when you come from an uneducated family that has no use for education...it took determination especially when I had to get through a year of calculus...OMG, math, brain freeze. It was worth it though when I had my job offer in hand upon graduation with a salary higher than I ever had imagined. The career went well for 14 yrs, then oh well, life just can't be all perfect.

Depression set in & now that I am functional again, I started back to college to get skills so that I can survive the rest of my life. When I went back, I found that the depression was an ugly irritation except that I found that the Disabled Students Services was there to help set us conditions to help those of us with mental illness to get through college. It helped in that I was allowed to record lectures, take tests in a quite environment & have more time to complete the test. They were conditions available if I needed them, & I did. It is hard to get through college without the help & there is no need to bypass it especially when your future is at steak.

You can be very successful...it does take determination & the desire & drive to not give up. I look at all the obsticles that I had to overcome, & feel that others are so much smarter than I am, so if I could make it, others can make it too.

The freshman year is a transition of not knowing exactly what is expected. Not knowing brings out fear. Use all the help you can get...you can do it & it will be so worth it in the long run. The previous posts have provided you with many valuable ideas that are worth looking into. As far as deciding a major, it might be a good idea to go through some testing that may provide you with insights into what your interests are & the professions that are related to your interests.

Good luck,
Debbie