Physics Is Driving Me Mad!

[Riddleman]

Hey guys, I really need some advice. Right now I have earned 34 credits and have the GPA of 3.546 but I have a feeling that it's going to decrease after this semester. I feel this way because I am really having a tough time with physics 203, I'm so surprised that I'm having this much trouble with an introductory science course. Biology 101 and 102 was nowhere as difficult for me as compared to physics 203. I spend a lot of time studying but every time I do a problem and get it wrong I really get discouraged. And because of my lack of interest in the subject I easily get distracted. Last week I took an exam for the class and I almost got a heart attack when I saw that I got a 64% on the first exam, as I was looking through the tests to find my exam I saw that a lot of the other students failed. I'm trying really hard to do well for the next exam by studying, but when do the homework assignments I just don't get the problem and how to solve no matter how many times I read over the chapter. What makes matter worse is that I can't drop the class, because if I do I'll have fewer than 14 credits which means that my financial aid will be cut. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong; I've never taken physics before so I have no clue how to deal with it. I really don't want to ruin my GPA with this course, PLEASE HELP. Any advice you can give me will be appreciated.

 

[artikk]

how can we help?

 

[Semidevil]

it's hard. college is hard in general....it's good that you realize this now, so keep this in mind when you study.....

I mean, whatever you do, do not compare college with high school. Just because you have a 4.5gpa in high school doesn't mean anything in college...it's a new ball game. You really need to change your studying schedule and priorities...

so keep that in mind, and study harder, and better.

see teachers, and ask for help....and do study at least a bit every night...it helps a bunch....

i've been in college for 4 years, and this my final semester, I finally figure out how to succeed.......so dont be like me and mess up......study hard, it will be worth it.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Read the text book
Read the text book


After you do that twice, see if you can restate the problem in your own words. If you cannot, then read the text book again.

If you still don't get it, make an appointment with the prof, who will most likely ask if you read the text book. You can answer "yes", and he/she will almost certainly be glad to help you out.

 

[Riddleman]

Thanks for the advice guys, I really do appreciate it. But I was hoping for specific advice on physics, since I'm not really having much trouble with any of my other classes. for example how did you go about studying for a physics exam. Thanks again.

 

[Semidevil]

go to physicsforums.com

it's a great discussion board all about physics.......people there are really good.

also, for me, I find that reading from different textbooks is a good way.....sometimes, one way that an author explains doesn't help, but another textbook might explain better.... if you get to see all the different angles...it helps a lot...

 

[Riddleman]

Originally posted by: Semidevil
go to physicsforums.com

it's a great discussion board all about physics.......people there are really good.

also, for me, I find that reading from different textbooks is a good way.....sometimes, one way that an author explains doesn't help, but another textbook might explain better.... if you get to see all the different angles...it helps a lot...

thanks for the link I think that will be very useful. I use the study guide for my textbook also, but you're right I should get another textbookto help me look at the topics in a different light.

 

[alphatarget1]

post some problems

I had wanted to drop many many classes in college when they are hard, but I pulled through in the end. Don't give up.