bjkuds
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2010
- Messages
- 613
I just want to share this because I know my Rat is not alone. DS like most on SAF was a solid HS student. A's were normal and expected. I know many of his BR's are doing great academically and are really doing amazingly well...kudos to them.
Then there is my DS who will be happy to pass his History class with a D and is already planning on summer school for Calc 2 because he knows he has a D for a final grade in Calc 1. He gets to take it again next semester because his major requires a C. I noticed his grade was not far below the class average so I know we are not alone. DS is so mad at himself, yet I know he is really studying..He has A's in everything else. I don't gripe toward him about it because I know he is hard enough on himself and he will figure it out. We were warned by Bruno and others that everyone struggles with something at VMI and that is the truth. I tell him to do his best, keep his head up and not give up or get discouraged..His GPA is somewhere around a 2.5. I remembered Bruno telling me last year that the average GPA Rat year was around a 2.2 so I passed that along to DS hoping it would encourage him somewhat. It is also my biased opinion that an average student at VMI is NOT an average student, that he has much to be proud of. We do have a plan B for taking the classes this summer locally providing the credits transfer.. in state tuition is not a huge deal compared to Summer Session out of state. Since final grades are about to come out I just thought I would share my thoughts.
I do have a question though.. DS gives us the impression that what he has taken thus far are "Rat Classes" and they are not suppose to be that difficult. I don't know where that idea came from because Calc is Calc in my opinion, but I believe that thought alone has him somewhat intimidated. I know it makes me wonder Is that a legitimate statement?
He is only carrying 12 credits (earned 3 at STP). Upper class-men have told us GPAs tend to improve once they get through breakout, but the academics get harder 2nd semester and on into next year. I find that a little confusing. DS seems to have a handle on the ROTC and the military requirements so I am not sure if those responsibilities even have any affect on his study time(academic performance). Will he have that much more time after breakout to study? Just looking for any thoughts.. Thanks
Then there is my DS who will be happy to pass his History class with a D and is already planning on summer school for Calc 2 because he knows he has a D for a final grade in Calc 1. He gets to take it again next semester because his major requires a C. I noticed his grade was not far below the class average so I know we are not alone. DS is so mad at himself, yet I know he is really studying..He has A's in everything else. I don't gripe toward him about it because I know he is hard enough on himself and he will figure it out. We were warned by Bruno and others that everyone struggles with something at VMI and that is the truth. I tell him to do his best, keep his head up and not give up or get discouraged..His GPA is somewhere around a 2.5. I remembered Bruno telling me last year that the average GPA Rat year was around a 2.2 so I passed that along to DS hoping it would encourage him somewhat. It is also my biased opinion that an average student at VMI is NOT an average student, that he has much to be proud of. We do have a plan B for taking the classes this summer locally providing the credits transfer.. in state tuition is not a huge deal compared to Summer Session out of state. Since final grades are about to come out I just thought I would share my thoughts.
I do have a question though.. DS gives us the impression that what he has taken thus far are "Rat Classes" and they are not suppose to be that difficult. I don't know where that idea came from because Calc is Calc in my opinion, but I believe that thought alone has him somewhat intimidated. I know it makes me wonder Is that a legitimate statement?
He is only carrying 12 credits (earned 3 at STP). Upper class-men have told us GPAs tend to improve once they get through breakout, but the academics get harder 2nd semester and on into next year. I find that a little confusing. DS seems to have a handle on the ROTC and the military requirements so I am not sure if those responsibilities even have any affect on his study time(academic performance). Will he have that much more time after breakout to study? Just looking for any thoughts.. Thanks