Just got 50 on my first Calc II test

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's performance in a Calculus II class, specifically addressing concerns about improving a low test score and the possibility of achieving a higher overall grade. Participants explore strategies for studying and preparing for future tests, as well as the implications of not being aware of opportunities for grade improvement.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether it is still possible to achieve an A in the class after receiving a low score.
  • Another participant suggests that the situation resembles an algebra problem, indicating that understanding the underlying concepts is crucial for success in calculus.
  • A participant calculates that achieving perfect scores on the next three tests could raise their average to 87.5, questioning if this is feasible.
  • Some participants emphasize the need for a change in study habits and increased effort, suggesting working through problems and seeking help from peers and instructors.
  • Advice is given to attend office hours regularly and to ask specific questions about missed exam content to improve future performance.
  • One participant shares their experience of improving their grade to 85 but expresses frustration about not knowing they had the chance to make up the low score.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the advice to communicate openly with the professor about their commitment to improving.
  • Some participants reflect on the importance of being aware of course policies and resources, such as syllabi, to avoid missing opportunities for improvement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of changing study habits and seeking help, but there is no consensus on the best approach to achieve the desired grade improvement. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of different strategies and the student's ability to implement them.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific details about the grading system and the student's overall performance metrics, which are necessary to fully assess the situation. Additionally, the discussion reflects varying levels of commitment and understanding among participants regarding study strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students in similar situations who are seeking advice on improving their grades in mathematics courses, as well as those interested in peer support strategies for academic challenges.

SELFMADE
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Three more tests left

is it still possible to end up with A in this class
 
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SELFMADE said:
Three more tests left

is it still possible to end up with A in this class
There's not enough information here to figure it out, but it sounds like an algebra problem. If you can't solve it, then perhaps it will be difficult to get a good grade in a calculus class.
 
jimmysnyder said:
There's not enough information here to figure it out, but it sounds like an algebra problem. If you can't solve it, then perhaps it will be difficult to get a good grade in a calculus class.

I know if I get 100 on next three tests my average will be 87.5

but is it doable?
 
It's doable, but will you do it is the ultimate question
 
yes

tell me what I need to do

I'll do anything, by that I mean ANYTHING
 
You need to change what you were doing before ASAP because it didn't work, and commit to another plan.

I think the only way to learn math better is work out as many problems as possible. That means you have to spend more hours per day studying. Also ask a lot questions in class, that will save you time finding the answer on your own, also ask friends for help, and of course PF is more that welcome to help you with your math problems. You just have to put in more effort.
 
Last edited:
Okay I'll do that. I've been playing poker too much lately. That needs to stop
 
SELFMADE said:
yes

tell me what I need to do

I'll do anything, by that I mean ANYTHING
Repeat that word for word to your professor.
 
jimmysnyder said:
Repeat that word for word to your professor.

This made me laugh, not sure if it was supposed to... (-__-')
 
  • #10
Have you tried asking your professor/TA for advice on how to prepare for the exams?

What kind of questions did you miss on the first exam? Did you waste time studying things that you didn't need to study? How can you change your studying to prevent this next time?

Additionally there are a few web pages which have advice for studying for math.
http://www.iwu.edu/~lstout/HowToStudy.html
http://math.fau.edu/Niederhausen/HTML/SurvivalGuide.htm
 
  • #11
Look up your professor's office hours. Put them on your calendar for every week from now until the final exam. Be sure to attend them and ask questions about the things you do not understand.

If the problem is that you were playing poker rather than studying, that is very easy to resolve...start studying instead of playing poker.
 
  • #12
lots of memorization required there. best calc II class i had, we were tested every week. good for keeping up and not getting behind. not something you can effectively cram for. study some every day.
 
  • #13
So I ended up getting 85

On the last day of class the prof asks why I didn't fix the 50.

I seriously didn't know I had the chance to make up!

suks
 
  • #14
Of course, if you would have repeated word for word to the professor you would have known...
 
  • #15
SELFMADE said:
So I ended up getting 85
Congrats on pulling your grade back up! Hopefully that means you've figured out what you need to do to study better now and will continue to do well in your future courses applying your new skills.

On the last day of class the prof asks why I didn't fix the 50.

I seriously didn't know I had the chance to make up!

suks

Sounds like you still need to remember you're given a syllabus for a reason. This is your instruction manual for the course, make sure you read it carefully and are aware when such things are or aren't allowed.
 
  • #16
Nice work!

But what's truly amazing is that he updated this old thread! No one ever does!
 
  • #17
JasonRox said:
Nice work!

But what's truly amazing is that he updated this old thread! No one ever does!

particularly in relationships forum ..
 
  • #18
JasonRox said:
Nice work!

But what's truly amazing is that he updated this old thread! No one ever does!

rootX said:
particularly in relationships forum ..

Are you being facetious? People updating threads discussing their calculus scores in the relationship forum seems to be one of the distinctive attributes of PF.

I understand those people completely. Geez, if only I'd just let Bianca Rizzimanzi copy my Calculus homework back in 1975, I could have lost my virginity before the age of 37! How my life would have changed!

With sex to look forward to, I probably wouldn't have dropped out of college and hitch hiked to California!
 

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