failing

take a petition shot, if it doesn’t work out, take an alcohol shot.

I failed Sociology 101 for the second time this last fall semester. I need to take it for a third time. In actuality the reasons I failed was because of lack of organization and time management; missed assignments and quizzes online, overall I didn’t give the course my best effort.

I need to re-take this class a 3rd time, I have the grade replacement option and I know I will do better now that I have my priorities in order. However, I need to appeal to my university in order to take it a 3rd time.

Here is what a counselor told me to do :

“You will need to petition SOC101 for a 3rd time

You will need to write very specifically and convincingly why you should be granted a 3rd time to take this class. It’s not guaranteed that you will be granted this option simply by submitting the form, they still can say no ”

On the form they ask for the reason for the request to repeat the class for a 3rd time. Should I be frank and give the honest reasons which are stated above?

Would you be kind enough to give some suggestions or advice?

Thank you

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

Do you really want SOC101? Are you considering a major in sociology? I know you didn’t ask my opinion but you know what … that’s right … I’m going to give it to you.

If you have failed it twice from lack of organization or time management, then maybe you aren’t interested in the material. Which is fine … trust me I’ve taken my fair share of classes that I couldn’t care less about, but you might want to reassess your interests. If? you haven’t been doing well in the 100 level course, the odds are other SOC classes aren’t going to interest you either.

BUT … ultimately it’s your life and you can do what you want (to extent … no murder or anything).

My suggestion would be to be honest with them, like what you said to me. Explain the situation that prevented you from doing well in the course. From what I hear, petitions are usually granted to severe cases (ie prolonged illness, depression etc), but if’s always worth a shot.

ta, my friend,

aska

2 Comments

  • pickingupslack

    Honestly, SOC101 is not actually tell-tale of a lot of later soc courses (I’m finishing the major this year). Sometimes it’s the prof, sometimes it just so happens that you’re only excited about a very specific part of the material but not all of it. Whatever the reason, you will always face some difficulties in motivation with most courses in university. Lack of organization and time management are symptoms of apathy, not of lack of skill (most of the time anyway if you managed to get into u of t). My suggestion is that you find that thing that keeps you coming back to this course and focus on it in the writing of your petition. If you are truly impassioned by some part of the subject or are very determined to study it then make that clear. Any reviewer will be much more moved by someone who seems passionate and determined. If it is a requirement for a program you want to be in, well then think of some other course to take in its place. There’s no sense torturing yourself over and over. Most programs allow alternatives. Talk to the undergrad adviser of the department and see what substitutions they might allow.
    Lastly, if it is not the only course you’ve experience problems with I suggest maybe going to some study skills workshops on campus. It’s always better to learn these things early.

  • elveena

    Hey! Do you know what you can take SOC102H1 and SOC103H1 instead of SOC101Y1 if you want a sociology major? These two half courses are easier that the full year course.

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