Failing a class in college is weirdly taboo, even though it happens to all kinds of students.
If you found this post, youre likely facing the likelihood of failing a class.
Its hard to know what to do after that.
Like, what … happens to you?
The answer is actually nothing, unless youve failed a bunch of them.
Whats more important is what you do next.
If you just failed your first class, heres what you do.
What I did not account for was that there would be math involved at this level.
I thought, when I signed up for epidemiology, that Id be learning about diseasesand I did!
But it was basically math.
It was atonof math.
Despite my best efforts, I did not pass on my first time through it.
Even at my big age, this failure hit me hard.
Was I going to get in trouble?
Was I going to get tossed out of my institution?
Was I an idiot for thinking I could go back to school at all?
No, no, and no, it turned out.
Its not going to help; whats done is done.
As Dr. Kim Crowley, Associate Professor of English at Bismarck State College puts it, Dont ruminate.
First, remind yourself this really does happen to people.
For instance, Crowleywho has a PhDhad to take college algebra more than once to make it pass it.
Youre in good company if theres a class you struggle with.
Next, consider a very simple question: Is the class required or not?
You do have some choices when it comes to how you take it, though.
(I got a B+!)
If you took your failed class in the morning, consider an afternoon slot.
If you took it online, try in-person for some extra accountability.
If you really hated your professor, you already know whomnotto retake it from.
There are some questions youll need to ask your advisor when you chat about failing a required course.
Does this impact my financial aid?
Am I able to remain in my major?
Which of my other required classes can Inottake until this is done?
What is the consequence if I continue to do poorly?
Youll likely end up on academic probation, which means youll have to check in with your advisor periodically.
In some universities, youll get a humbling email explaining that to you.
What to do if you fail a class that isnt required
Heres where it gets tricky.
If that class wasnt required, you may not want to retake it at all.
If its not, though, it might just be OK for you to skip it.
What to do about a failed class in the future
Honesty is the best policy here.
Not all jobs will ask for transcripts, but as a rule, most schools will.
Dont shy away from discussing it.
Failing isnt necessarily a bad thing and wont destroy your reputation.
Being able to detail exactlyhowyou reoriented and did better afterward will make you look good.
