Difficulties Starting College After 6 Years?

Question

I graduated HS in 2000 and then joined the Marines in 2001. I am out now and start classes in January at the University of Minnesota.

What should I do after being out of school so long? I took my ACT and got a 27 on it in Oct 05'. I also have a college algebra class done that I got a C+ in.

Will I be able to get help from the proffesors? I suspect math will be my only problem? I will be majoring in Architectural Design.

These are the required courses for the program......


MATH 1142 - Short Calculus, MATH
or MATH 1271 - Calculus I, MATH
PHYS 1101W - Introductory College Physics I, PHYS SCI/L
or PHYS 1201W - Introductory Physics for Biology and Pre-medicine I, PHYS SCI/L

I am very goal oriented.... I am typically 10 years ahead of myself.

Answer 1

Don't worry you'll be fine i just recently went back to college too to study journalism and i left school in 1998. Your professor's should be on hand to give you any help you feel you might need but chances are that you'll be fine all by your little self. Good luck.

Answer 2

getting back to school is hard b/c the longer you are out of school, the harder it is to learn things. you will most likely be struggling for the first few months once you start b/c you will not be use to being in a learning environment. you will need to be extra studious in order to get back at the level you were at. considering you've only taken college alegebra and getting a C+, i'm assuming you are not so great at math. i'm not trying to be rude, but i think you will need to put extra time into it since if you want to go into architecture, you will need calc II and then statics and dynamics, and study in designing steel and concrete (basically calculating/design required stl beam sizes/conc. strength). also, hvac/lighting calculations (like how much cooling is needed, and how much heat is absorbed). I have a BS in Architectural Studies, but ive never had a problem in math so these areas were considered the easier courses for me. the hard time i had was in architectural history b/c you basically just spend hours on memorizing buildings that look all the same after awhile.

tutoring is usually offered in mathematics in college, and i had several friends in engineering so if i needed help i would ask them. the secret to math is basically understanding why you do something, not just memorizing the step by step approach. try learning by asking why you do something and you will do better.

the design/studio courses are the killers for architecture. sophomore year is usually the weed out year where you spend hours and days and weeks in studio. basically ignoring your other classwork. it's not really hard in terms of intellectually challenging, but rather it comsumes your time till to the point you get 3-4hrs of sleep every other day. (sleeping everyday is considered a luxury).

if you have good study habits and possibly take some summer courses to lighten your load during regular school year, you will have a much easier time. just know that it isn't going to be a walk in the park getting through architecture...

edit: take phsyics, it is more useful in helping you understand forces, loads, and such, a big deal in architecture.

depend on fellow students, TAs, and tutors. professors are only there usually to hear themselves talk. if you find a good professor that actually cares about you learning, then learn as much as you can from them.

Answer 3

Wow what is your major? College is not high school so dont count on the professors to care enough to help you. At every college there are free tutors available. Call the main school number and ask the operator or registrar's office where the tutors/help center is. Make sure you show up to all classes, take notes, and study and visit the help center if you have problems and you will be fine.

Answer 4

That boat sounds very primary too me although I did it some years in the past. I dropped out of highschool on the tip of my 10th year and went into the U. S. army in 1957. when I back domicile i could no longer get a sturdy pastime. the guy I did artwork for mentioned i mandatory to flow end my preparation. I entered Texas A & I college (now Texas A&M at Kingsville) on what replace into referred to as "guy or woman approval". I had to tug a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. I did the 1st semmester yet then went all the way down to a a million.ninety seven and on sco-professional for countless semesters. It took me extra advantageous than the traditional 4 years to end my preparation. I had to artwork difficult to make it. I made the Deans checklist 4 situations formerly I graduated. Now if a "deck ape" can do it i'm particular that even a renowned-day "sea going bell hop" can! basically study difficult and undergo in suggestions your "Semper Fi"!

Answer 5

If you really want it, set your goal and persue it, don't let anything get in you way. College is basically a test of determination and focus. They give you know-how to read your books, to study and to take tests. Devote yourself and I'm sure you will succeed. If math is your weak point, save up for a tutor and study with them at least two times a week and you will be alright. I had 50 year old ladies and so many other older people in my classes and they did good because they set their goal. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I've been out of High School for a looong time. I still take college classes.

Go to class, take notes, read, study, you will do fine.

Professors are getting paid to help you.

Architectural Design requires math

Answer 7

Your professors should be able to help you. However, most colleges have tutoring available if you need additional help. Most of the time the tutoring is covered in your tuition costs. It might be something worth checking into if you find yourself having problems in any classes.