Should I even continue Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's concerns about continuing in an engineering program after facing significant academic challenges in their first year, particularly in mathematics and science courses. The student is contemplating whether to persist in engineering or consider switching majors, potentially to law or business.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • The student expresses feelings of being behind in mathematics, which they acknowledge is crucial for engineering, and questions the feasibility of continuing in the program.
  • Some participants suggest considering alternatives if the student drops out, indicating that a lack of alternatives complicates the decision-making process.
  • One participant points out that there are areas in computer science where mathematics may not be as critical, suggesting that if the student enjoys programming, they could continue in that direction.
  • Concerns are raised about the student's ability to pass future required courses, such as physics, given their current struggles.
  • There is a discussion about grading standards, with one participant noting that a C- is considered a failing grade in their engineering program, which may differ from the student's experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the student should continue in engineering or switch majors. There are multiple perspectives on the importance of mathematics in engineering and alternative paths available.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the student's academic struggles and the varying definitions of passing grades across different engineering programs, which may affect their decision-making process.

crunxx
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Hello all,

I am about to go into my 2nd year at my university and all I can say is that my first year was incredibly stressfully and filled with depressing downturns. Here it goes:

1.) I did not pass any placement exams for the maths (was not paying attention in High School) and was unable to take any relevant courses for engineer so I held off math until next semester
2.) First semester I failed Chemistry with a c- and had to retake it.
3.) 2nd semester I got into Pre-calc and retaking chemistry with all my liberal arts
4.) Failed Pre-calc (c-) and passed Chemistry with a C
5.) if I continue engineering I would have to take calc2,physics,chem(2) and a class I have been waiting for EE 160 (C++/C for engineers which I love!) this schedule would be pushed back now that I failed precalc though...

I feel like I am just behind on my maths and I know that's incredibly important for engineering and was wondering If it's even a bother to continuing even though I am soo far behind in the game. I mean I can't even pass precalc! (not an excuse but finding any application to it made it horrid for me)

I like physics and the logic and equations of math but this precalc stuff has me on edge...I am doing bad in most of my science classes and was wondering if it is even worth it?I would really like to graduate in 4.5years but if I keep getting pushed back like this it might take wayy longer..

Anyone have any insight on how I can evaluate myself on this: Stay or go? (if I switch majors it'd either be law,business because I am amazing at concepts...)
 
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It's a bit hard to help you when you offer no alternatives. What are the alternatives if you drop out?
 
There are areas of computer science where math does not matter so much. If you love computer science and you would be happy programming softwares or libraries or such then you could keep going. You really ought to boost your grades so that you can get a job down the road. Also, I'm guessing that your department will require physics if it required chemistry (it better have ;) ), do you think you will be able to pass physics when it comes around? Something else to consider.
 
What school do you go to? Its interesting that failing is a C-, and still, that's pretty beat the your professors failed you with just getting a - instead of a C...
 
hockeyadc said:
What school do you go to? Its interesting that failing is a C-, and still, that's pretty beat the your professors failed you with just getting a - instead of a C...

It's not uncommon.

In our engineering program anything under a C is considered a failing grade for engineering students.
 

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