I may have failed a class and I'm in college..How can I tell my parents?

Question

I took a Comminucations class and I think I may have failed it..I hope I didn't because I know my parents will yell and say we're not paying all this money for you to fail! help me..

Answer 1

It is important to keep the communication channels open with your parents.

You are lucky that they care about you.

Next, consider why you failed the class. What lesson did that teach you. Are you capable of handling the material and just didn't find it interesting? Or, are you getting overwhelmed with you class load and extra-curricular activities? Draw that conclusion and then make a plan to mitigate the problem.

Going to your parents asking them for their help and guidance will make it easier for both. Keep in mind that their reaction of anger may be rooted in a frustration that they don't know how to help you. Or they are concerned that they see their daughter struggling to find her way in life.

The fact that they are sending you to college is a demonstration that they care about you.

Good luck

j

Answer 2

Take heed in knowing you're not the only one. This semester was a bad semester for me too, and I too have led my parents into believing this semester has been just fine. I too have never gotten below a 3.5 until this semester. Luckily I pulled my act together and was able to get a C+ in one course, and a B- in my one credit course. Fortunately for me, I wasn't suffering from depression, I just couldn't get back into the swing of things. I don't plan on telling my parents at all. My student protection rights prevent them from knowing the truth. I know if I tell them, they'll have me transfered right away to a worse university. Before the break I did a lot of planning. After reading a lot of university policies and running through some calculations, I have a plan for the rest of my undergrad career. Unfortunately, I don't think anybody else besides you, any of your siblings, or any family friend can help you with this. We can give suggestions, but it's hard to predict how your parents will react and that's a very important factor. If your parents are pretty supportive, then by all means tell them the truth. Tell them you were depressed, you still are and need help, and that your grades suffered from your depression. If your parents are very critical about what you do and don't support you in what you do, then it might be best to take things into your own hands. Provide your own fundings for a therapist, devise a plan to get your grades back on track (you might need an academic adviser for this). If you can't do the latter, then yeah, telling your parents is going to be the only solution. Maybe you can appeal to their better nature. Bring it up when they're in a very good mood. I'm sure there have been many times when your parents weren't happy with a situation you were in multiple times. In those instances, what were the magnitude of the situations, and how did your parents react accordingly?

Answer 3

I would ignore any of the responses that said don't tell them. If they are paying for college, I'm guessing they will realize if they have to pay for an additional class. As a college student, you are on your way to 'adulthood'. Take responsibility for your actions. I would definitely tell them, but I know what you mean about having them yell. So, beat them to the punch by telling them the truth...that you think you didn't do too well in one of your classes, tell them why you think you did poorly (don't blame it on the teacher), tell them what steps you took in order to avoid not passing (did you talk to the prof? Did you get other help before it was too late?), and lastly, tell them how you will do things differently the next time around, should you have to retake the course. Also, perhaps you should offer to pay for this class if you have to retake it? Tell your parents you will pay them back by working a part time job...or even working during the summer.

At least your parents will see that you may have not learned a whole lot from your "Communication" class, but you are learning to take responsibility for your actions. Keeping it a secret may seem like the best immediate solution...but in the long term, it's not the smartest choice. Part of growing up is being able to own up to your own mistakes and take accountability for your actions.

Oh, and one last thought...to the person who said legally your parents can't see your college grades.....legal or not, if they are paying for your education, you can be sure most parents are going to see your grades. You are your parent’s investment. They will check to see that they are investing wisely.

Good luck with your class~

Answer 4

If they don't ask, then don't volunteer the information. However, if you are a first year student. Many colleges and universities have a freshman forgiveness rule. Meaning you can repeat one class without paying again for that class. Check into it and see if your college offers this. Good luck and God bless****

Answer 5

Well that class may have helped you tell them. Tell them this class was a little hard and i think i may have failed.

Answer 6

i agree with guru. if they ask you how school is going just give them the usual "everything is fine"

the thing about college is that your parents are legally not allowed to know your grades without your permission. SO, unless you tell them, they won't know.

if you're parents are cool like mine, they will understand that you might fail one or two because sh*t happens.

Answer 7

I think the best way is to explain to them what happened and tell them the truth.If this is not possible try making some money and give it to your parents that might work but i doubt it.

Answer 8

It sounds like you want to tell them. Try telling them that you "may have to repeat a class" and maybe you "learned how to get tutoring too late."

Good luck

Answer 9

do what my daughter did, tell her parents at the dinner table, that she was pregnant..wait for the shocked reaction, then say, only kidding, I'm just flunking my communications class.

Answer 10

tell them, and say u tried ur hardest etc. and wait and pray for the grades.