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[XenodudeX]

Well I'm pretty sure I failed my math final, and thus will probably fail the class. This was my last attempt as well or else I wouldn't be able to peruse a degree in Computer Science at the University. I I toke the test about 5 hours ago and I'm still in complete shock that I did so terrible. All those hours studying meant nothing.

I think it's because I got tripped up because the professor told us we couldn't use a calculator of any kind on the test, despite agreeing a couple of day ago that we could use it. I had to fight with him a little, but he wouldn't budge. I feel like a huge failure right now.

 

[Conor 419]

He shouldn't be allowed to change the test structure a couple of days before its sat.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

He shouldn't be allowed to change the test structure a couple of days before its sat.

Yeah. Maybe file a complaint?

 

[Marleyman]

If he really did that than I would take it up with the dean.

 

[Shalashaska161]

That's rough man. I'd bring it up the calculator thing with the faculty, because that's pretty bullshit.

Also, there is a chance you may just ride the curve into passing. How were your marks heading into the final?

 

[XenodudeX]

Yeah I didn't really understand that. I mean a graphing calculator sure, but no calculator of any kind? There were graphing rational and logarithms on the test.

 

[Requiem]

BYM

 

[Tex117]

Well I'm pretty sure I failed my math final, and thus will probably fail the class. This was my last attempt as well or else I wouldn't be able to peruse a degree in Computer Science at the University. I I toke the test about 5 hours ago and I'm still in complete shock that I did so terrible. All those hours studying meant nothing.

I think it's because I got tripped up because the professor told us we couldn't use a calculator of any kind on the test, despite agreeing a couple of day ago that we could use it. I had to fight with him a little, but he wouldn't budge. I feel like a huge failure right now.

You weren't the only one in the class that took that test without a calculator. That said, say something to someone now before the grades come out so you don't just look like the whiney kid with a bad grade.

 

[Clydefrog]

Don't give up, man.

Apply yourself.

Get a tutor.

Cheat.

 

[Flying Toaster]

He shouldn't be allowed to change the test structure a couple of days before its sat.

Welcome to the real world. When you have a project your boss assigns you and then changes all sorts of parameters and tells you its due in 2 hours, you are not going to go to HR and complain... It is life, deal with it.

 

[XenodudeX]

I was thinking maybe going to a trade school or something, but I can't help be feel that I'm just going to be this drone working some shitty 9-5 job for the rest of my life. I'm literally scared for my future. I haven't even told my folks yet.

 

[Salamando]

Is the calculator policy for tests or finals clearly spelled out in any documentation? Either emails, syllabus, class website, anything of that nature? Without documentation, complaining to the university will be a lot harder. You'd likely need classmates who also heard him allow calculators to join in.

 

[fader]

Don't give up, man.

Apply yourself.

Get a tutor.

Cheat.

.

 

[pje122]

Might be for the best. If you're failing math CompSci might not be a good fit.

 

[dark_chris]

Math Course
No calculator in final

What the shit?

 

[RangerX]

Why the fuck would'nt you be allowed to use a calculator in a maths exam? I feel your pain though, I had an exam today in humanitarian law and while i did ok i could have done much much better. I probably just about passed it.

 

[Ultima_5]

what kinda calc class lets you use a calculator.

I never was allowed

 

[Grakl]

I was thinking maybe going to a trade school or something, but I can't help be feel that I'm just going to be this drone working some shitty 9-5 job for the rest of my life. I'm literally scared for my future. I haven't even told my folks yet.

Wait until you get your grade back. When you do, if you fail the course, ask your professor if there are any possible extra credit opportunities you could do over break. It's worth a shot. Don't panic.

 

[Manmademan]

I was thinking maybe going to a trade school or something, but I can't help be feel that I'm just going to be this drone working some shitty 9-5 job for the rest of my life. I'm literally scared for my future. I haven't even told my folks yet.

can't you just change your major, rather than drop out entirely and pursuing a life as a plumber? I mean, come on now.

 

[xxracerxx]

What math class was this?

 

[Flying Toaster]

Might be for the best. If you're failing math CompSci might not be a good fit.

Pretty much this.

 

[mullet2000]

No calculator? All of a sudden like that? Complain to the department.

 

[Baliis]

Math Course
No calculator in final

What the shit?

Why the fuck would'nt you be allowed to use a calculator in a maths exam?

It's not that weird, all of my math courses in college were no calculators for tests

 

[ViewtifulJC]

Yep, just failed my class, too. Thinking about options, suicide is on the table

 

[Flying Toaster]

No calculator? All of a sudden like that? Complain to the department.

First off when the bloody hell do people need calculators to do math. In my day before slide rules were used we had number 2 pencils and paper, not even good paper but scrap paper... and you used your knowledge of math to do your work and pass the math test. None of these damn calculators were ever used.

 

[XenodudeX]

Is the calculator policy for tests or finals clearly spelled out in any documentation? Either emails, syllabus, class website, anything of that nature? Without documentation, complaining to the university will be a lot harder. You'd likely need classmates who also heard him allow calculators to join in.

Nah. Nothing on the syllabus, but he's always allowed us to use it on past tests and quiz's. We even had an agreement on the structure on the test last Wednesday. The test would be split up in to two parts: One for graphing problems ( no graphing calculator allowed) and one with non graphing problems. You could use a regular calculator on both.

I'd like to also state that I'm not blaming anyone else for this. It's my fault. I didn't study hard enough, but it sucks thinking I could have gotten a better grade if he would of stuck with the original plan.

 

[mullet2000]

First off when the bloody hell do people need calculators to do math. In my day before slide rules were used we had number 2 pencils and paper, not even good paper but scrap paper... and you used your knowledge of math to do your work and pass the math test. None of these damn calculators were ever used.

I'm a history student so I just assumed using calculators were standard like in High School.

Still, my advice to complain is mostly based off the fact that the professor changed the rules at the last minute.

 

[bjb]

If you're failing Math (with our without a Calculator), this might be your wake up to pursue something else. Unfortunately, not every student is cut out for STEM.

 

[Gorillaz]

What's your back up degree? I almost had to fall back on one twice between i fucked up freshman year

I mean those credits have to be able to be shifted somewhere else

 

[StanleyStutters]

Math Course
No calculator in final

What the shit?

My thoughts exactly. I've never heard of a calculator, other than a graphing calculator, being banned in a Math course. If he even went so far as to say it would be allowed, you need to talk to the dean and see what they can do. It's not right to just change the rules at the final moment.

 

[SuperKungFuHero]

I'm sure there are other paths towards a good IT profession and maybe even that degree if your heart is set on it. If things do not work out for you in maths, starting asking career advice people about options towards your final goal. I know I didn't take that straight forward a path to my professional career and there were times that I thought my world was falling apart. yet looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[youngwerther]

If you're failing Math (with our without a Calculator), this might be your wake up to pursue something else. Unfortunately, not every student is cut out for STEM.

Because no successful STEM student ever failed a math class.

Idiotic.

 

[Jayof9s]

I was thinking maybe going to a trade school or something, but I can't help be feel that I'm just going to be this drone working some shitty 9-5 job for the rest of my life. I'm literally scared for my future. I haven't even told my folks yet.

If engineering / computer science doesn't work out there's always business school! You too could become an accountant and never again need more than basic math.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnkMQ8QruQ0

 

[happypup]

Math Course
No calculator in final

What the shit?

it is not that uncommon. Most of my math classes didn't allow calculators, occasionally my calc 2 professor had a block on the test where a calculator was allowed, but we had to finish that first before getting the rest of the test.

To the OP, that sounds like a shitty situation. losing an asset at the last minute that you expected to have is beyond rough. I hope everything works out for you.

 

[potam]

If the situation is as dire as you make it sound, I'd suggest just emailing the teacher and explaining the consequences of failing the course. There's always the chance that he could feel sorry and bump you up, however slim it may be.

 

[A6M3]

Don't give up, man.

Apply yourself.

Get a tutor.

Cheat.

 

[Neolith]

I think not using a calculator is actually beneficial in terms of learning in STEM classes. At least for me it was.

 

[Tornado Condor]

Math Course
No calculator in final

What the shit?

I took Calc 1-3 without calculators. It was a bitch but certainly doable.

 

[potam]

I took Calc 1-3 without calculators. It was a bitch but certainly doable.

not sure what good a calculator would do in calc unless your teacher was a giant demonman and made really fucked up questions

 

[Courage]

not sure what good a calculator would do in calc unless your teacher was a giant demonman and made really fucked up questions

It saves time doing tedious calculations when you can be moving on to other questions.

 

[slit]

I know it feels bad now but you can try again. When I took my college calc classes, I made sure to take the best professor on campus. Of course that meant I had to sign up the first day they allowed registration as his classes would fill up quick. Maybe you should look into that. Some math teachers are shit.

 

[FOOTE]

I know it feels bad now but you can try again. When I took my college calc classes, I made sure to take the best professor on campus. Of course that meant I had to sign up the first day they allowed registration as his classes would fill up quick. Maybe you should look into that. Some math teachers are shit.

Truth. My calc professor this semester was terrible.

 

[Leezard]

what kinda calc class lets you use a calculator.

I never was allowed

.

Indeed. We get to have calculators in applied physics etc. when the numbers get messy, but never in a math class.

 

[Jayof9s]

I know it feels bad now but you can try again. When I took my college calc classes, I made sure to take the best professor on campus. Of course that meant I had to sign up the first day they allowed registration as his classes would fill up quick. Maybe you should look into that. Some math teachers are shit.

Heck, depending on the school you might not even get a professor. There was one Professor over every 3-4 sections and TA's would do all the 'teaching' which was mostly just reading the book out loud. I think the prof had some office hours, but otherwise you'd never see him/her. Such a waste of money.

 

[Watevaman]

not sure what good a calculator would do in calc unless your teacher was a giant demonman and made really fucked up questions

My TI89 (that I had for Calc 2 and 3 at least) was incredibly helpful for the trivial shit I didn't have to do over again from Calc 1.

To be honest, my tests probably couldn't have been doable without a calculator, or if they were, they would've taken at least 3x as long.

 

[Fury Sense]

I was thinking maybe going to a trade school or something, but I can't help be feel that I'm just going to be this drone working some shitty 9-5 job for the rest of my life. I'm literally scared for my future. I haven't even told my folks yet.

All my life I was taught to look down on trade schools and even community colleges. University was the only path, and it was important to choose the very best one you could.

Now in my wisdom I can tell that those lessons were pure shit.

That kind of thinking is irrelevant to someone's ability to pursue their interests, to learn, to acquire skills, to work through a career, to set goals, and to achieve them. There are so many different ways to learn, ESPECIALLY for computer science. If you want to do it, you can. No reason you should spend 50 grand a year to be lectured straight out of a common textbook by some research professor who neither gives a shit nor speaks great english.

If you can demonstrate your talent, you can get hired. Think project portfolio, clients, references, certifications etc. If a hiring company recognizes your technical skills but rejects you based on lack of related degree, then you should feel lucky to have dodged what is likely the 9-5 drudge you fear (which btw is not a death sentence).

And if you don't want to accept anything I've just said, you can probably still go through university just fine, albeit with a gap/delay or extended schedule.

 

[muu]

If he specifically mentioned calculators were allowed and reneged on it before the final you should go and complain. Get a couple of your classmates to affirm.

That said, how were you doing in the class? You almost make it sound as if the final was the only way to save yourself from a bad grade, and instead you finished yourself off. If you were truly struggling w/ the math courses maybe it's time to think about whether a change of plans need to be made -- it's not at all unusual for people to drop to other majors from engineering or science. If you were flying fine until the finals killed you, well take it again and pass it w/ flying colors. A single F amidst a sea of stellar grades may get you questions during interviews but nothing more than that.

"What's your greatest weakness?" is a pretty common interview question. You can spin your bad math class as a part of your "lacked concentration" or whatever the hell your supposed weakness may be, and then point to the stellar grades you got after that as sign that you identified your weakness and overcame it like a champ. Do what you can to fight it, but if you can't reverse it don't forget that you can still use it as a prop.

 

[potam]

It saves time doing tedious calculations when you can be moving on to other questions.

My TI89 (that I had for Calc 2 and 3 at least) was incredibly helpful for the trivial shit I didn't have to do over again from Calc 1.

To be honest, my tests probably couldn't have been doable without a calculator, or if they were, they would've taken at least 3x as long.

I dunno. Our exams were mainly looking at a problem, and the main challenge was identifying what method to use.

 

[efyu_lemonardo]

I was thinking maybe going to a trade school or something, but I can't help be feel that I'm just going to be this drone working some shitty 9-5 job for the rest of my life. I'm literally scared for my future. I haven't even told my folks yet.

Real talk before you throw away your degree:

What year are you and what classes have you already passed?

What class was this and how tough is it considered relative to other classes in the program?

If the issue is mainly this class is it possible to repeat it?

If not, what other similar degrees to CS does your university offer that may not require this particular class while still give you credit for the classes you've already passed?

 

[Baliis]

Heck, depending on the school you might not even get a professor. There was one Professor over every 3-4 sections and TA's would do all the 'teaching' which was mostly just reading the book out loud. I think the prof had some office hours, but otherwise you'd never see him/her. Such a waste of money.

My intro to diff eq course was taught entirely by a grad student, but thankfully he was really good. Good professors can make or break a class though, I failed multivariable calc the first time around, got an A the next with a different professor.