SoI'm dropping out, what should I do?

[fizziks]

I'm pretty much done with college. I didn't get the required grades for some of my classes and now I have to drop out.

What should I do now? I can't go anywhere these days without a degree. Otherwise I'm stuck with a minimum wage job. I'm lost here.

 

[Corneo]

Take some time off and then try to continue again. What was the problem?

 

[dontdisturbmycircles]

Corneo brings up a good point, is it possible for you to pinpoint the reason for your 'failure' (I don't mean it in a bad sense). Also, do you think that you would be able to correct it?

 

[fizziks]

I'm having emotional and personal problems. I can't take time off and come back, because I already exceed the max number of credits at my school. This is a permanent kick, meaning the school ain't taking me back at all.

I did very well last semester but just completely went insane this semester which caused me to get kicked out... forever.

 

[WolfOfTheSteps]

Can you go to a technical or trade school, or something?

It's unpopular to say this, but a traditional degree is not for everyone.

I can't go anywhere these days without a degree.

First thing to do is get that out of your head. It's BS. Many of the people I know who make good bucks never got a degree. And many people with degrees are lazy bums who won't work unless they feel like they are being "valued" for there superlative gifts and superior status.

 

[DaveC426913]

I'm having emotional and personal problems.

Are they the kind that a doctor might be able to identify?

 

[cristo]

I'm having emotional and personal problems.

As Dave says; go and see your doctor-- they can help with a lot more than just "medical" problems you know!

I can't take time off and come back, because I already exceed the max number of credits at my school. This is a permanent kick, meaning the school ain't taking me back at all.

If you do have a valid reason, and seek help from your doctor, then I'm sure the school will be willing to overlook the fact that you have exceeded the number of credits if you provide a letter from your doctor.

I did very well last semester but just completely went insane this semester which caused me to get kicked out... forever.

This is all the more reason to go and speak to someone-- if your grades are very good one semester then drop massively to the extent that you fail in the next semester and you have a reason for this, backed up by your doctor, then the school will look on these as exceptional circumstances. After all, schools don't want to kick their students out!

 

[mr_coffee]

I agree with cristo, if your giving them money they will want you in there as long as possible.

Anything medical even depression will keep you safe because they can't kick out a student if there is a medical reason. So if you need a pill to solve your issue you'll be fine. I'm not sure if just saying your crazy will work though, you need proof. Not saying your crazy either :D

Anti depressants work well but the side effects aren't fun so look out for that if that's the issue.

 

[Moonbear]

As Dave says; go and see your doctor-- they can help with a lot more than just "medical" problems you know!



If you do have a valid reason, and seek help from your doctor, then I'm sure the school will be willing to overlook the fact that you have exceeded the number of credits if you provide a letter from your doctor.


This is all the more reason to go and speak to someone-- if your grades are very good one semester then drop massively to the extent that you fail in the next semester and you have a reason for this, backed up by your doctor, then the school will look on these as exceptional circumstances. After all, schools don't want to kick their students out!

And if the school you're currently attending won't take it into consideration, you can probably find another that will and transfer. If you did well in your first couple years, you could transfer over with advanced standing. If the problem has been ongoing and you've only just figured out what it is, you might have to start all over again, but if it's really what you want to do and you're able to correct whatever the problem was, then it seems worth it.

Or, as others have suggested, if you're really not able to handle the courses required for a college degree, learn a trade. There are plenty of technical schools that won't care if you couldn't handle a college degree program because you don't need it for what they teach. Or just take some community college courses, or get an associate's degree for starters. There are a lot of options as long as you have the motivation to go after them.

 

[NathanExplosion]

Just to echo many others, go to the doctor and get a note. If your school doesn't let you in after that, go elsewhere. But only go if you feel better! Don't fall into the same hole and mess up at another school. Since you've had good grades before, you can handle the work. Even if your current major was kicking your behind grades-wise, choose an interesting yet "easier," major for you. If you feel stressed and lost, go to a community college for a semester, get good grades, and transfer somewhere. You have a lot of options still; failing out is not the end of your life. One day when this is all behind you, it will be a great success story. Good luck, see a doctor, and try and de-stress a bit.

 

[fizziks]

I've been looking around at MS certifications. I think it would get me straight into the IT world and build my way up from there. But I still think companies would rather hire new people with a bachelor/master's degrees.

What do you guys think? Should I try out for a community/technical school or just get a certification? I was a physics major going for a graduate computer engineering/computer science degree.

 

[Llama77]

Honestly I would transfer to another school, keep your job, and take maybe 2 classes max a semester, work on the certs and take it slow. In time you will have a degree. Its better to have the degree in your back pocket than to not have it, but it is not necessary.

 

[pivoxa15]

I don't know what your situation is or even where you live but how about the idea of living in your parent's home for the rest of your life and get them to support you. But that is only if your parents have a stable income. After they die, just live off the money in their bank account. But that will mean you can't support a family of your own and most likely single all your life. At least you will survive this way and not have to worry about too much financial worries.

 

[OSalcido]

I used to have this idea of College Dean's being Wirmer(sp?)-type fascists... turns out a lot of them are really very sympathetic to students. Get the medical note and talk directly to your dean. Exceptions can and are made frequently

 

[kdinser]

If your looking to get into IT, make sure you go to a school that has a good job placement program. It can be a tough field to break into if you don't have experience or a degree. Good luck.

 

[fizziks]

So, I've did some searching for jobs that don't required a 4-year degree... Just can't find any besides blue collar work that even middle school dropouts can get. It feels like I would stoop to a level of a high school graduate or even dropout which is pathetic in my family and my standards. This whole weekend has been a state of severe depression. I can't believe I sat around doing nothing for the past 2 days (Well, the whole campus was closed because it's the first summer break).

I've already spent 4 years in college and was only a semester away from graduating, now it's all over. I can't continue 2 or more years in another school. I've just lost the motivation to just keep going on like that and interest in my hobbies...

The hardest thing to do is telling this news to my parents.

 

[Werg22]

Consult your doctor... it's your best move now.

 

[light_bulb]

why not go to school part and get a part time job? those 'blue collar' jobs can be the fun if your a fun person, office jobs can't compare. the most fun job i ever had was working at a gas station.

 

[tim_lou]

no man, don't give up fizziks. I know I haven't experienced what you are going through, but good things happen to people who try!

I've met obstacles when I first came to America. I was living in PA in the district that has the second WORST high school in town. In that school, Algebra one and ESL 2 were classes for "smart" people. I lived in that district for two months wondering why the heck I even came to America. I knew little English, had no friends and everything seemed so dull and pointless.

Eventually, my parents moved (to a much better district) and I tried really really hard to catch up. Eventually, I ended up with a couple APs and straight As when I graduate.

Fizziks, just hang on there! it's never to late to finish what you've started! don't worry about how everyone else is doing or how other people think of you. (screw everyone). you are "YOU". look at your past and see what you've accomplished, are you just going to give up and let it go? NO!

talk to your professor, or anybody you know. Ask for another chance, or go to another college, or even a community college, or get a job. If you are persistence enough and are willing to give whatever it takes to accomplish your goal, nobody can stop you!

 

[AsianSensationK]

I'd say cut your losses, work a "blue collar" job for a while, and try going back to school again in a year or so at a community college closer to home. There's no point in remaining at a school if it just makes you agitated or depressed being there.

 

[Werg22]

fizziks up to now you have ignored our advice to consult a doctor it seems... are you reluctant?

 

[G01]

I don't know what your situation is or even where you live but how about the idea of living in your parent's home for the rest of your life and get them to support you. But that is only if your parents have a stable income. After they die, just live off the money in their bank account. But that will mean you can't support a family of your own and most likely single all your life. At least you will survive this way and not have to worry about too much financial worries.

You can't possibly be serious... This has to be the most absurd thing I have ever heard. That someone would actually think that this is a possible life plan worth considering. Not only is this a plan of being lazy, but it also involves years of taking advantage of those who care about you most. Please don't insult the OP, he is looking for help, and this isn't it.

 

[light_bulb]

how did i miss that lol

what happens when your parents die?

 

[WolfOfTheSteps]

how did i miss that lol

what happens when your parents die?

Apparently you missed this part too:

After they die, just live off the money in their bank account. But that will mean you can't support a family of your own and most likely single all your life.

 

[mr_coffee]

lol that is the oddest advice I've ever heard.

 

[u83rn00b]

DUDE! even with a minimum wage job you can move up, my father worked as a kid cleanin the parkin lot to manager in a year.He got tired of fast food tho and started workin on other crap.
My dad did a lot of dumb mistakes to tho, he declinesd a USC scolership, declined a offer from his buddy that prolly could have made him a millioneir by now.(offer was like to invest something in McDs for like 50Grand that wouldda made him like own a big part of company) He dropped out after two years but still worked hard and now my pops is a supervisor(very high on the ladder) at Northrup Grummen. (northrup is a company that build parts for nasa, space shuttles, jet fighters, satellites and etc)
You got to just work really hard. try to study a lot or get into another school, DONT GIVE UP! try everything you can do that will benifit you (xpt prostitution lol) work hard, study harder and get back in the game!

 

[yenchin]

DUDE! even with a minimum wage job you can move up

I second that. You know, Hubble (the guy who made the observation that pointed to expansion of the universe) has a good friend called Humason. In fact in older textbooks Hubble Law was called Hubble-Humason Law (poor Humason is fading out from history...). Hubble had a high regard for him and they worked closely together.

Humason, however, had a humble beginning.

Humason, born in Dodge Centre, Minnesota, dropped out of school at 14 to hang around Mount Wilson Observatory, California. For a while he was a mule driver for the pack trains that carried construction materials to the observatory from the Sierra Madre. In 1917 he joined the observatory staff as a janitor, but was quickly promoted, becoming assistant astronomer 1919.

http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Biographies/MainBiographies/H/Humason/1.html

 

[JasonRox]

I second that. You know, Hubble (the guy who made the observation that pointed to expansion of the universe) has a good friend called Humason. In fact in older textbooks Hubble Law was called Hubble-Humason Law (poor Humason is fading out from history...). Hubble had a high regard for him and they worked closely together.

Humason, however, had a humble beginning.



http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Biographies/MainBiographies/H/Humason/1.html

I think you guys are forgetting this is year 2007 where paper is important.

 

[yenchin]

I think you guys are forgetting this is year 2007 where paper is important.

Yea. You are correct. But the point is it is not the end of the world if you drop out. You can find a way back if you are determined. The post wasn't meant to say anything about the academic but to give encouragement.

 

[mr_coffee]

Even if he does drop out, his credits don't magically just disappear do they? for intance if he wanted to go back in say 2 years when he's less depressed and is ready to go back his credits are still there aren't they?

I took a year off and everything was fine still I even still got all my scholarships but mine was for a medical situation but he could also be considered that if he plays his cards right.

 

[WolfOfTheSteps]

I think you guys are forgetting this is year 2007 where paper is important.

I think we are actually beginning to see a shift towards paper becoming less important. It's becoming more and more obvious that a college degree does not mean much in the US.

I am at an "elite" school and just the other day I came across a girl who is a junior and said she hasn't read an entire book during her entire college career. She's not the first person here that I've heard admit things like this, and brag about them, nontheless.

I think we are getting to the point where many employers would rather higher someone from a foreign country with only a high school degree than they would a born US citizen with a bachelors degree.

Of course there are exceptions. You obviously can't become something like a physicist or engineer (depending on what the engineering job requirement actually is) without a rigorous education.

 

[Bitter]

I'm fairly certain that is true. A lot of schools don't consider your credit void until like 5 years or something like that. It may vary though. The main problem I see is finding a uni that would accept a senior that had one semster left. Many schools seem to have transfer cut off time at junior year.

 

[Bitter]

I think we are actually beginning to see a shift towards paper becoming less important. It's becoming more and more obvious that a college degree does not mean much in the US.

I am at an "elite" school and just the other day I came across a girl who is a junior and said she hasn't read an entire book during her entire college career. She's not the first person here that I've heard admit things like this, and brag about them, nontheless.

I think we are getting to the point where many employers would rather higher someone from a foreign country with only a high school degree than they would a born US citizen with a bachelors degree.

Of course there are exceptions. You obviously can't become something like a physicist or engineer (depending on what the engineering job requirement actually is) without a rigorous education.

I'm more inclinde to disagree with your statement. I feel that it is still very important for a person to hold a degree if they expect to work in a professional field.

In my field, Urban and regional planning, I find it hard to find jobs that require less than a degree in a related major. I have seen where some jobs don't require a major but experience working with GIS.

Most jobs I find require a degree plus 1-3 years of internship work. Furthmore, A master degree seems to be equal to 1 year of experience.

 

[WolfOfTheSteps]

Your field does sound rather bureaucratic. It wouldn't surprise me if it were literally impossible to hire someone without a degree.

Anyway, I'm not saying degrees are not important. I just think they are becoming slightly less important. I also think they will become even less important in the future. (I make exception for engineering and the hard sciences)

 

[pivoxa15]

You can't possibly be serious... This has to be the most absurd thing I have ever heard. That someone would actually think that this is a possible life plan worth considering. Not only is this a plan of being lazy, but it also involves years of taking advantage of those who care about you most. Please don't insult the OP, he is looking for help, and this isn't it.

I was waiting for a comment. Actually this is my worst case scenario since I am studying non career focused subjects like pure maths and theoretical physics plus I am not a smart cookie and just hanging on in my subjects so it's good to know that there is a bottom floor I can fall into. The idea of staying at home and do maths and physics and other things that interest you without ever thinking about financial issues is not that bad.

 

[J77]

I was waiting for a comment. Actually this is my worst case scenario since I am studying non career focused subjects like pure maths and theoretical physics plus I am not a smart cookie and just hanging on in my subjects so it's good to know that there is a bottom floor I can fall into. The idea of staying at home and do maths and physics and other things that interest you without ever thinking about financial issues is not that bad.

That sounds terrible.

And how would one support one's parents?

What a waste of the greatness that is life that would be.

 

[pivoxa15]

That sounds terrible.

And how would one support one's parents?

What a waste of the greatness that is life that would be.

This scenario can only be applied to people who have parents that are capable of earning a stable income and live conservatively or frugally. The point is the parents do not need support and in turn have some left over for the child. But again to support a modest lifestyle in most cases.

 

[J77]

This scenario can only be applied to people who have parents that are capable of earning a stable income and live conservatively or frugally. The point is the parents do not need support and in turn have some left over for the child. But again to support a modest lifestyle in most cases.

Ummm...

I think the point is that parents should not have to support their children for their whole lives, unless the children are truly physically or mentally unable to find a job - any job!

 

[marlon]

I was waiting for a comment. Actually this is my worst case scenario since I am studying non career focused subjects like pure maths and theoretical physics

In life, one needs to be realistic. Even if you like theoretical physics, making a career out of it is completely impossible unless you are a genius or very lucky. I think you are being very selfish here. You should be contributing to society. Go study solid state physics or engineering. THAT is what we need. Do you really want to pass your life as an unsuccesful theoretical physicist. Eventually, you will grow tired of it and you will regret not having chosen for a decent professional career. That's our basic human nature.

The "parents" stuff is just an illusion. You want to feel safe in every possible scenario, but, it ain't going to be like that. That is MY promise to YOU.

marlon

 

[mr_coffee]

I agree with Marlon what you love now isn't what your going to like later once you find out you have no g/f or wife, nor kids, nor any friends because your the kid who stayed at home all his life. (if that's even possible)

That is also kinda freaky in my opinion. I've never heard of someone living their whole life with their parents, it just isn't right.

I had a lot of friends who were big into drugs or just hated school and I thought they would never leave the house. At least they joined the service and contributed to society.

I'm usually the person who says, Do what you love, but I never thought this as an option, it never occurred to me that people thought that way.

But again I come from a family who can barely support themselves let alone a child staying at home their whole lives. So I never had the mind set of being financially safe at home but rather, study hard so you don't end up in the same situation.

 

[marlon]

I'm usually the person who says, Do what you love, but I never thought this as an option, it never occurred to me that people thought that way.

Lots of people think like that just "to feel safe". But it is an illusion since reality requires you to TAKE RESPONSABILITY ! One should get up, face life and enjoy it. One can do anything he/she wants to do but never forget that we are living in THE REAL WORLD and not some "personally idealised version" of it.

I agree, do what you love to do, but never forget that we are living in reaility. At least, the mentally sane are...



marlon

 

[fizziks]

Wow. Just WOW. I just got accepted to a decent grad school based on my credentials before this semester and they don't my current situation. I still haven't settled everything yet until the Spring-Summer intersession break is over.

I've kept myself sane by watching youtube videos and listening to internet radio all day.

 

[Manchot]

Ok, that's all well and good, but you still need to graduate to go to grad school. Your grad school will more than likely require that your undergraduate institution send them an official notice that you've graduated.

 

[G01]

I was waiting for a comment. Actually this is my worst case scenario since I am studying non career focused subjects like pure maths and theoretical physics plus I am not a smart cookie and just hanging on in my subjects so it's good to know that there is a bottom floor I can fall into. The idea of staying at home and do maths and physics and other things that interest you without ever thinking about financial issues is not that bad.

It really shouldn't be a consideration, no matter how abstract you field is...you still can get a job working fast food if need be.

What you are talking about is mooching...which is universally considered to not be a viable option for high school dropout or out-of-work physicist alike.

I would change your plans, saying you have trouble getting a job because of your choice of field or your grades, and so you have to mooch off your parents doesn't work. That previous statement is nothing more than an excuse to do nothing and be lazy, which is never acceptable anywhere, even if you would be happy doing it.

 

[pivoxa15]

Lots of people think like that just "to feel safe". But it is an illusion since reality requires you to TAKE RESPONSABILITY ! One should get up, face life and enjoy it. One can do anything he/she wants to do but never forget that we are living in THE REAL WORLD and not some "personally idealised version" of it.

I agree, do what you love to do, but never forget that we are living in reaility. At least, the mentally sane are...



marlon

It's 'good' to think that we live in a real world and we should take responsibility and all but if you think about it a bit more, you realize that you are not going to live forever and will die oneday. Just thinking about that makes me feel like everything is an illusion. Certainly when and after I die, which will come in a finite amount of time, everything to me will be an illusion by definition. If there was a possiblity that I could live forever than I will start to take more repsonsibility perhaps.


Living from the parents isn't all that unjustified. Honestly, I wish I was never born. So from this perspective some fault is already impinged on the parents and they can repay it back or break even with me if they provide a decent living for me for the rest of my life. Including giving me a decent inheritance after they die so that I can sustain myself after they die. Not having kids or partner is actually morally justified because given that I wish I was never born why would I produce a kid who might be like me and also wish they were never born? Also what kind of person would want to stay with a 'loser' like me? If I really cared for someone, I would actually recommand them not to be my partner for their own wellbeing and future.

You might call me selfish but at least I have been rational and have taken some moral high ground as well. However having said all that, I do realize that before I die, I am living in some sort of reality and biologically programmed to do and not do certain things so I will be trying hard to accomplish certain things like get a Phd and get an academic job if successful but always keeping in mind that there is a lowest level I can fall to which would not be 'wrong' if I am to be unsuccessful.

 

[Ki Man]

even if you are dropping out of where you currently go to college, what's wrong with community college and getting a job as a skilled person or start a small business? my neighbor owns a camera-security system company that he started himself and yet he's an immigrant and had to start from the ground up.

you could be a manager or a technician or even electrician or repairman. get a job that will always be in demand. factory workers can be outsourced or replaced over time but there will always be a need for people like government workers (IRS agents, social workers, policemen...) teachers, home repair, etc. we will always be in demand for those things. just because you aren't a computer programmer doesn't mean you won't find a job that's in demand

dropping out of college is not the end of the world. you could still do lots of things even after this. just take some time to explore the possibilities and get back out there

 

[AsianSensationK]

It's 'good' to think that we live in a real world and we should take responsibility and all but if you think about it a bit more, you realize that you are not going to live forever and will die oneday. Just thinking about that makes me feel like everything is an illusion. Certainly when and after I die, which will come in a finite amount of time, everything to me will be an illusion by definition. If there was a possiblity that I could live forever than I will start to take more repsonsibility perhaps.


Living from the parents isn't all that unjustified. Honestly, I wish I was never born. So from this perspective some fault is already impinged on the parents and they can repay it back or break even with me if they provide a decent living for me for the rest of my life. Including giving me a decent inheritance after they die so that I can sustain myself after they die. Not having kids or partner is actually morally justified because given that I wish I was never born why would I produce a kid who might be like me and also wish they were never born? Also what kind of person would want to stay with a 'loser' like me? If I really cared for someone, I would actually recommand them not to be my partner for their own wellbeing and future.

You might call me selfish but at least I have been rational and have taken some moral high ground as well. However having said all that, I do realize that before I die, I am living in some sort of reality and biologically programmed to do and not do certain things so I will be trying hard to accomplish certain things like get a Phd and get an academic job if successful but always keeping in mind that there is a lowest level I can fall to which would not be 'wrong' if I am to be unsuccessful.

It might've been better if you had just written off your original reply as sarcasm.

 

[EP]

Thats kinda what I assumed it was when I read it. Hahaha.

 

[pivoxa15]

No I am not trying to be sarcastic. The main point has always been that for me there is a lowest level which I can fall into and have infact informed my parents that. I do think that this level is not ideal as it's better to research and study maths or physics at an institution than at home. But I am not forced to do only career focused activities.

 

[J77]

Your parents are too soft if they let you stay at home in your 20s.

Don't you think they deserve some time for themselves?

Your comments are edgy...