tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.comments2022-11-09T05:06:51.360-08:00The Chatty Professorchattyprofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-75020374027855100002018-01-09T08:38:57.911-08:002018-01-09T08:38:57.911-08:00Hello,
I am sorry to hear about your struggles,...Hello, <br /><br /><br />I am sorry to hear about your struggles, but know that you are not alone. There are countless students going through all sorts of myriad issues, and navigating similar territory. My short answer is that you can erase an entire term. Colleges may call this different things, but it's usually "academic renewal." You can purge an entire term from your transcript; the caveat is that you can't pick and choose to keep one class. I believe it's a purge of the entire term. <br /><br /><br />You mentioned that you don't have parental support, but you have a college mentor and you have a counselor. What about other support members on the campus? Do you have a counselor also on campus? (This is often free) Do you have a trusted professor or two who you could solicit on your "team"? Can you lessen your college load and maybe take one class or two--selectively chosen for stress level--and do great at those to boost your confidence? It sounds like whatever team you have outside of college, you'd also benefit from a team of support in college. Fortunately, there are a lot of folks who can serve in that role. Start with your college mentor and have that person help you align others. From that point, if your goal is to be in college, take a step back and take just a class or two that you would enjoy. Get your confidence back up, and then you can make other decisions from there.<br /><br /><br />I wish you all the best.<br /><br /><br />Ellen chattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-41877954628750149532018-01-09T00:55:35.969-08:002018-01-09T00:55:35.969-08:00Hi, my name is Kasey and I have been dealing with ...Hi, my name is Kasey and I have been dealing with my failure this last semester. It wasn't just one class, but multiple. You see, I could blame it on a number of factors. My life has not been filled with one dull moment since my birth. Through it all I kept my eye on college, but right before I began my college career the process of going to trial for a number of reasons began. I have been trying so hard to deal with my... issues... and I've run out of steam. I don't have parents to disappoint, but my college mentor will be disappointed. I can't do it right now. My emotional health has declined. Four years I haven't dealt with my... life. Counseling only helps so much. Listen, I could feel sorry for myself or I could try something different for now. I took all the prerequisites for a medical degree and then I changed my major to elementary education and failed miserably. What I'm asking you is that do you believe it is possible to erase the last semester? I will ask my college advisor, but I would like an encouraging opinion.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14844848164584067347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-38855009967714905482017-05-19T15:01:54.340-07:002017-05-19T15:01:54.340-07:00Kylie, if there has been a deviation from the syll...Kylie, if there has been a deviation from the syllabus that harms the student, then, yes, that would be grounds for something to report. The syllabus is not a legal contract (but in some circumstances could be viewed as such); however, it is a "contract" in the sense that the percentage set forth is the percentage that student-professor agree to. A prof cannot suddenly decide that everyone did poorly, so they will change the percentage to cause more harm to a student's GPA. <br /><br />I had a term where students were missing my class a fair amount. I don't have a concrete attendance policy, though there is a participation grade. I couldn't suddenly implement an attendance policy just because I was concerned about student attendance. I hope this helps and I wish you luck! Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-62688501968359618362017-05-17T16:22:37.777-07:002017-05-17T16:22:37.777-07:00What if, as a professor, you aren't changing t...What if, as a professor, you aren't changing the assessments, but shifting grade weights around? I am trying to ascertain if a professor who changed the weight on a 'final project' from 25% of final grade to 50% of final grade after the projects were submitted and after the final class was completed has done something I should report. This negatively affected many students, as the project universally got low grades. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18308058333629457812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-44924459249596361702017-05-17T16:22:15.745-07:002017-05-17T16:22:15.745-07:00What if, as a professor, you aren't changing t...What if, as a professor, you aren't changing the assessments, but shifting grade weights around? I am trying to ascertain if a professor who changed the weight on a 'final project' from 25% of final grade to 50% of final grade after the projects were submitted and after the final class was completed has done something I should report. This negatively affected many students, as the project universally got low grades. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18308058333629457812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-5088867066283137622013-05-21T08:45:48.267-07:002013-05-21T08:45:48.267-07:00Hello, Donny,
My blog has moved to ellenbremen.c...Hello, Donny, <br /><br />My blog has moved to ellenbremen.com, just FYI :-). <br /><br />First, congratulations on turning your situation around so vastly! Bravo! <br /><br />Unfortunately, I know little about financial aid and their requirements, but I have a thought: <br /><br />Can you request to purge the fall semester when you dropped out and have those records stricken from the transcript? This is called Academic Renewal (may be called something different at your school) and a student can typically only do it once. The only downside is that if there was a course you wanted to keep, you can't pick and choose. The whole term has to go. <br /><br />It sounds like with the medical documentation and support from your professor, combined with your very high GPA, I would think the appeal will go. Also, I'm surprised the Academic Probation did not include financial aid because, otherwise, what was the point of them funding you to come back for this past semester? If a student fails out one full term and then makes a sparkling comeback (as you did), there is no way those grades are going to average out much higher in just one term. <br /><br />I would love to hear the outcome on this and I'll be rooting for you! <br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-5858414097611092492013-05-21T08:39:45.481-07:002013-05-21T08:39:45.481-07:00Hi, Jack,
Thank you so much for your note. My bl...Hi, Jack, <br /><br />Thank you so much for your note. My blog has moved to ellenbremen.com, just FYI. <br /><br />It sounds like you have a very good handle on what happened. I hated a subject, Environmental Science, because the professor lectured for three hours at a time from a legal pad (I blogged about this) and I didn't do well either. I can relate to this feeling of being really frustrated and then that feeling backfiring on your grade. I've been there. <br /><br />The situation is recoverable, though, and at least your financial aid is not threatened. If you are retaking this class, go see the prof and discuss what you feel went wrong. Then, I would make a lot of deals with yourself for your deliverables/outcomes for the new class--as in "rewards" for every time you do something that is an improvement over the last time. <br /><br />The other way to look at this is that you have a total leg up on the subject. There are tremendous benefits to that. <br /><br />Let me know if I can be helpful and take care, <br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-57254713128190207032013-05-21T08:35:00.952-07:002013-05-21T08:35:00.952-07:00Hello,
(This blog had moved to ellenbremen.com.....Hello, <br /><br />(This blog had moved to ellenbremen.com... just FYI :-). <br /><br />I am really sorry to hear that you are going through these struggles. One thing that you note is not being able to see your grades throughout the term. This is a big problem and the minute you see it happening in a course, it's time to make an appointment with that professor. You have to let that person know that grades need to be seen throughout the term. They should never be a surprise at the end! <br /><br />If you feel that your F isn't justified because you did not see it until the end of the term, then you could possibly file a grade appeal. <br /><br />Regarding your family, I would be up front with them and say, "I thought I was doing well in this class, but I must have made some mistakes. My grades weren't available to me throughout the term, but when I saw my final grade, I failed. I now know that I need to check my grades several times throughout the term, and if they aren't available or something isn't right, I need to meet with my professor immediately." <br /><br />Your family may be disappointed about the outcome, as you are, but if you have an actionable plan, hopefully they will see that you want to change this situation for the future. <br /><br />I wish you well. Feel free to let me know if I can be helpful at another time. <br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-46250562172296225412013-05-21T08:29:53.423-07:002013-05-21T08:29:53.423-07:00Hello, Rayne,
I'm sorry for the delay. This ...Hello, Rayne, <br /><br />I'm sorry for the delay. This blog has moved to ellenbremen.com, but I still get notifications when there are comments. <br /><br />I want to applaud you for taking the steps that you are to a) take care of the depression; and b) improve your academic performance. I have had struggles with depression/anxiety, myself, so I truly empathize with you. <br /><br />I appreciated your kind words about the blog. I definitely feel that grades don't define us--they are a measurement in a moment of time. <br /><br />I am thrilled that you're going to the counseling center. I'd love it if you'd get a letter of accommodation from your physician and also go to your Disability/Access Services department. "Disability" on a college campus is a very, very wide term. By registering with this department, you would be afforded more advocacy and assistance. Why not take advantage of that? <br /><br />I wish you all the best. Please e-mail at chattyprof@gmail.com if I can help at any time. <br /><br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-67546632194800029002013-05-19T18:02:26.971-07:002013-05-19T18:02:26.971-07:00Hello, I hope you can advise me. In the fall semes...Hello, I hope you can advise me. In the fall semester of last year I had to drop out of college due to a serious Illness. I then got on medicine and my health greatly improved.I was placed on Academic probation for this last spring semester, I completed the spring semester with a 3.50 GPA.(A) But now my FIN AID has been terminated due to a overall grade average of less than 2.0 for both semesters.<br />I just filed a appeal with the finaid office at school and I submitted Drs. documents on my Diagnosis with my appeal. This is my first appeal ever.<br />I tried very hard last semester and My grades show the proof of it.<br />My professor said he would put a word in for me.<br />What do you think the chances are of getting my FINAID reinstated? Thanks, DonnnyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-58122365045994471392013-05-10T09:19:21.708-07:002013-05-10T09:19:21.708-07:00This is a three year old post but I'm glad I r...This is a three year old post but I'm glad I read it. I just found out that I received an F in my general chemistry class (which is particularly embarrassing because I am a biology major). I believe i still will be able to keep my financial aid, though for the last few hours I wasn't sure. Regardless, this was a huge blow to me considering that this was only my second semester and already very rough (three Cs and two Bs). However I have recognized that this was a result of my lack of effort, probably a result of my hate for the subject. Regardless, reading this entry has helped me realize that this is not the end of the world and that it really is a lesson that I can take something out of. Thank you for your help, and hopefully I will get an A out of it when I take the class again in the fall.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br /><br />-JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-68841673714125932922013-05-03T19:30:09.807-07:002013-05-03T19:30:09.807-07:00hi chattyprof
you know what I failed my major subj...hi chattyprof<br />you know what I failed my major subject. I really dont know why? I used to blame myself. I expect a high grade nor not a failing, cuz as what i can see I almost perfect all of my assignments, quizzes, and even attendance.I'm wondering was my major exam very loW,that it cause my grade to fail? unfortunately i didnt saw my MAjor exam result, cuz my prof ddnt show us then. She dont even showed us our gRADES every grading. and what happened was she only showed us The final grade (FAILED). :( WE cant do nothing. and my worst problem was my family's expetations, because they trust me and proud when it comes to (study). im so ashamed :(<br />by the way CHATTYPROF i wouLd LIKE to thank you for all of this, in this situation of mine, i made realize that its NOT the end,its just a test for me and life is not all about PASS! IT gives me courage THANK YOU once again and GOD BLESS.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17636270478421884288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-60269715141503909022013-04-26T10:53:04.003-07:002013-04-26T10:53:04.003-07:00Ellen,
I'm a student in undergrad, struggling...Ellen,<br /><br />I'm a student in undergrad, struggling with depression. I've failed (and retaken in some cases) several courses over the past few semesters because of it. I've begun regular visits to the counseling center on campus and have finally found the drive (and perhaps courage) to commit to changing my academic performance. I am still struggling, and most days I find it hard to accomplish almost anything. Reading your post, your empathy toward the situation and your sensitivity to its treatment became apparent. I was so touched by it, that when I read the sentence about an "F" not defining the student, I teared up a bit. Though I strive to effectively communicate myself in these matters, that's sentiment that I've been rarely extended, by parents or professors.<br /><br />Thank you.<br />RayneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-70971489564282277202013-04-26T10:23:39.976-07:002013-04-26T10:23:39.976-07:00Anonymous,
Your question is very similar to the ...Anonymous, <br /><br />Your question is very similar to the person above, so I would essentially say the same thing to you: First, figure out why those failures happened and deal with that issue. It may mean you going to the counseling center to talk things out and see where the problem lies. <br /><br />After that, recruit profs, family and friends to help you with the issue or keep you accountable to work on it. If you aren't using all the resources at your college i.e., tutoring center, library, etc., then you'll need to commit to doing that. <br /><br />At that point, you'll need to write out the classes you have left and try to make some grade projections. That will tell you what you need to know regarding your grade goal. <br /><br />I'm glad to help further--visit me on the updated site ellenbremen.com. <br /><br />My best to you! <br /><br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-44809497574023441192013-04-26T10:20:57.417-07:002013-04-26T10:20:57.417-07:00Anonymous,
This site isn't updated anymore, b...Anonymous, <br />This site isn't updated anymore, but my blog is still alive and well at ellenbremen.com. I am so sorry for the long delay. <br /><br />It sounds like you totally know what the problem is and procrastination is at least an easy issue to fix. If you can work earlier and recruit some trusted profs, friends, and family to help you stay accountable, I know you can do it. I had a student who admitted that procrastination was a problem and I had Student check in with me on a different schedule. We knew we had to break the pattern with some intensity before it would work. I bet you can find people who will do that for you. <br /><br />Regarding the GPA, depending on the number of classes you have left, try to do the calculations and see how high you can go. Literally write out all the classes you have to go and put some grade projections on them. Then you'll have concrete information to draw from. <br /><br />My best to you and let me know if I can help further. <br />Ellen<br /><br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-80316899198290190082013-04-26T10:17:51.568-07:002013-04-26T10:17:51.568-07:00Patrick, I am so sorry for the huge delay. This si...Patrick, I am so sorry for the huge delay. This site isn't updated anymore, but the blog is still alive and has moved to ellenbremen.com. I am glad to help at any time if I can be of assistance! Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-44851975098359486912013-04-26T10:16:58.889-07:002013-04-26T10:16:58.889-07:00Hi, Kirsten,
I apologize for the delay. My blog ...Hi, Kirsten, <br /><br />I apologize for the delay. My blog has moved to ellenbremen.com, but comments on this blog still come through to me, though not right away. <br /><br />It sounds like you are doing everything you possibly can about the math class. Let me tell you, when I was in school, math was my worst subject. I had to hire a teenage whiz kid tutor to come to the house every day just to get me through the most basic algebra. Fortunately, my major did not require a lot of math, but it was enough. <br /><br />Hearing your schedule, I question why an advisor would endorse all of those classes at once, even with the caveat that it will be tough. They are all rigorous--not that an English class isn't--but some diversity of topics can give your brain a chance to breathe. It sounds like you desperately need that, but any of us would :-). <br /><br />I am glad you are going to talk to the prof and hopefully that person will help you figure out the next steps. I agree that if math is your major, an A or B would be ideal, but a C won't be a disaster in one math class. I would be up front with the prof and say, "I am a math major and striving to do as well as I can in this class. Here is where I think I went wrong. Do you have other suggestions for me as I move forward?" <br /><br />If you've been doing well in the other math classes, then it sounds like this was a funky occurrence. If the issue continues with other math classes--let's hope it won't--then I would definitely talk to more profs in the math department about your major. I am not saying you have to rethink it, but there might be other things to consider in tandem with your career goal. <br /><br />Again, it sounds like you are taking all the right steps and you'll plan your schedule next time in a way that is more comfortable for you. I would love to hear about your progress and would be glad to help again! E-mail me at chattyprof@gmail.com if I can be of service. <br /><br />Take care and my best to you! <br /><br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-88069724295394608372013-04-17T22:02:45.150-07:002013-04-17T22:02:45.150-07:00Hey,
So I'm possibly on the verge of failing m...Hey,<br />So I'm possibly on the verge of failing my first math class, and let me tell you it's a blow to my ego. I used to struggle in math in high school but have excelled in college, and that's my major now, and the first upper level math class, it was basically and introduction to abstract math, I'm almost certain I'm going to fail or get a D (which isn't an acceptable grade for my major). I've been pretty down about it for a couple weeks, the semester isn't over, and I'm going to talk to my prof tomorrow to find out what my options are, but I did sign up to retake the class this fall, just in case. I didn't slack off this semester by any means, my mistake was biting off more than I could chew. I signed up for Differential Equations, Proofs (the class I'm on the verge of failing if I'm not already), General Physics II, and Gen. Physics Lab II. I had spoken to an adviser prior to registration last semester, they were familiar with me as a student, and said that I could do it but it would be tough. It's a very tough lessen learned. But I'm going to swallow my pride and figure out how to recover form this. But when you said that you had failed a class and went on to have a successful career made me feel a lot better about my situation. I'm the type of student that isn't happy unless I get an A. Few times I'll accept B's, and rarely do I accept C's. But failing is part of life I suppose. How are you ever going to grown if you don't fall down and couple times and learn to pick yourself back up right?<br /><br />KirstenPensive writinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08688538364022568297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-88444319355740499912013-01-17T11:01:43.313-08:002013-01-17T11:01:43.313-08:00I failed 5 of my classes as a sophmore... what do ...I failed 5 of my classes as a sophmore... what do i do. i dont want to drop out and i feel like i turned my life around can i still get higher than a 3.0 my senior year?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-32152938547613439282013-01-17T10:31:22.395-08:002013-01-17T10:31:22.395-08:00This is my sophomore year at Rutgers and i have a ...This is my sophomore year at Rutgers and i have a low 1.5 GPA i have been struggling with the college scene, family financial issues and other problems in my life that arent necessarily that much of a burden that i could have done better. I have a serious procrastination problem and i failed 2 classes this semester. I am now going into my spring semester and I want to turn my life around but i was just wondering if there is a way to bring my GPA up to a 3.2 before my senior year if i get A's and B's. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-82343218768201786252012-12-22T06:07:43.211-08:002012-12-22T06:07:43.211-08:00Awesome! I am a college student who, yes tried, an...Awesome! I am a college student who, yes tried, and failed two classes. I have always been an all A's and B's student, but once college hit, I guess that changed! Thank you for posting this. Really helped out, especially mentally. I was pretty scared, especially dealing with the parents..Patricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-54953088670430216222012-12-18T13:54:54.253-08:002012-12-18T13:54:54.253-08:00Hello,
Wow! You have had a lot going on and it s...Hello, <br /><br />Wow! You have had a lot going on and it sounds like you made it through anyway. Give yourself credit for that. If you are worried about losing financial aid, then either you didn't hit the GPA that you needed to or you have failed some classes? <br /><br />My first advice is actually in hindsight: The minute you were going through the issues you mentioned, your profs needed to know about them. They were serious and longitudinal--meaning... they were clearly not quick "excuse" type issues. This falls into my requirements for the type of situation that you definitely work out with your professors so they know what's happening with you and can work with you through your term. <br /><br />So I'm assuming that you didn't do that and may have to now do damage control? First, find out if there is any risk to your financial aid and what the exact penalty is going to be. Know your facts so you know what you have to solve. <br /><br />Then, go talk to your profs. Tell them the struggles that you went through and that you made a huge mistake not coming to them sooner. You can say, "I really thought I could handle these issues on my own and being a freshman, I didn't realize that I should have come to you the minute they were happening." <br /><br />There probably is not much you can do to make your grades better at this point. The only thing you might be able to do is see if even one prof might be willing to transition a grade to an "incomplete" based on a medical reason. This would mean that you could either redo something or possibly submit something that you might have missed because of your medical issues. Maybe more than one will go for this--who knows? <br /><br />Typically, an incomplete allows you a little more time to finish up work, but you'd have to make sure that doesn't impact your financial aid. You would not have to retake the class or pay for the class again. <br /><br />The biggest takeaway from this situation is to be as proactive as possible next term. If anything happens to you, let your professors know IMMEDIATELY so they can work with you! Later on in your academic career, you may want to retake these classes to bring your grade up, or you may be able to do an "academic renewal," which would mean wiping this term off your transcript (some colleges allow this just one time), but you'd lose all the credits. <br /><br />There are likely some options--you just have to do some investigation. <br /><br />I wish you luck! <br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-59187543403135788292012-12-18T13:32:21.567-08:002012-12-18T13:32:21.567-08:00Part 2
I am just not convinced that your entire ...Part 2 <br /><br />I am just not convinced that your entire situation is a failure and a total loss. I know you are feeling that way and I validate that you feel uncomfortable. You've certainly experienced a lot of disappointments. But I refuse to believe that this is where you are meant to stay and that your dreams of doing what you want are completely dashed. I would not let one adviser be your determiner of that, unless there is a concrete reason why. If there is an academic problem, courses can be re-taken. If the issue is math, then, like I said, I might talk to a couple of veterinarians--maybe recent grads--and see what they say. If you need a ton of math for this degree and there is no way around that, and that is why the adviser is saying you can't get into the program, then why would wildlife biology be a fitting alternative? Something isn't adding up for me. It seems like that would also would require math? <br /><br />Regarding finding a female mentor, I am certain that either the counseling center or an academic adviser can lead you in this direction easily. Heck, even just start chatting with some profs. They usually know others' backgrounds. A female prof or two who has struggled would be happy to mentor you! I was a first-gen student and I struggled through college as a non-trad student, though I ultimately did well. If you were on my campus, there would be no doubt that I would be happy to give you encouragement. You can find others like me, I'm sure. <br /><br />Your age is hardly an issue. There are folks in their 50s who start Ph.D.'s and M.D.'s and think nothing of it. Fifty-one is not old and many people return to school in this juncture, particularly in our economy. This makes me wonder, once again, if you are in a university or a CC. If you are in a CC, are you going during the day? If you are, you probably aren't seeing all the students like yourself who are transitioning. <br /><br />Finally, let me give you a reality from the other side of all this: Others in your classes are probably not "just getting it," like you think. I just finished teaching three classes. One of my night classes struggled profoundly... and this was a public speaking class, not math. They had a tough time with outlining and proper citations. We had to go over it time and time again. In a few cases, even the students who worked really hard still didn't end up with the outcomes that they wanted from a grade perspective. <br /><br />My two interpersonal classes had a major paper at the end of our term and some students were far better writers than others. The students who did well were the ones who struggled, wrote, wrote and rewrote. In most cases, these students earned the grades they wanted, but I know they went through quite a bit to get there. <br /><br />I can just tell you that students never fully know what other students go through. Only faculty know the full behind-the-scenes of grades. There were a few students who, if you were to look at them in class, you would think they were total A-students, only to find out that they missed a bunch of work (I was shocked, too) and that's not what they ended up with. <br /><br />Comparison is HARD in college and it can make you feel really low. Please try to focus on building your team of people who can support you: Counseling on campus, some help for depression so you can possibly get on board with Access/Disability Services (for even more academic help), a couple of good mentors, some outside industry professionals, and some new advisers of other veterinary programs. <br /><br />I'll be interested to hear further news. Feel free to e-mail at any time: chattyprof@gmail.com and visit my other site ellenbremen.com.<br /><br />My best to you and I hope this advice is helpful. <br />Ellenchattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-47664400712278822872012-12-18T13:31:53.528-08:002012-12-18T13:31:53.528-08:00Hello,
I thank you for writing to me. Just a qui...Hello, <br /><br />I thank you for writing to me. Just a quick FYI... my blog has moved to http://ellenbremen.com. Same Chatty Professor advice, just different URL, but this is still updated with links. <br /><br />I want to try to give you the best advice that I can, but I do find that I am having a lot of questions. <br /><br />First of all, are you attending a community college or a university? If you are attending a university, my first advice is to possibly retake these math classes at a CC. The dynamic can be very different. <br /><br />Also, I am wondering what the basis was for the program adviser who told you that you "were not the caliber of student" who would be accepted into their program? On what grounds? That is just one program. Are there others? Have you spoken with actual veterinarians to gauge some of their suggestions of programs or to see if you can job shadow? What about working temporarily as a veterinary assistant or even interning? This would give you an edge up in getting into a program, I would think. <br /><br />I have read your note several times and am trying to understand the academic situation. Am I understanding correctly that the low grades have mainly been in math? If so, I can definitely empathize. I only needed one course in College Algebra at the undergrad level and the only way I made it through was by hiring a high school student to come to my house twice a week (I was an older student, too). Had I needed a higher level math, I would have been sunk. My brain struggles to process the information. I realize how difficult it is to learn math when we have such anxiety about it. <br /><br />It sounds like you've done everything that I would recommend, but I have a few more tips up my sleeve. First, I hear that you've gotten psychiatric assistance outside of the college, but what about counseling help within your college? This type of assistance is specifically designed to work in tandem with your education, and, if necessary, that person can give you recommendations for campus help that you may not be thinking about. <br /><br />An additional observation as someone who also suffers with these issues (but from what you're telling me, this is not a stretch): I am hearing some definite signs of depression. If you can go to a physician and have a clinical diagnosis, then you might be able to register with your campus Access Services department and get even more assistance with your studies than you have already. You deserve this and there is NOTHING wrong with it! Anxiety and depression are absolutely classified as issues that could warrant "disabilities" within your institution. The formal documentation would have no negative bearing on you and could literally only benefit you to get the additional assistance that you need. <br /><br />Part 1chattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5389541083247550888.post-24122172622081254922012-12-18T12:10:31.688-08:002012-12-18T12:10:31.688-08:00Hi, John,
Just a quick FYI... my blog has moved ...Hi, John, <br /><br />Just a quick FYI... my blog has moved to http://ellenbremen.com. Same Chatty Professor advice, just different URL, but this site is still updated with links and you probably found it by Google search of your topic. <br /><br />On to your issue: So, yes, there are some things that you can do, but you'll need to move fast! First a question: How was the grade distribution set up so the final was able to tank your grade and cause you to fail? It seems worrisome to me that a final was worth so much that it damaged your entire GPA for the class. Was your other work struggling before this? I would absolutely discuss the entire distribution of points with your prof and call this to his/her attention. I am not saying it will change the situation, but ordinarily, a final exam should not be worth so much that it takes down the rest of the term's work, unless that work was already suffering to a great degree. <br /><br />Another thing you can try is to ask the prof what the average was for the final in the rest of the class. If the average was below a 70%, meaning that everyone else did poorly, then there could have been something wrong with the way that test was taught or something wrong with the test, itself. The prof may not divulge this information, but, again, it is something to look into. <br /><br />I would contact the prof and be very direct about your situation. Tell the prof that you need to meet with him/her to review the final grade and your grades, overall, to ensure accuracy because of the personal impact of this outcome. Something to think about, though... <br /><br />You are supposed to start a Master's program: I assume that program is contingent on you fully graduating... not on GPA? Make sure that this outcome will not impact that situation. If you cannot resolve this issue, you may be able to start the lower-level Master's classes anyway as a non-admitted student and pick up this singular class again at that university. The next school might be able to make that a contingency upon your admission for just one term--a provisional admission. <br /><br />I wish you all the best in this situation. I would contact that professor via phone or e-mail immediately. If you can't get a hold of him/her, then contact his/her department/division chair, who likely can. <br /><br />Ellen<br />chattyprofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364615784442638410noreply@blogger.com