• architecture,  failing

    beware: failing a course may AFFECT YOU in mysterious ways.

    November 21, 2013

    Hey!

    I?m at Daniel?s for Architecture. And I took PSY100 for a breadth requirement. I?m not doing well in it, I will probably end up with a 60% maximum unless I ace the last test.?Will this affect anything for me at all or am I good to go because I?m not failing and it?s just an elective?

    ?????????

    hey there,

    i don’t really understand the question???

    will it affect you? well, it’s not a program requirement, so it won’t stop you from continuing to fulfil the requirements towards your architecture degree. however, it will be a failed mark on your transcript, and that will bring down your GPA. if your GPA is lowered enough (below 1.50) you will be put on academic probation. a lower GPA may prevent you from pursuing post-graduate studies, depending on how low it gets. also, you need 20.0 credits to graduate, so you’ll need to make up for this credit which you didn’t get with another one, preferably one that will fulfil the breadth requirement you were trying to fill with PSY100, because you still need to satisfy that.

    the only thing i can think of that might be a problem is if architecture has a minimum GPA that needs to be maintained. i don’t know if it does because they put very little of that information online tbh, but if you’re worried about that, definitely talk with the registrar about it.

    other than that, i mean, no, it won’t affect you. it might make you sad. i don’t know. are you sad? i can’t really tell. here, have a muffin, just in case. it’s all gonna be okay.

    aska

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  • failing,  repeating course

    grade: game over. try again?

    November 15, 2013

    Hi, can I retake a course that I fail in? Are there any rules for it? I heard that you can only retake a failed course if your sessional average is over 60%? Is this true? I’m currently taking the course. Thank you.

    ———————————————

    hey there,

    there always seem to be rules for everything, don’t there? sheesh. lucky for you, the rules on failing are actually kinda lax. i mean, it could be worse; they only make you swim in the pit of fire for ONE DAY, and i’d say that’s pretty good.

    serious business though: to answer your question, you can certainly retake a failed course. if you failed a course, you won’t have the credit, meaning you can take it again and have another shot at getting the credit. it’s important to realize though, that taking the course again doesn’t magically wipe out the failing mark from the first time you took it. that mark stays on your transcript, and so will your new one. so keep that in mind.

    also, if your sessional average under 60%, you’ll probably be put on academic probation – sucks, i know. fortunately, you still get to take courses and do all the regular school-time jazz when you’ve been put on probation, so yeah, you can take a course that you’ve previously failed just as easily as you can take any other one.

    just try not to fail it again, eh? then they’ll make you spend a whole week in the pit of fire…

    aska

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  • failing,  stress

    Panicking about marks and other fun stuff about UofT!!1!one!!: Part One

    October 31, 2013

    Hello, I am a freshman who has royally screwed up. My first term tests for bio is a 74, physics 55, and chemistry most likely 60, math most likely a 70. These are horrible marks, as they will inhibit any attempts at furthering my GPA. I had begun university thinking 5 credits compared to 8 in high school, would be a walk in the park, with the exception of now more weighting to tests and exams. Due to this thinking and most beginning material to be high school review, I didn’t review or read anything, and my marks reflect that. I now plan for taking 1.5 credits this semester with 3.5 the next, so 7 courses next semester…is this realistic? Those courses are BIO130, CHM138 (dropped now and taking next semester), CHM139, PHY132, MAT136, MAT223 and PCL102 (art of drug discovery).
    Thanks, a lonely, depressed masochistic student.

    ———————————————

    hey there,

    first of all, I disagree with your statement that “these are horrible marks.” You did fairly well, and most people say that their first year was their worst one average-wise, so don’t feel too discouraged. It’s more than likely it’ll get better from here on in.

    However, if your program is making you feel “lonely, depressed and masochistic,” ask yourself how much you’re really getting out of it. Over Christmas break, I’d suggest you take some time out to ask yourself why you’re at this school, why you want this degree, and whether you think the job it’s likely to get you is worth this effort, and is something you’d actually enjoy doing.

    If you’re dead-set on staying in the program that you picked originally, then there’s a couple things you can do. First, do the reviews! Never think any problem sets or practice midterms are beneath you. Ultimately, it’s the people who work the hardest who make it, not the people who get by with the least effort.

    Sometimes you might just need help understanding the material, and uoft has plenty of resources to help with that. If you need chemistry help, that’s available. Math help is available in the Galbraith Building in GB 149, every Monday to Friday from 12:10-2pm. Finally, take advantage of your prof/TA’s office hours – go to them and get help, as often as possible. I know everyone says that, but seriously. You’re paying money to learn. So get your money’s worth.

    Finally, to be totally honest, I would advise against doing 3.5 credits next semester. If you’re finding you’re having trouble this semester, doing two extra courses above the regular load next semester probably isn’t a good idea. But ultimately – it’s your decision. You’re in charge of your own life, and whatever you think is best for you, you shouldn’t be afraid of doing.

    Best of luck,

    aska

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  • exams,  failing

    how important is an exam anyway?

    August 26, 2013

    Hello!

    I was wondering, if I fail the final exam, does that mean I automatically fail the course?

    Thanks,
    M

    ———————————————

    M,

    For the most part, nope.

    I know there are a few science/math courses that do require you to pass the exam, but the best way to know for sure is to check your syllabus.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • failing

    rain rain go away — and my grades too actually

    January 30, 2013

    So, i stupidly bombed chem139 and failed. is there anyway that mark can go away? its bringing my gpa down so much. Im in first year. And I want to (ironically) go into pharmacy. I feel like this would be detrimental to me getting in, although i am retaking it in the summer… any hope? or any suggestions?

    thanks 🙁

    ?????????

    Hey hey!

    Long story short, you saw the course all the way through to the end sooooo you’re kind of sort of basically stuck with that grade.

    You can try talking to your registrar to get into more complicated matters (e.g. petitioning for that grade to become a Late Withdrawal on your transcript), but unless you have a real reason for having done poorly — like you had something hindering you mentally — I highly doubt anything will change. Sorry dude!

    But for now, retake CHM139 in the summer and work hard! The failed grade will always be on your transcript, unfortunately, but if you scored? an 82 or something in your second time around that would look pretty good. And if the failed mark is really bothering you come applications to Pharmacy, you can always accompany your transcript with a letter explaining why you did so poorly — but again, that’s only worth anything if your reasons are beyond the usual “OMG I just had so much work because I saved it for the last minute” and the like.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • failing

    not another post on probation

    December 19, 2012

    Hi, I am a first year student and I found it really difficult juggling school and work at the same time. If I am taking 5 courses, 100% course load, and I fail 3 courses, will I get kicked out? I am so nervous 🙁

    ?????????

    Hey there!

    Basically, you get two years before being truly “kicked out” unless you made some horrific academic offence.

    If your CGPA (the one you’re given at the end of the year in April or so) falls less than 1.5, you’re put on academic probation. After that, you get the next session to raise your CGPA to at least? a 1.5 or acquire an annual GPA of 1.7. Students who are put on academic probation are cautioned against summer school, so keep that in mind and if you’re unfortunate enough to be put on probation, take the summer to work a lot so maybe you can lessen the hours during the school year.

    So what I’m trying to say is that if you fail three courses but you’re in a 100% course load, you can potentially rock the other courses enough so that your CGPA is a 1.6 and you actually manage to stay in good standing.

    Good luck!

    aska

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  • failing

    deferring an exam… and, potentially, a suspension

    December 10, 2012

    Hi Aska,

    im currently a second year student who is on probation. i failed a course last fall and i took it again during summer time but i filed a petition for the final. i will write the deferred exam on dec 18th but im afraid that i will fail it again. so the question is that, if i fail the course again, would that count into my cgpa and get me on suspension?

    sincerely, pony

    ?????????

    Hey Pony,

    If you fail the course again, yes, it will count towards your CGPA.

    Now will that get you on suspension? Well, that depends. What’s your current CGPA like? And when we say “fail the course,” do we mean something along the lines of an “oh my god are you kidding me?!”-esque 48 or a “like what am I even doing…”-ish 27? (granted, the latter seems rather difficult to achieve).

    Basically, what will get you suspended is failing to either get an annual GPA of 1.7 or a CGPA of 1.5. So whatever grade you on this course will count towards the summer session’s GPA and your current CGPA, which is where things get a little tricky. If you do fail and end up not meeting the requirments to stay in school, then you can potentially be pulled out of whatever classes you’re in right now, so I think it would be wise for you to make an appointment with your registrar’s office and discuss the matter more — just to be safe at least!

    But good luck!

    may the odds be ever in your favour,

    aska

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  • failing,  first year

    the long and winding question

    November 26, 2012

    Hey, I’m a first year student struggling with a particular course.

    I thought that it would be really interesting and it was recommended by a few friends of mine. Alas, I now find it redundant and boring but more importantly difficult to keep up with/stay motivated. It’s a full year course but it’s split up into two semesters. First semester focuses on certain aspects and is taught separately from the second semester material (that is taught by a different lecturer). So even though its a full year course, I have a end of semester exam. I was wondering, since I have a feeling I’m not going to pull an exceptional grade by the end of this semester, can I bring it up next semester (when the material is far more provoking)? Since it’s under the same course code, does that mean that my mark at the end of term doesn’t stand alone, but will continue to be raised (or lowered) next semester? Sorry if this long.

    I just want to know whether my first semester mark stands alone with the first semester material or is it just one mark judged based on the full year, meaning I can work on that said grade next semester. What if I get a really bad mark at the end of this semester? Does? that go on my transcript or does it only appear at the end of the year.

    Thanks!

    ?????????

    Hey hey!

    Okay so I’m basically stripping your message down to: “I’m in a full year course taught by different lecturers each semester. Is there a seperate grade per semester or one for the entire year?”

    If this class is a Y-course, then you get one final grade at the end of the academic school year some time in April. Whatever grades you’re getting right now are just things that will be weighted and contribute towards the final one. At most, they’ll appear on Blackboard, so don’t worry, your transcript is safe.

    Now go take a look at your syllabus. How much is the stuff you’ve been doing poorly on worth? How many things do you have left to be graded on and what are those worth? I’m sure if you work hard enough you’ll be able to pull things up next term.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • easy way out,  failing,  petition

    fishin’ for petitions

    September 13, 2012

    Hey,

    I’m going into my second year this september 2012 and I failed a course twice. The first time I took it I failed because of my lack of effort, the second time I took it, I ended up with a 48. I don’t know what to do and I don’t want to take it again but I need itbecause its a prerequiste. Will a petition help?

    ———————————————

    Heyyo!

    I’m assuming you don’t mean a petition like the one I made in third grade to get strawberry milk in the cafeteria (I got 46 signatures, but The Man didn’t fold), so Aska is about to keep it real and give you the short answer: No. Failing twice actually hurts your case for an academic petition, and it sounds like you don’t have any grounds to make one besides your own first-year-itis. Information about petitions is available here, but really, the petitions process is generally for uncontrollable emergencies or severe problems with the course.

    You probably have to take the course again, and there’s no limit on the amount of times you can do that. But let’s be honest, if you failed a foundational course for your program twice, it might be time to go deep into the woods, light some incense, assume the lotus position, and do some deep reflection about whether you’re really cut out for that program. After that, make an appointment at your registrar ASAP and have some real talk about your academic interests and abilities. They’ll help you come up with a plan and work out some strategies to do better in school.

    Good luck pal, and here’s to a stronger second year!

    aska

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  • failing

    i choose bachelor number 2

    August 27, 2012

    Hi Aska,

    I’m currently a first year student and in my first semester I failed 3 classes that are prerequisites to enter my program.
    In summer,I took one of the classes I failed and I passed. I’m currently in a program that I dislike and I currently need at least a 3.0 gpa to
    enter my program for next year.

    Things I’m considering to do:
    1) Apply as a new student in another university
    2) Stay in my current university and work my a** off.
    3) Go back to community college and retake those prerequisites and transfer
    4) Give up and work full time.

    Thanks—-Ready to give up!

    ?????????????????????

    Hi de ho not-so-ready-to-give-up-first-year

    I’m slightly confused. So, if you are a first year, that ?means you have not chosen your subject POSts. If the program you don’t like, that requires a 3.0 gpa to enter, is making you suffer then I would suggest re-assessing what program you want to be in.

    You are not alone in the first year struggles. Many students struggle with some aspect of being a first year. Some with having to do their laundry for the first time, others with how much alcohol they can handle, and many others with the program they chose.

    Sometimes failed courses indicate a lack of interest which leads to a lack of effort. I would take some time to decide whether the program you initially wanted to take is the right program. If you are not interested in the courses, then maybe that is the answer to why you are failing. If it is simply because the courses are difficult then you can always seek help through various resources at the school, or more logically take classes more suited to your skills.

    I would suggest that you don’t give up on university. You can switch universities but three failed courses really are not the end of your academic life. ?Sure you may have to take an extra year or semester to make up for them and probably the program change, but transferring to another school would have the same effect.

    I would just pop in to see your academic counsellor. They can discuss what courses and programs might be best for you.

    I know first year is a toughy, but if you got accepted into U of T it is because you can handle this shiz.

    forever a first year cheerleader,

    aska

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  • commerce,  failing

    commerce zen

    August 24, 2012

    Hey there!

    Just stumbled on your blog and saw that you’re helping alot of people out. Thought you could do the same for me! Im currently in 1st year going to 2nd year (freaking out about how unlikely that seems now). I was invited for the Rotman Commerce program, but had 3 prerequisite courses to complete. I completed 2 of them, and currently doing summer school to make up for the 3rd (Econ). Im also doing summer school because i finished the semester with 3 credits and I know i need 4 credits to enroll in Subject POSts. I took Spanish and Econ in the summer, and now that its exam time, i think i was a little too laid-back and might not pass either course. I am still studying my ass off for the finals to atleast try and pass. But im kind of freaking out right now. I know i wont be accepted into Rotman, but im also worried about my status as a 2nd year student!

    What happens now? Will i have to repeat the courses? Will i be put on Academic probation? What can I do?

    I also havent enrolled in any classes yet for Fall/ Winter 2012-13 because of summer school and my confusion. And i know deadline is coming up, so im confused about which courses to take.

    Please get back to me asap. Your help is much appreciated!

    Thanks!

    ———————————————

    Hey hey,

    I think we are going to have to do a little university student yoga before we get into the nitty gritty. Downward dog, chug a beer, child’s pose, shot, shot, shot, sleeping pose.

    Ok, so I’m going to assume you were offered the Guaranteed Admissions. Here are the requirements to get into the subject POSt … just so we’re on the same page, you know, boo:

    Guaranteed Admission – How It WorksAll students admitted into the First Year Commerce are guaranteed a place in Rotman Commerce providing the following requirements are met:

    • Obtain a mark of 67% in Management (RSM100Y) and Economics (ECO100Y)* within one calendar year**
    • Obtain a mark of 50% in Calculus (MAT133Y or equivalent), within one calendar year**
    • Complete a minimum of 4.0 credits

    * Students receiving a transfer credit for Economics must ensure the credit is the equivalent of ECO100Y. A generic Economics credit (ECO1**Y) does not satisfy Program requirements.

    ** Students may repeat any of the required courses once, in order to attain the requisite mark. Note that the repeated course(s) must be completed within the calendar year (as per the terms of the guarantee), as such, the repeated course(s) must be taken during the summer session of first-year (i.e. a student may not extend the terms of her/his guarantee in order to attain the minimum marks). Failure to meet any of the above, or failure to finish all the required courses by the end of the summer after first year (assuming full-time studies) will result in losing guaranteed admission.

    From what I understand you did not fail the Econ so the “**” doesn’t really cover your situation. The repeated “within 1 academic year” frightens me slightly for you but I would talk to an academic advisor and see what they suggest.

    If you don’t need the courses, you won’t be required to repeat those courses. But if you want to apply to Commerce again at a later point, you will have to take the Econ course again.

    Once you’ve attempted (so this includes any courses that you might have fail) 4.0 FCE then your academic standing is assessed. This being said, you are eligible to be put on academic probation based on the number of credits you have attempted. Saying this though, it depends on the marks you have gotten this academic year. If your other two marks kicked ass, they could be your saving grace and you might not be put on probation.

    Here is all the info: Academic Standing

    There are four kinds of academic standing which apply to students who have attempted at least four courses in the Faculty: In Good Standing; On Probation; On Suspension; Refused Further Registration

    Academic standing is assessed twice a year:

    1. At the end of the Fall/Winter Session; the GPAs used for this status assessment are the annual and the cumulative GPAs.
    2. At the end of the Summer Session; the GPAs used for this status assessment are the sessional and the cumulative GPAs.

    Note: Students who have not achieved final standing* in 4.0 credits will have a status of “Not Assessed”.

    In Good Standing:

    Students are described as In Good Standing if they are neither On Probation, Suspended nor Refused Further Registration; these terms are explained below. For students with particularly noteworthy academic results, there are three specific forms of recognition, which are described in the ‘Student Services & Resources’ section.

    Probation; Suspension; Refused Further Registration

    The following regulations apply to students who have attempted at least four courses* in the Faculty.

    1. A student shall be on academic probation who
      a) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 or
      b) returns from suspension.
    2. A student who, at the end of the Winter or Summer Session during which he or she is on probation
      a) has a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or more shall be in good standing
      b) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 but an annual GPA of 1.70 or more (Winter Session)/sessional GPA of 1.70 or more (Summer Session) shall continue on probation.
      c) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 and an annual GPA of less than 1.70 (Winter Session)/sessional GPA of less than 1.70 (Summer Session) shall be suspended for one calendar year unless he or she has been so suspended previously, in which case he or she shall be suspended for three years.
    3. A student who, having been suspended for three years, is again liable for suspension shall be refused further registration in the Faculty.

    * “Achieved final standing” applies to courses in which a student remains formally enrolled on the last date for cancellation, unless the academic penalty normally attached to a later cancellation is removed by petition. This includes CR/NCR, but does not include courses with LWD or WDR.

    I wouldn’t panic just yet. A lot of first year students go through similar trying times and come out victorious. I would go in and see an academic advisor stat! Once you know whats up you will be able to choose courses, which you need to get rolling or you will (and may already) be waitlisted for some courses you need or are desperate to take.

    forever your chocolate and zen,
    aska

     

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  • failing

    disappearing grades patent

    June 7, 2012

    Hey there

    So i am first year student in uoft, I was taking 3.5 credit courses and now i have failed 1.5 and others marks are too handy-dandy as well. I am worried about how this might affect my gpa and i feel like crap thinking about all this. Do you have any suggestion to make somehow dissappear?? also should i consider taking it again?? they were not really the courses that interested me so yeah m not kin on taking it again… please help!!!!
    stressed head

    ??????????????????????-

    Hey stressed head!

    Sorry, no disappearing acts here. If you figure out one, I suggest to patent that shiz and sell it for a high price to desperate students.
    There is nothing you can do about those grades now, so there is no point thinking about them constantly. Many … many … maaany first years have terrible marks. You still have 3-4 more years to make up your CGPA.

    Now about repeating those courses! If you got hit by a car and hated it, would you step in front of another one to see if the second time was better. If you said yes, stop reading … and maybe go seek alternative help. If those courses are not a requirement for your prospective?field?of study?and you did not enjoy them, then don’t take the course?again.?If they are required courses and you?have to take?them again, take it with a different professor.

    Im a huge fan?of ratemyprofessors.com ?to find out what other students thought of the profs and the anti-calendar?can tell you what students thought of the course. Trust me … a little research can make or?break the courses that you choose.

    The school has multiple resources to help you through the first year … because if they didn’t they would lose a lot of tuition money if everyone dropped out of school … academic advisors, career center, writing center, alcohol (I’m?joshin’ you?about one of these, you choose which).
    And if worst comes to worse start a band because Stressed Head seems like an awesome band name to me.

    forever and always babe,

    aska

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  • failing

    dumpster diving for grades

    March 16, 2012
    Dear aska,

    I have finished 3.0 credits with a 1.45 GPA from the year 2010-2011, failed a 0.5 credit course from 2011 summer, failed 2/3 0.5 credits in 2011 fall, and currently I am taking four half credits, doing alright in 3 of them (80+). As I applied for OSAP for this current year, I had my status as a second year instead of first year so they put me on probation for not having a GPA of 1.50 or more. I am now recieving OSAP after writing the petition, but am wondering about my status – out of 7 half courses, I have failed 2 already, and I am possibly going to drop another one, which would lead me to a 2.0 credit. Would you happen to know what could possibly happen to me, in terms of registar at U of T & OSAP?

    Thanks,

    Sad Story

    ??????????????????????-

    Hey little mr. sad story,

    Well, I’m sure a few things are going to happen. The first thing that jumps out to me is, if you?can be getting 80+ in a course and you’re failing courses, then there must be something else going on. So …. so many options went through my head. Unfortunately not many?of them were very serious, but many jobs?can keep you occupied in the night.

    Side Bar Ted: Things that occupy you in the night, causing you not to do well in school

    1) lady/man of the night

    2) superhero

    3) butler to a superhero

    4) dumpster diver

    5) YouTube addict

    Academically, you will most likely be put on probation. This is what the course calendar says on that shiz-naz:

    Probation; Suspension; Refused Further Registration

    The following regulations apply to students who have attempted at least four courses* in the Faculty.

    1. A student shall be on academic probation who
      a) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 or
      b) returns from suspension.
    2. A student who, at the end of the Winter or Summer Session during which he or she is on probation
      a) has a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or more shall be in good standing
      b) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 but an annual GPA of 1.70 or more (Winter Session)/sessional GPA of 1.70 or more (Summer Session) shall continue on probation.
      c) has a cumulative GPA of less than 1.50 and an annual GPA of less than 1.70 (Winter Session)/sessional GPA of less than 1.70 (Summer Session) shall be suspended for one calendar year unless he or she has been so suspended previously, in which case he or she shall be suspended for three years.
    3. A student who, having been suspended for three years, is again liable for suspension shall be refused further registration in the Faculty.

    * Completed attempts are those in which a student remains formally enrolled on the last date for cancellation, unless the academic penalty normally attached to a later cancellation is removed by petition. This includes CR/NCR, but does not include courses with LWD.

    NOTE: Students ?On Academic Probation? may take no more than five courses in each of the Fall and Winter Sessions.

    Now on the OSAP front, it really depends on the deal you struck with the devil, i mean OSAP, ?in your petition. If you are suppose to be a full-time student and you only end up woth 2.0 credits then they will most likely be a little peeved. My guess would be suspension, and/or you having to pay some money back.

    Recently I’ve been telling students to go to their academic/financial advisors … no they are paying for promotion, but it passes the blame off of me if things go terribly bad.

    forever your robyn,

    aska

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