Overcoming Low Grades in One Semester

[uman]

Hi guys,

This semester I was a total failure for a lot of reasons. To make a long story short I'm getting: an F in a computer science class, a C in Chinese, and a D and C in my math classes (2nd semester Abstract Algebra and 2nd semester Real Analysis, respectively.) Luckily I'm getting one A: in another CS class. (who cares.)

I've taken topology, the calculus sequence, ODEs, complex analysis, 2 linear algebra courses, and the first-semester parts of the classes I just told you about, getting As in all of them. These are my first non-As in math classes. I'm also taking the graduate versions of those two classes next year.

Will my awful record this semester keep me out of math Ph.D programs, which is what I want to do? I'm not aiming for Harvard and company but I'd at least like to get in somewhere worthwhile someday. Can I possibly come back from this?

I'm in my second year by the way.

 

[Pengwuino]

Yes, you can come back from this. Lots of people screw up at one point or another, don't worry about it, just make sure it's a 1 time deal.

 

[micromass]

You might want to retake your abstract algebra and real analysis. Not only to get better grades on them, but also to master the material better than you know it now.

Also, it is essential that you know the source of your problem this semester and that you make sure it NEVER happens again. One bad semester is ok, two of them is less ok. So learn lessons from this semester...

 

[twofish-quant]

Also, there are two questions. Yes having one bad semester is going to hurt, and you aren't going to get into some of the schools that you would have been able to get into if you didn't have a bad semester, but if you have *only* one bad semester, you'll still likely get in somewhere.

The big worry is whether or not it really is one bad semester.

 

[MathWarrior]

Sounds like you were taking way more then you could handle. Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis are hard even alone.

 

[henryfayols]

When I got low marks in my xams that time I felt ashamed of myself & took a
promise to score good marks in the next semester.I did lots of practice to get
good marks.

 

[leontd]

It all varies on how you want your job/grads resume to look. If you don't plan to attend a top elite univ or get in a good position after you get your degree, then don't worry about it. But if you happen to care about either of these, then you will need to retake those classes and aim for an A. It is very comparative out.