I woke up 6 am this morning to do a little more reviewing for an exam scheduled for today. I checked my syllabus and must have read it wrong due to sleepiness or stupidity. I read that exam start time was at 9am. Turns out THIS exam was scheduled for 8am and the NEXT exam two weeks from now was for 9am. I showed up thinking I was 20 minutes early only to find out everyone had already finished their exam. I felt like I had just been punched in the gut. My instructor informed me I will not be able to make up the exam because I did not give prior notice. Well obviously I couldn't have given prior notice if I idiotically believed the test was an hour later. All I can say is I have been absent minded lately probably due to my life's circumstances.
1. Custody battle - Three children whose father has a history of domestic and drug/alcohol abuse. He currently has supervised visitation in temporary orders and isn't happy about it. Does not want to settle before final hearing/trial which means $$ for the lawyer + possibility of absences for lectures.
2. Living room recently sprouted leaks with the last rain and it's estimated to be over $5,000 because the leak originates from the roof and chimney plus replacement of sheet rock ect.
3. Depression - lack of family support
4. Financial difficulty
5. Of course stress of school
Now I will have a 0 for that exam and based on my calculations I need to make A's on every test including my final to even pass the course (70 is passing). Not to shoot myself down without trying, but this is nearly impossible.. for me at least. I've studied hard for every test so far and highest I've scored is an 85. I honestly hate myself so much right now. I can't even wrap my brain around failing the course and having to wait to start the semester over. I'm in a program so I would have to wait for the next batch of students which would be next year. Plus my GPA will crash. I will also lose my scholarship if I fail the class. I guess I feel super discouraged and wondering if anyone has any advice. Should I email the director for another chance? Should I beg my instructor? Do I even have any options? I know my excuse is NOT considered an extenuating circumstance. I also would HATE to play victim and give a whole sob story.. but I don't know if I shouldn't at least try... especially if it's pride that's holding me back.
Go to the teacher again during their office hours and ask again. Even if it means taking another form of the exam or an oral. Ask the instructor if there is some alternative that you can do- such as write a term paper or something. Be sincere and polite. If the answer is still no, then chalk it up to a life experience and take the class again. It will be easier the next time because you've already been through it once.
Quoting Bmat:Go to the teacher again during their office hours and ask again. Even if it means taking another form of the exam or an oral. Ask the instructor if there is some alternative that you can do- such as write a term paper or something. Be sincere and polite. If the answer is still no, then chalk it up to a life experience and take the class again. It will be easier the next time because you've already been through it once.
It can't hurt to ask again. And if that doesn't work, go talk to your advisor. It might be better to drop the class now than to receive a failing grade that will go on your transcript and bring your GPA down. The advisor can also explore other options or even possibly be an advocate for you retaking the test. Just breathe... extra stress won't help you right now, and I know it's hard to forget, but devote your energy to trying to fix it instead of worrying about it too much!!!!! Good luck sweetie!
This is one time when it is okay to play the ditsy overstressed mother. If I were you I would have burst into tears right there on the spot. That usually works well if it is a male professor, tears make them uncomfortable and they will do anything to make you stop.
Secondly, what a jerk, you were late and he wouldn't let you take it then and there. Not to mention why in the heck was the test moved up to 8? When was your class supposed to start? That in itself does not seem fair to the students. Your test should be given during the class period not before.
I know how stressful it can be to be a student a mom and an employee.
At the very least send your professor an e-mail explaining what happened, maybe he will change his mind in private when he wouldn't in front of the class.
I have been in your shoes. I was going through all the same things you are going through except my livingroom didn't leak. . .
Take your paperwork for the custody battle into the office and show it to him. Explain to him that you are unders a lot of stress and you have studied for the paper but you misread the syllabus. You are human. If he is still being a major pain about this, you have other options. Go to the dean of that department and explain to them about the situation and what happened. If you have not misused this and haven't gotten "o" or skipped a lot of school, there is no reason why the professor should not give you another option.
Professors can walk around with some major "chips on their shoulders", but you are the one paying your way through school and you have some rights here that can be executed if you ask the right people.
Quoting trebelcleff:It can't hurt to ask again. And if that doesn't work, go talk to your advisor. It might be better to drop the class now than to receive a failing grade that will go on your transcript and bring your GPA down. The advisor can also explore other options or even possibly be an advocate for you retaking the test. Just breathe... extra stress won't help you right now, and I know it's hard to forget, but devote your energy to trying to fix it instead of worrying about it too much!!!!! Good luck sweetie!
Appeal to the instructor, it's your only hope to retake the test or ask for an extra credit assignment. I've been a college student for 3 years now and found it's best to be overly organized from day one. It doesn't matter if they are campus or online classes, each comes with a syllabus and class calendar with due dates and times. I make sure my calendar it marked and highlighted with each assignment and test and check it daily. Keep contact with the instructor during the course so you're not an unknown to them. I always try to get ahead in the beginning of the semester and I make sure to get the easy assignments in so I don't have to struggle at the end of the course. Do the best you can for the rest of the semester and hopefully you'll be able to pass.
Can you talk to the teacher about it? Ask if he can please help you out? Explain your situation and why you thought it was at 9. Also ask if there is ANYTHING you can do. Good luck.
A question for those who have kids close in age..
When was your due date and when did you give birth?
- katsins
on Jul. 16, 2012 at 4:27 PM