Starting school in Fall-Scared of Chem/Math!

Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN · Jun 16, 2005

Hi K,

I'm sure you'll get some great responses, but I'll give you my 2 cents!

I too am a second career jumper. I am 40 and like you was terrified of math.

I took a fundamental math class this past Spring and I got a 97%! My teacher was awesome, I could email her with questions (she encouraged it) and I took advantage of it, unfortunately there were others who didn't heed her advice and sadly some have to repeat it. I know you said you knew the basics, but this brought us right up to Algebra, where I'll be starting in the Fall. Algebra is where I caught on the best, I ended up loving it b/c they were like little puzzles needing to be solved. Perhaps you could take a refresher if you're really nervous. Math terrified me, but now I am getting it.

The key is ASK QUESTIONS. Do not be afraid, it's your education. If I didn't understand something I emailed her, even if I feared I was driving her bats, she told me that students like me are what keeps her going, b/c then she really feels validated in what she's doing. That's why she's there to help.

You mentioned that you and everyone got behind in Chemistry and that's what I'm saying...don't let that happen to you. Make sure YOU understand before moving on, do what it takes. For example I'm taking Psych right now through the summer, since my teacher is pretty much non existent (it's a VCR class) I've had to self teach myself. If I needed clarification on something I would turn to the internet or supplemental books to enhance what my textbook was saying. I ended up getting 50 out of 50 on the last test! Now the pressure is on, b/c I have another on Monday, and I'm finding "A's" are addictive!

Good luck to you...you can do this! You're older and wiser, school is great when you go back later in life (I mean no offense with "older" frankly I like getting older...I feel I'm better than ever, no false pretenses etc...)

Blondie26 · Jun 16, 2005

I feel the same way! I graduated with History and Political Science degrees and I have no idea how I'll do in Chem/Biology. I'm TERRIBLE at science courses. Hopefully with studying it will make some sense...Good luck!

reese_cup · Jun 16, 2005

I am doing Chem1010 and Biology1001 Also.........we are going to have to start a thread for the Fall for Chem, Biology:)

seneca-BSN-student · Jun 17, 2005

Hello Everyone,
I'm a 35 y/o Artist and I'm going to be going back to school in the fall to start the prerequisites and work my way towards entering a Nursing Program.
I'm very nervous though about my ability (or lack thereof) when it comes to Math and Chemistry. Both are my biggest weak area's. I did take Chem 100 about 10 years ago in college and failed It was SO hard! I had my tape recorder and took tons of notes. But almost all of us in the class were so lost it was just pathetic. I, along with most of my classmates just never caught on to most things the instructor was trying to teach us. Not to mention he went lightning fast so it was very hard to keep up (thus, the need for the tape recorder).
Then there's math. Algerbra is like a foriegn language to me. Give me something past division and percents and I'm pretty much in uncharted territory. (Someone's probably out there thinking oh man, she's in real trouble LOL!)
Can anyone offer advice that may help me in these area's? Has anyone got help through a tutor while taking these classes? Any study tips that have helped you catch on? I know I'm going to need all the help I can get in these two subjects. English Comp, Creative Writing, Social Studies, Psychology, etc...all those I'm pretty good at and have a lot of confidence that I can get through those and get at least a passing grade. But not sure at all about Chem and Math.
Thank you,
K

If you can, take the math first. I took Intro to Chemistry, barely passed with a C. It would have been easier for me if I had the math skills. Good luck!

lmacks4 · Jun 17, 2005

You sound exactly like me!!!!! Anything to do with numbers or even closely related to math I go nuts and dont even get me started on Chem...But anyway the good news is.......If your school offers tutoring def. take it...it may take some time but it's def. worth it. especially with chem, its like another language until someone sits you down and explains it to you. Also dont be afraid to ask your teachers for help...Go to their office hours!!!!! That why they are there....And plus it makes you look good for givin it your all. I just looked over my notes after each class..if i didnt understand something I went back and got help on it until I got it....It will pay off...it def did for me I got A's in both....Dont worry about it just work through it...You'll be fine.....

Princess74 · Jun 17, 2005

I'm in the same position. My math skills consist of adding, sub, mult and simple division. (Been out of HS 13 years and I have seriously lost the few math skills that I had)

The only reason I'm afraid of chem is because of the math. We need to start a basic math club and a chem club for this fall. Maybe we can help each other out.

oregonrene · Jun 17, 2005

After taking several chemistry classes recently, my biggest advice would be to brush up on your math skills before taking basic chem. If you have time, take an algebra class first. That will really help you. Don't be scared, you can do it! I didn't want to take chem either but I've found that I really like it. Surprised the heck out of me! LOL! :rotfl:

arciedee · Jun 17, 2005

I have to agree with the other posters who have said to make sure you've got the math skills down before you try to tackle chemistry. If that means that you have to go back to the fundamentals and work up to algebra, then so be it. It will pay off in the end!

I also want to discourage people from thinking that they don't have the mind for something, whether it's math, science, or whatever. It can turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just take it one day at a time and do your best. Don't allow yourself to get behind, use all your resources: the professor, TAs, classmates... and practice practice practice your problems. The text and the lectures will prepare you for what you'll be doing, but when it comes time to study you'll be wasting your time if you just reread your notes. You really need to bust out the pencil, eraser, and calculator and plow through problems... that's when things really come together.

Nathalie · Jun 17, 2005

Hello Everyone,
I'm a 35 y/o Artist and I'm going to be going back to school in the fall to start the prerequisites and work my way towards entering a Nursing Program.
I'm very nervous though about my ability (or lack thereof) when it comes to Math and Chemistry. Both are my biggest weak area's. I did take Chem 100 about 10 years ago in college and failed It was SO hard! I had my tape recorder and took tons of notes. But almost all of us in the class were so lost it was just pathetic. I, along with most of my classmates just never caught on to most things the instructor was trying to teach us. Not to mention he went lightning fast so it was very hard to keep up (thus, the need for the tape recorder).
Then there's math. Algerbra is like a foriegn language to me. Give me something past division and percents and I'm pretty much in uncharted territory. (Someone's probably out there thinking oh man, she's in real trouble LOL!)
Can anyone offer advice that may help me in these area's? Has anyone got help through a tutor while taking these classes? Any study tips that have helped you catch on? I know I'm going to need all the help I can get in these two subjects. English Comp, Creative Writing, Social Studies, Psychology, etc...all those I'm pretty good at and have a lot of confidence that I can get through those and get at least a passing grade. But not sure at all about Chem and Math.
Thank you,
K

Well im sure yuo'll do fine. The only class i had a hard time with was chemistry. My professor didn't help either. He had a really thick accent and didn't care about anyone. Anatomy and Phys. was not hard for me. sure you have to study but i found it fun. After all that is why i like nursisng :) Good luck with everything!!!!

Blondie26 · Jun 17, 2005

I think we need a support group for this fall! We can call ourselves the

"Chem Cowards" :chuckle. Kidding! With some studying and determination and a little support we can do it.

Fox · Jun 18, 2005

I'm in the same boat I will be taking Chem and Stat this fall. SO Scared!!!