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How to Ask My Ochem Professor for Leniency?
Hi, I don’t know if this is the right place to ask, but I really need advice.
I’m currently failing Organic Chemistry, but I’m only a few points away from passing. This semester has been really hard for me, both academically and personally. I’m trying to figure out if there’s a way to bargain with my professor or what I can do to improve my situation.
Has anyone been in a similar position? Is it worth reaching out to my professor to explain my circumstances and see if there’s anything I can do to make up the points? I’d really appreciate any advice on how to handle this.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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5 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Angel !
First I would gladly like to assure you that Career Village is a good place to ask this question that you have been thinking about. I would suggest that you wait a couple of days and read advice here before deciding what to do.
Unlike High School, and depending on which college you're attending, "leniency" may or may not be offered for students in college. You have some options, however. It doesn't seem as though you are far from a passing grade, but you may only have a few weeks left to semesters' end. It's pretty late in the semester.
There are some choices, maybe not the easiest ones, but something to consider. I would advise that your first step would be to go to your academic counselor and explain the situation and what you want. They know everything about your college's system and special circumstances and general information about this will not be of much help. See what they say. You can then visit the Dean of the Science Department and discuss it. If you are told by either source that students are granted some sort of leniency when almost failing a course, make sure they verify that it can be done and then and only then should you go to your professor to ask for it. You do not want to go straight to the professor not knowing if leniency is a thing at your college, especially when it is this late in the semester.
It just may be that the professor is not effective and you would do well with a different professor. The choice here is difficult. Would you rather fail the course or drop the course knowing you've paid for it and most likely would not get any of your payment for that course back. If you drop the class, will it affect your financial aid if you're on financial aid, it may if it takes you below 12 units of credit. You must weigh the options after speaking with the academic counseling office, then the Dean of the Science Department.
Moving forward to next semester, be conscious of your course load. It's worth it to mix some light courses with maybe one or two heavy courses. See if any of the heavy courses are offered in a Summer Session if your college has that. And of course, try to work on the personal situation you've mentioned to improve things so that your focus can be on college so that you can focus on school and enjoy your experience. There are most likely supports on your campus
through the clinic at which you may be able to receive situational counseling.
Once you have received a variety of advice, make a decision that will benefit you now and for the rest of your college days. I wish you all the best !
First I would gladly like to assure you that Career Village is a good place to ask this question that you have been thinking about. I would suggest that you wait a couple of days and read advice here before deciding what to do.
Unlike High School, and depending on which college you're attending, "leniency" may or may not be offered for students in college. You have some options, however. It doesn't seem as though you are far from a passing grade, but you may only have a few weeks left to semesters' end. It's pretty late in the semester.
There are some choices, maybe not the easiest ones, but something to consider. I would advise that your first step would be to go to your academic counselor and explain the situation and what you want. They know everything about your college's system and special circumstances and general information about this will not be of much help. See what they say. You can then visit the Dean of the Science Department and discuss it. If you are told by either source that students are granted some sort of leniency when almost failing a course, make sure they verify that it can be done and then and only then should you go to your professor to ask for it. You do not want to go straight to the professor not knowing if leniency is a thing at your college, especially when it is this late in the semester.
It just may be that the professor is not effective and you would do well with a different professor. The choice here is difficult. Would you rather fail the course or drop the course knowing you've paid for it and most likely would not get any of your payment for that course back. If you drop the class, will it affect your financial aid if you're on financial aid, it may if it takes you below 12 units of credit. You must weigh the options after speaking with the academic counseling office, then the Dean of the Science Department.
Moving forward to next semester, be conscious of your course load. It's worth it to mix some light courses with maybe one or two heavy courses. See if any of the heavy courses are offered in a Summer Session if your college has that. And of course, try to work on the personal situation you've mentioned to improve things so that your focus can be on college so that you can focus on school and enjoy your experience. There are most likely supports on your campus
through the clinic at which you may be able to receive situational counseling.
Once you have received a variety of advice, make a decision that will benefit you now and for the rest of your college days. I wish you all the best !
This is the best, most realistic answer.
Dr. Kelly Desso
@Dr. Kelly Desso - - Thank you so much for your feedback and have a wonderful day !
Michelle M.
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hello Angel!
From personal experience, I can assure you that feeling uncertain about passing Organic Chemistry is not uncommon. Given that the semester is nearing its end, it's crucial to act fast! If you feel at ease sharing your concerns, I would recommend being candid about your current situation. Depending on your rapport with your professor, you could discuss your predicament with them and seek their advice on the next steps.
For future courses, it's a good strategy to secure a tutor right from the start, even for subjects you feel confident about. I found that this approach made it less daunting to seek help and eliminated the stress of scrambling for assistance outside the classroom.
They will most likely suggest the following:
I hope you find this advice helpful!
Seek out extra help/ tutoring
Studying tips for upcoming exams
Extra credit opportunities
From personal experience, I can assure you that feeling uncertain about passing Organic Chemistry is not uncommon. Given that the semester is nearing its end, it's crucial to act fast! If you feel at ease sharing your concerns, I would recommend being candid about your current situation. Depending on your rapport with your professor, you could discuss your predicament with them and seek their advice on the next steps.
For future courses, it's a good strategy to secure a tutor right from the start, even for subjects you feel confident about. I found that this approach made it less daunting to seek help and eliminated the stress of scrambling for assistance outside the classroom.
They will most likely suggest the following:
I hope you find this advice helpful!
Hannah recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
angel
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
Firstly, let me assure you that you're not alone in this journey. Many have walked this path before you, and it's absolutely worthwhile to engage in a dialogue with your professor. Remember, if you don't take a step forward or ask, you'll always be left wondering.
- Contact Early and Be Transparent: Procrastination is not your friend here. Lay out your situation for your professor in a respectful and concise manner—acknowledge your current position in the course, the hurdles you're facing, and the reasons behind your struggle. Professors often appreciate students who show drive and take ownership for their education.
- Seek Specific Assistance: Instead of vaguely asking for a grade boost, request specific ways to enhance your performance—this could be extra credit tasks, opportunities to revise certain assignments, or more detailed feedback on previous exams. Demonstrating a readiness to put in the effort can make a significant impact. This strategy could also serve you well when finals approach.
- Develop a Strategy for Progress: Be ready to share the steps you're taking to boost your performance, such as engaging a tutor, forming a study group, and so on. This indicates that you're not just waiting for things to change but are actively seeking solutions.
Remember, you may have a final exam on the horizon that you can prepare for by reviewing past tests and seeking help from a tutor. This focused effort could significantly improve your overall class score. Keep pushing forward, and success will follow.
If you've already taken the final, it's possible you've waited too long to address the issue. You can still try, but moving forward, consider the advice above to avoid falling behind. If you proceed with the conversation remember to be transparent about your situation, clearly state your request, and make sure to express your understanding of the process. Acknowledge that it's not ideal to make a request after grades have been finalized, but emphasize that you respect and understand the instructor's decision.
Good luck!
Review past exams and start looking for a tutor
Prepare a plan before meeting with professor
- Contact Early and Be Transparent: Procrastination is not your friend here. Lay out your situation for your professor in a respectful and concise manner—acknowledge your current position in the course, the hurdles you're facing, and the reasons behind your struggle. Professors often appreciate students who show drive and take ownership for their education.
- Seek Specific Assistance: Instead of vaguely asking for a grade boost, request specific ways to enhance your performance—this could be extra credit tasks, opportunities to revise certain assignments, or more detailed feedback on previous exams. Demonstrating a readiness to put in the effort can make a significant impact. This strategy could also serve you well when finals approach.
- Develop a Strategy for Progress: Be ready to share the steps you're taking to boost your performance, such as engaging a tutor, forming a study group, and so on. This indicates that you're not just waiting for things to change but are actively seeking solutions.
Remember, you may have a final exam on the horizon that you can prepare for by reviewing past tests and seeking help from a tutor. This focused effort could significantly improve your overall class score. Keep pushing forward, and success will follow.
If you've already taken the final, it's possible you've waited too long to address the issue. You can still try, but moving forward, consider the advice above to avoid falling behind. If you proceed with the conversation remember to be transparent about your situation, clearly state your request, and make sure to express your understanding of the process. Acknowledge that it's not ideal to make a request after grades have been finalized, but emphasize that you respect and understand the instructor's decision.
Good luck!
Brooke recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for your encouragement!
angel
Updated
Oishi’s Answer
Hey Angel!
I suggest you speak to your organic chemistry professor first and see if there is an assignment or project you can do in order to pass the class after explaining your situation. You can also ask for extra help/tutoring sessions to attend and then take an exam so you can get a passing grade. If your professor is unwilling to accommodate you or not understanding of your situation, I suggest you speak to a school guidance counselor or assistant principal/department supervisor right away to see if there is anything they can do on their end. Do not wait to do this, speak to your professor as soon as possible.
Hope this helps!
I suggest you speak to your organic chemistry professor first and see if there is an assignment or project you can do in order to pass the class after explaining your situation. You can also ask for extra help/tutoring sessions to attend and then take an exam so you can get a passing grade. If your professor is unwilling to accommodate you or not understanding of your situation, I suggest you speak to a school guidance counselor or assistant principal/department supervisor right away to see if there is anything they can do on their end. Do not wait to do this, speak to your professor as soon as possible.
Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for the advice.
angel
Guidance counselors and principals are HS-level.
Dr. Kelly Desso
Hey Angel! I apologize for not realizing you are talking about a college level course. My advice is still applicable- you can speak to a department chair if your professor is unwilling to work with you. Its the last step I suggest you take after speaking to your professor to find a possible solution.
Oishi Rahman
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Michelle's perspective aligns with mine, and having experienced life at five different universities, I can confidently say her answer is likely to be the most accurate.
In the majority of colleges, the academic year is winding down this week or the next, unless you're on a unique schedule. If you're anxiously checking your final grade, and there are no remaining assignments to boost your score, things might look bleak. In such instances, your professor might suggest that you should have addressed these issues as they occurred. They might also recommend that if you're dealing with exceptional circumstances, you should reach out to student services for assistance. However, it's important to remember that such accommodations are typically not applicable retroactively.
As others have suggested, there are numerous resources available to help you improve, such as peer tutors, professional tutors, and the "student success" center, or its equivalent, which can assist you in overcoming your academic hurdles. Moreover, if you've maintained good rapport with your instructor, retaking the course under their guidance could be beneficial. This would not only give you a chance to improve your grades but also to better understand their expectations. If this isn't the case, don't hesitate to ask your peers about their experiences with different instructors. Sometimes, a change in teaching style can be a powerful motivator. If you don't have anyone to ask, turn to your advisor. They're usually familiar with their colleagues' personalities and a trustworthy one will steer you in the right direction.
Look at where you were making mistakes and see what one can improve on.
In the majority of colleges, the academic year is winding down this week or the next, unless you're on a unique schedule. If you're anxiously checking your final grade, and there are no remaining assignments to boost your score, things might look bleak. In such instances, your professor might suggest that you should have addressed these issues as they occurred. They might also recommend that if you're dealing with exceptional circumstances, you should reach out to student services for assistance. However, it's important to remember that such accommodations are typically not applicable retroactively.
As others have suggested, there are numerous resources available to help you improve, such as peer tutors, professional tutors, and the "student success" center, or its equivalent, which can assist you in overcoming your academic hurdles. Moreover, if you've maintained good rapport with your instructor, retaking the course under their guidance could be beneficial. This would not only give you a chance to improve your grades but also to better understand their expectations. If this isn't the case, don't hesitate to ask your peers about their experiences with different instructors. Sometimes, a change in teaching style can be a powerful motivator. If you don't have anyone to ask, turn to your advisor. They're usually familiar with their colleagues' personalities and a trustworthy one will steer you in the right direction.
Dr. Kelly recommends the following next steps: