How many bad semesters are we allowed to have?

  • Thread starter Shackleford
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation is about the challenges of having a bad semester and the implications it can have on one's academic and career goals. The speaker shares their experience of struggling with time conflicts and lack of sleep, and expresses concerns about the impact of a bad semester on their GPA and future opportunities. Other participants in the conversation offer advice and opinions, with some suggesting that having any bad semesters can make it harder to succeed in the long run. The conversation ends with a lighthearted joke about the impossibility of having a certain number of bad semesters.
  • #1
Shackleford
1,656
2
Just finished my worst one, by far. I've been a solid A/B student. But not this semester.

What was your worst semester?
 
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  • #2
So are you actually asking "how many bad semesters are we allowed to have?" or what?
 
  • #3
Pengwuino said:
So are you actually asking "how many bad semesters are we allowed to have?" or what?

Yes.
 
  • #4
We're not allowed to have any, it's sacrilege! :) This has been an extremely challenging semester for me because of time conflicts. Some nights I sleep 1 or 2 hours -_-
 
  • #5
It depends more on the individual grades for each of the semesters.
 
  • #6
HeLiXe said:
We're not allowed to have any, it's sacrilege! :) This has been an extremely challenging semester for me because of time conflicts. Some nights I sleep 1 or 2 hours -_-

I found myself not having enough time for QM and Mechanics this semester.

Unfortunately, I have to sleep. I have an office job in between class days.
 
  • #7
You are allowed to have either zero or pi bad semesters, but only these two values are allowed, - so be careful if you go over zero.
 
  • #8
Shackleford said:
I found myself not having enough time for QM and Mechanics this semester.

Unfortunately, I have to sleep. I have an office job in between class days.

Yes this is very challenging. I read another thread here where someone had a bad semester, made a "C" in a couple of classes, and took the classes over again for a better grade when the timing was better. I don't know if that is advisable or not, but if having a couple of grades less than B does not affect your overall GPA in a substantial way, or if it does not impede any progression like getting into grad school, etc., you should be fine:)
 
  • #9
stevenb said:
You are allowed to have either zero or pi bad semesters, but only these two values are allowed, - so be careful if you go over zero.

You can have [tex]n\pi[/tex] bad semesters actually.
 
  • #10
HeLiXe said:
Yes this is very challenging. I read another thread here where someone had a bad semester, made a "C" in a couple of classes, and took the classes over again for a better grade when the timing was better. I don't know if that is advisable or not, but if having a couple of grades less than B does not affect your overall GPA in a substantial way, or if it does not impede any progression like getting into grad school, etc., you should be fine:)

It is a bit challenging. It breaks any kind of learning "momentum," it seems. I'm swapping my major and minor to math and physics, respectively. It's just a couple of bad grades in the minor. After this semester, I only need 4 more hours to have a physics minor. Fortunately, I can focus only on the 8 or so math courses I need to finish out the BS.
 
  • #11
Pengwuino said:
You can have [tex]n\pi[/tex] bad semesters actually.

Even or odd integers?
 
  • #12
Shackleford said:
Even or odd integers?

Sigh...
 
  • #13
where n is a complex number.
 
  • #14
Pengwuino said:
Sigh...

?
 
  • #15
Don't worry. I didn't get it either. Must be an 'ultra-nerd' joke.
 
  • #16
If you want to survive in the real world, none.
 
  • #17
flyingpig said:
If you want to survive in the real world, none.
Think again.
 
  • #18
flyingpig said:
If you want to survive in the real world, none.

When you have some experience with the real world, maybe your advice will have some value. But as you are still in college - a freshman, right - all you are doing is adding noise.

One of the things a education should teach you is all opinions are not equal. Some are better supported in terms of logic and evidence than others.
 
  • #19
Vanadium 50 said:
When you have some experience with the real world, maybe your advice will have some value. But as you are still in college - a freshman, right - all you are doing is adding noise.

One of the things a education should teach you is all opinions are not equal. Some are better supported in terms of logic and evidence than others.

I can agree. Surviving in the real world necessitates you not giving up after a bad performance, or whatever.
 
  • #20
Shackleford said:
I can agree. Surviving in the real world necessitates you not giving up after a bad performance, or whatever.

Yes, definitely never give up. That's the surest way to fail. One bad semester is of course recoverable, but each bad semester makes it harder and harder, till the point of no return. Eventually, the speed of the water going over the waterfall is faster than you can swim.

My earlier comment was partially a silly joke, but it also has a moral like a parable. Once you exceed zero bad semesters, your job becomes harder. It's not as impossible as making an integer equal pi, but parables need not be literal to get their point across. :smile:
 

FAQ: How many bad semesters are we allowed to have?

How many bad semesters are we allowed to have in college?

There is no set number of bad semesters that are allowed in college. However, it is generally recommended to maintain a good academic standing and avoid multiple consecutive semesters with low grades.

Will having a bad semester affect my chances of getting into graduate school?

Having a bad semester may affect your chances of getting into graduate school, as most programs consider your overall GPA and academic performance. It is important to show improvement and explain any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to a bad semester.

Can I retake classes to improve my GPA after a bad semester?

Yes, you can retake classes to improve your GPA after a bad semester. However, it is important to check with your school's policies and consult with an academic advisor to make sure the retaken course will replace the previous grade and not just be averaged into your GPA.

How can I recover from a bad semester and improve my academic standing?

To recover from a bad semester, you can focus on improving your study habits and time management skills, seeking help from academic resources such as tutoring or study groups, and actively communicating with your professors about your progress. It is also important to prioritize your mental and physical well-being to avoid burnout and improve overall academic performance.

Can I still get a job after having a bad semester in college?

Yes, having a bad semester in college may not necessarily affect your chances of getting a job. Employers often look at a combination of factors, including your overall GPA, relevant experience, and skills. You can also use your past mistakes as a learning experience and showcase your growth and determination in job interviews.

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