Im a math major, so shouldnt math come easy to me? It has up to Calc II. Y am I struggling?

Question

Im really frustrated with the fact that Im not getting an A in Calc II. IM A MATH MAJOR. Im starting to question my major. Id still prefer 8hours of math over 1 paper!!!!

Answer 1

I have a Math degree, but that didn't mean it was always easy for me. In fact, unless you major in Basketweaving, it is normal to struggle with the material in any subject from time to time!

Besides, if something always comes easily for you, you'd get bored very quickly, lose your motivation to study hard, and lose your patience quickly w/ the vast majority of people who aren't as good as you are...and they would all hate you!

Look at it this way. You didn't get a A because maybe you're human, like everybody else. It's a wake-up call - you still need to study hard even though you are good at something if you are really going to accomplish anything significant. If you really did the best you could do, what more could you ask of yourself?

Our educational system, with its myrriad collection of teachers, textbooks & classes, is far from perfect - and this means that ones grade is not always a true indicator of how well we know the subject. That's ultimately what matters. I highly doubt you'll be passed over for a future dream job because someone noted you didn't get an A in Calc II.

However, if you continue to struggle in this or other classes, what I do is get hold of a different textbook in the same subject from the library, Math department, or bookstore. Sometimes the explanations from a slightly different angle gives you that little something extra to get over that lack of understanding.

I wouldn't change majors just yet, fellow Geek! Math is something most people dislike and do quite poorly, so there will always be jobs for those who have mathematical talent. Hang in there and best wishes this next semester!

Answer 2

Calc II is a pain, honestly. I had the same thing - Calc I was fine, Calc III was fine, but Calc II covers a lot of loose ends you should have learned over the past five years but didn't :-P Once you get into Calc III, you get back into the "here's a new concept, here's how it builds off the old concept" thing. I guess Calc II is necessary to make sure you have the background for some of the more obscure things once you got to harder math, but please don't give up now :-)

Answer 3

I started college out as a math major, and was always excellant in it. But advanced math is way different! It was hard for me to relate it to something. (secret: I failed Differential Equations. twice)
I eventually, got into computer science, and did just fine in it. It was the problem solving I enjoyed. Not the theoretical stuff! Good luck, and, yes, it should always come easy, or, at least be fun and get easier!!

Answer 4

I'm a chem major, and I struggled in Organic I... Something being hard doesn't mean it's not for you... As long as you're willing to work hard, you shouldn't question yourself. Nothing is EASY to anyone, any major once you get up into the higher level classes will always get really hard. What's important is to focus on your passion and work for what you believe in. Good luck!

Answer 5

Often when I struggle with a concept it is because I missed learning something earlier on. Go back over some math theory books, it could not hurt.

Answer 6

Can you get a tutor? Some schools provide student tutors for free or can direct you to some remedial instruction. I would consider changing my major if I were you. There is no shame in it and most people change their major at least once in their college careers.

Answer 7

Just relax and sing some songs, maybe your mind needs a break, good luck

Answer 8

If it did not cost you any trouble you would not be learning. Welcome to the big league. :)