Math (ughhhh)

[Snake Eater]

So I've had this wonderful idea of going back to college and finishing my Bachelors degree and become a fighter pilot in the navy. It's too bad that

1. I suck at Math, the USN Aviation Selection Test Battery includes: Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, velocity and pressure stuff.
2. My GPA is a lovely 1.63 :( and 23 credits
3. I have to finish an Associate's Degree before moving onto my BAS, problem is I no longer want to be a paramedic and can't decide on a degree.
4. I'm 21 and will be 22 in January, (I'll be 26 by the time I graduate).

So SWRP, I am asking for your help.

Are there any good programs/software or books that will help me with these math subjects? I have to pass the SAT and ACT first.

How do I raise my GPA? Granted, only a few of my credits transfer probably giving me about a 2.1 (rough est).

Any easy degrees that will be helpful in case I can't become a pilot?

Isn't age just a number?

Thanks everyone, you never cease to amaze me.

 

[GABA]

1. I suck at Math, the USN Aviation Selection Test Battery includes: Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, velocity and pressure stuff.

So basic math and physics? Get a tutor or form a group study when you take those courses. Do the problems not assigned also for the extra practice.

2. My GPA is a lovely 1.63 :( and 23 credits

Could be worse, could have 90 credit and a 1.63 GPA. No more flunking or else you will never get it raised. If you don't think you will be able to give a difficult class the time it needs, drop it.

3. I have to finish an Associate's Degree before moving onto my BAS, problem is I no longer want to be a paramedic and can't decide on a degree.

I have never heard that before, unless you're at a CC and then going to a 4 year school afterwards.

4. I'm 21 and will be 22 in January, (I'll be 26 by the time I graduate).

So?

Are there any good programs/software or books that will help me with these math subjects? I have to pass the SAT and ACT first.

Google. I am sure you can find math aides on there.

How do I raise my GPA? Granted, only a few of my credits transfer probably giving me about a 2.1 (rough est).

You work your ass off. No more failing classes.

Any easy degrees that will be helpful in case I can't become a pilot?

No, you're going to have to work hard to earn your degree. Depends what your backup plans are will depend what you pursue.

 

[Padmé]

on raising your GPA front I would suggest taking an easy course or two over the break. Generally art electives, or some other easy elective course will do the trick.

also, what GABA said!

good luck!

 

[Wit]

You work your ass off. No more failing classes.

This. You want better grades? Study, still not happening, study harder. Plain and simple.

 

[Nor'baal]

This. You want better grades? Study, still not happening, study harder. Plain and simple.

^This.

I know it sounds harsh, but I get about 3 students a week coming to me at my University asking for advice on their course - and this is literally the only non-subject specific advise you can give them.

If you want a degree, you need to work for it. Best of luck.

 

[Flamjetxx]

As far as GPA goes, from Sophomore year in High School, I raised my GPA from a 2.0 average to a 3.8 GPA by the time I got into college. The difference between those years is that I wasn't focused, didn't prioritize, and, most of all, I had virtually no organization. These are possibly the three most important factors in succeeding in school and getting a higher GPA/ grade in any class.

FOCUS: is important no matter what you want to succeed in. Sports, schooling, hobbies, etc. You won't do very well in a subject without focus (at least not for long); and this especially applies when you aren't particularly good at the subject in the first place. This basically means that you need to Focus on Your school work (mostly Math if that's what you need most). Even when you would rather be doing something else or REALLY don't want to continue doing math, grab a beverage and keep going! By the time you finish, the results will be worth it!

PRIORITIZING: is probably the most important thing here, because if you're procrastinating you're not learning nor are you getting the work done properly. And as much as you probably don't want to hear it, this means that, all of the fun things that you want to do in the day will have to wait until after you're done with the most important things. The moment you're assigned homework and you get out of class, sit down in the school library and start it, and if you can, finish it right there and then. Finishing it at school is really important for the reasons that you have the information fresh in your mind, you're already in the mindset of doing schoolwork and being at school (which really just ties in with the first reason), and that you're getting it out of the way immediately- by the time you get home, you won't have to do your homework, because you already finished it. And while you're surrounded by all the fun things that could normally distract you at home, studying in the library means that you're surrounded by other people who are also studying!
Priority ranking goes from most important to least important: School, Job, Family, Friends/ Fun.

ORGANIZATION: isn't exactly necessary, but it will help immensely. If you set up a routine, then it will be much easier to get your school work done (the stricter, the better). While we're fresh on the topic of priority, -this ties in quite well- work everything else around your school schedule. Your work schedule is hopefully flexible, so get hours that work around your school schedule. Family gets worked around your Job, and finally friends and fun get the rest! Organizing your schedule alone will help so much, because otherwise you wouldn't know where to start half the time. That and organizing your homework, school supplies, and study material is useful as well. Keeping things organized makes things flow smoothly, quickly, and will make your job easier in general.

Spoiler: Analogy (can be skipped if you're following)

Analogy: It's like having an insanely messy room! You know you need to clean it, but it's just so messy that you procrastinate until the last possible moment (if you ever get to it at all), and that you simply don't want to get into it. There's cloths, toys, junk of any sort laying all over the floor. You don't know where to start and you eventually find it too difficult to start cleaning it (or lose the will to do so all together) and give up. However, if you keep a toy bin, a hamper, and a trash can in your room, you're organizing the locations of potential messes, and thus eliminating the problem before it starts. Then when it is time to clean your room, you know where to start and have no such despair!
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It is a difficult transition for someone who has already developed poor habits, but it's certainly not impossible, especially for anyone who is motivated enough. Something that can help to remind you though, is to create signals to yourself to keep your mind on the rack of a higher education. Set alarms for after class ends (on your cell phone or w/e) to remind you to study in the library, or set a background picture of your goal (a fighter jet or a pilot) on your cel phone/ computer, or if you find it necessary, you can tattoo, something to remind you, on your forearm! Anything that helps to remind you will benefit you.

Also, I know I've seen it above, you shouldn't be afraid to ask for help! Your teacher, particularly, is the person to ask. It's their job, they enjoy someone taking an interest in their class (or looking to them for guidance at any rate), I can't imagine a teacher Not wanting to help, and that every teacher Wants you to succeed in their class. Coming by a teaching job is rather difficult, and being a Good teacher means that no one fails your class (that you're actually teaching), and someone failing their class means they aren't effectively doing their job. They could get fired for people failing. Of 'course the numbers would have to be quite high in each class, but the point is that they don't want anyone failing their classes, so they are certainly willing to help out a student in need.

You also have tutors! I don't know about where you go to school, but tutors are free at my college (well... come with the tuition), and their sole intentions are to help you as much as possible. Stop in and see how you like it, if you continue having troubles with math. Also, making friends (particularly with the smart kids) can help you tons! Studying with these people can help you out, you can have some fun, and have a new buddy to hang out with after school too (maybe). There is usually a reason these kids understand the work, and if you study with them, then you will hopefully begin to see how they see the problems and being to understand as well.

--Well, good luck. You can call this w/e you want- the FPO method? And you don't need my permission to share this with anyone else who needs help -especially if it has worked for you. And keep in mind that this isn't an overnight thing, it will take some time to get used to, but stick with it!

 

[Skyway]

ow, gl to you mate

This. You want better grades? Study, still not happening, study harder. Plain and simple.

hehe study....zzzzz sleep time -.-