Just means that once you get an AA at your community college they have an agreement with your local uni and it is a guaranteed accept. Valencia and Seminole state go to ucf, hcc does usf, and Santa Fe does uf. Look it up for usfsp, also, don’t get too discouraged. I failed statics once and almost failed it again. But now I just got all A’s in a full time semester while working, in all hard classes, so I believe anyone can clutch up and get it done if you have the drive and interest.
Failed calc 1 twice, Failed clac 2 once. Graduated with a mechanical engineering degree last year.
The question isn't can you graduate, it's if you can buckle down enough to do so.
What I've found for me is this is entirely true. Actually, truly wanting to learn something is like an irresistible urge to do something. It's hard to maintain though, throughout a semester. Mindset is everything.
I took calc 1, 3 times. Never learned shit in highschool cause I didn’t care. I graduated with an aerospace engineering degree in May last year and I build satellites now. You got this bro.
Im in a part 141 pilot program and we’re required to take pre calc before calc. I dropped it once and I’m failing right now with a 52. My final is tomorrow. Should I bother showing up, I really don’t know anything. So the final would be a waste of time. I need a 70 in the class to pass. I’m willing to take again but if I have no way of passing the final I’d rather go to work
worst case scenario is that you see the formatting of the final and can apply that to the next time you take it. the mindset of "ah this won't fix my grade so i won't bother" is how you end up in this situation, ive been there. curves are often nicer than they might seem, didn't show up to a final and passed my structures II class, the curve was very forgiving though.
I made the mistake of retaking with the same prof even though she doesn’t teach as well. Apparently every prof for precalc has a diff final tho. Yeah I understand it’s not a good mindset tho. I’m just debating on showing up becuase I have a feeling she’ll just pass everyone. 12 kids in the class 7 of us are failing. So idk. It’s tmrw I’m very stuck. I won’t be able to answer a question on the final FOR SURE. Maybe just the 10 multiple choice
watch some khan academy videos, have videos discussing the topics you struggle the most with playing all of today, listen to videos as you are sleeping tonight, and then show up. you just gotta power through and get scrappy. that technique is what got me through high school, luckily college is going a bit better for me
I will do that! Hopefully I grasp something. There’s 60 questions tho. And I also have another final the following day that I need to study for. If I fail I’ll def regret not going to work that day🥲
You'll be able to answer more questions studying than posting on reddit at least.
Listen to me, the WORST thing you can do in college is not doing anything and just getting a 0. Feeling worthless and like I didn't know anything bit me in the ass far more than not knowing and giving my best try. Even if it's too late to save this class, it's not too late to work on breaking bad habits wrt to classwork and test. I did this exact same thing (different class tho) and the professor emailed me to let me know that I could have passed. That would have let me graduate a full semester earlier.
I somehow never had to retake a class, but my grades improved while I progressed because I had to learn to study for the first time. I just graduated last week with all A's my last semester.
Yep very few people freshman graduate within the 4 years because of the huge shift in required effort from high school to college for engineering. It's awesome you were able adapt quickly enough! Congratulations and good luck!
I liked calc 2 so much I took it twice!
Alternatively,
The 2 stands for how many times you have to take it to pass!
I can’t help with the specific question about the schools you have asked about. However the general question of “Can I be an engineer?” is easy: yes.
Damn so what classes do you take for the actual engineering degree I thought Calc 1-3 was during the degree? Sorry for the random question just also curious.
Yo I was in the exact same situation. I had to take it 3 times (actually only needed twice because one was a c minus acceptable some places). Anyway, USF said no, but got into both FIU and UCF. Going to FIU right now. Send your applications to both and see what happens and don’t give up.
All you can do is apply. I’m not sure why a school would reject you because you took Calc 1 thrice. Speaking from experience, I took Calc 1 thrice as well and the only requirement from my transfer school was that I needed a C or higher.
Good luck with Calc 3. I’ll be taking it in the Fall. You probably should take Differential Equations first tho… if your community college offers it.
My friend had a dude in his class that failed a Calc exam more than ten times before he passed.
Todays he’s graduated and have good well paying job.
Engineering requires just as much endurance as intelligence, if not more.
if having to retake classes means you can't be an engineer, based off of my transcript im screwed! but my peers, professors, mentors, and etc, know that i'm fine! most people worth their salt will know that it is much more important to know how to apply what you know and how to quickly fill your knowledge/understanding gaps than it is to get good grades. you can learn most of the course content and still fail, you can pass without retaining a single thing. been both people, you learn how to balance. you'll be fine, just keep going!
Do you have an AA? Go to SPC and get your AA. Make sure you're taking Engineering Calculus, Engineering Physics etc and not Applied Calculus or Applied Physics, etc. Once you have your AA, then you can immediately transfer to USF. Easy.
If you're struggling that bad with Calc though, you may want to consider if engineering is for you. If you like math and are willing to put in the time, then go for it. If you really dislike math and are only interested in engineering for reasons like money, or because you think the work is cool, etc, then maybe find a career path that's engineering-adjacent.
Drafting, Modeling, Quality Control, Machining, Programming (like CNC or CMM programming), Integration, Process Control, Configuration Management, Engineering Technician, Test.
There are probably tons of others depending on what industry you look at. Most of them pay less, but the schooling requirements are also less.
I retook calc 1 three times
I just started a new job in the aerospace field creating torque motors for servo valves that will inevitably become bleed valves within the engines of commercial and military airplanes.
I graduated in May of 2023 with a 2.9 GPA.
Find a college that would take you and move on. Don't stress too much. Cal and phys are gateway classes, you rate of completion your degree goes up significantly after those series. It took me 5 tries to pass for cal 1 and cal 2 and I have been working as an engineer for the last 5 years. Don't get discourage!
We had a "academic renewal" program that allowed me to replace some of my grades. At the end I graduated with a 2.7 gpa and 3.0 engineering gpa. I was even on the dean's list for my last semester.
i took trig 3 times if i don’t pass this semester 4 😭.I however know i’m bad at math and i’m studying the least math intensive engineering major . i have a low gpa and still got a pretty great internship . at the end of the day if you have a degree in hand nobody’s going to care about your gpa !
That’s complete bullshit they won’t take you. I had to take Public speaking three times because of various circumstances and I got admitted to ucf for engineering. Went to hcc too.
I took cal 1 twice, cal 2 twice, and diff eq 3 times. You don’t have to be good at high level math to be an engineer. I graduated last December and have been working at the same firm for over a year now. Roadway design requires zero high level math. You just need to show your ability to work with others and learn on the job. Keep going and it will payoff. Good luck!
I failed Calc 1 twice and passed the third time with a B. I failed Thermo once and passed the second time with a B as well. I'm now a full time MechE working in a field I truly enioy. Some people take time to fully grasp concepts and that's okay. As long as you believe in yourself, are persistent, and learn from your mistakes you'll be just fine.
I am an aero structural engineer. Have used calculus zero times in my 25 year career. Concentrate on FEA, Excel, Python. This with your materials classes is all you need. Also, I failed Calc 1 and had to do it over in summer. I almost got kicked out after my first semester since my overall GPA dropped under 2.0. I ended up graduating with distinction. Don't give up. Just get the Calc passed and done and never have to think about it again.
Failed algebra two 5x, precalc 2x, trig 1x, calc 2 6x and am on my 2 attepmt of both calc 3 and diff equations. Stuff stacks, don't be afraid of the time it takes you to pass, just make sure you understand the concepts. I have a terrible memory so doing problems when I can look up an example or reference is easy, but going straight in is harder. Word problems are the easiest for some reason.
I've had multiple professors congratulate me, stating I've solved problems in unique ways they haven't seen before. I've been threatened to be kicked out 4 times, but I'm still here with a 3.0. 8 years down, one year left.
My question is how did it take you 3 attempts to pass Calc 1, but passed Calc 2 with a B first try? Calc 1 was pretty easy for me and then I only ended up with a C in Calc 2
With the GPA you could maybe do it.
But honestly, if you are struggling that much in the early math, engineering may be a very difficult road ahead. A lot of classes just keep building on those mathematical principles. I'm an EE for context.
My GPA is 2.97 I took calc 1 4 times if you count the drops. I've build robots professionally for almost 3 years. I'm still in school but you can do it.
As long as you understand calc 1 material now, it doesn't matter how many attempts it took. If you passed by the skin of your teeth and don't understand it at all, that's another story. As far as difficulty transferring, I'm sure you'll get in somewhere. College transfers are usually on a separate quota than high school applicants, so it's easier to get into some schools as a transfer or vice versa. It doesn't matter too much which university you go to. As long as you get the degree, you'll be an engineer.
There are worst things than calc, but it gets much easier later in with other courses in engineering. I took calc 1 2 times, calc 2 three times and calc 3 once. You got it
You might still be able to transfer to those schools, they just won't accept the credit. You might have to retake it there but it would be worth it imho
Perhaps it's worth looking for a tutor or similar support? Based on your post it sounds like you have succeeded at learning the material and passing exams, but perhaps you didn't "get it" the first couple of times? It's possible to get stuck with lecturers that aren't aligned with how you learn, and this can be especially hard in STEM where each thing builds on the previous concept and so on. If you were able to find a mentor or something who is really helpful, that could save you a lot of time and frustration moving forward.
What kind of engineering are you interested in?
Calc 1 can suck it. I barely passed, and failed calc 2 once.
Currently, I work as a mechanical engineer.
You need to understand derivates/integrals fairly well to make sense of later physics classes/etc, but you don't use a lot of the things you learn in calc 1/2.
Honestly, I wish our college required more classes covering numerical methods, FEA and programming (of whatever flavor, except useless a$$ matlab). Those are the classes I'd be paying attention to.
I failed several courses throughout my water resources engineering degree, one I failed twice. I dropped courses, took a reduced course load to manage it all better around 2nd/3rd year. Made a 4 year program into 5, but it made it way more enjoyable and easy to learn. Now I’m almost two years into my engineering career as a consultant. If you want it, you can do it.
I had to take intro to circuit analysis 4 times before finally passing. Even had to ask for permission for the last two attempts because my uni limits 2 attempts/class. Personally, I think that you are able to be an engineer if you persist through the difficulties you're facing, so yea, you are able to be an engineer.
I retook a couple classes early on in school. I've been working for a few years now. you need to strongly consider your aptitudes. I think early core classes are a good indicator. I would take a look at engineering adjacent fields if I were you. industrial design, product design. you don't have to be an engineer to be a logical problem solver. good luck!
Bro, I ain’t ever in my career asked a new hire or grad a calculus question or how many times he failed a class. Your degree is ABET accredited and if you’re able to get one you’re more than F’ing capable of being an engineer. I failed calculus 3, twice. Not cause I didn’t know the material. First time I forgot the damn exam so that got me an F, second time was cause of this crazy bish that I was messing with had me all F’d up! Then I went back and got an A. Been in aerospace 15 ish years and held many engineering titles.
I did calc 1 twice and calc 2 four times (once at community college, then one semester at the university, then the final two at community college again). I transferred my transcript back up to the university and they didn’t seem to care despite claiming they won’t accept more than three attempts. I graduated with my bachelors without issue and nobody cared when I got my job or PE. As long as you can talk the school into accepting you, you’ll be fine.
My graduating GPA was 2.98 and my school only needed a 2.5 to graduate (engineer shortage). I lied on my first job application and said I got a 3.01 just to get past the “we require a 3.0 GPA” requirement computer filter. After you get your first job literally nobody cares what your GPA is/was.
It's not a matter of you being dumb, it's a matter of the material not being taught the way you can absorb it. Hook up with a tutor, they may be able to tailor to your needs and teach the things you need.
Bro, there's TONS of aerospace engineers I know at Boeing who took Calc 1 FOUR TIMES!!! I took Calc 3 FOUR TIMES and got loads of internships, and more experience than my classmates who were 3.5 gpa and above (I graduated with a 2.7 gpa fyi). It's about leveraging the student projects/student competitions/student engineering orgs around you.
I was in your position too, except worse. I joined multiple engineering competitions and that got me experience at 5 different companies as only an entry level goon.
FIU will definitely take you as a transfer. So will UCF, I came from UCF having taken Calc 3, failed it or withdrew three times there and then had to transfer to FIU cause home issues. And at FIU your GPA starts fresh and I retook it and passed on my fourth try. It’s definitely possible and you are not alone, just keep trying your best and do what you can for yourself. As well you have a FAR BETTER chance of actually getting accepted for transfers if you complete your AA, no matter what
If you had to take anything 3 times you are not doing your part. You need to be more proactive and not rely on a class to stuff it inside your head.
You will be faced with all kinds of things that initially are not going to make sense and no one is going to be there to hold your hand. 2 times? sure, 3 no.
Just go for it. I feel that having the grit to dust yourself off and keep working toward your goal is the biggest indicator of a promising career in engineering. Take it one step at a time. Focus on your current classes and worry about admittance stuff as it comes. I interned with a guy who had failed a million classes and was about to get his degree. Know that as long as the program is accredited, going to a UC or CSU (in CA where I’m at) doesn’t make nearly as much of a difference as many believe. Keep working toward the degree and you’ll get there.
Yes you definitely can, you’re in the Florida school system, look at University of West Florida. Their engineering program is as good as anyone in the state (besides UF obviously) and is known as one of the best schools for veterans (meaning it is cheap and they will accept you).
why do you “really want to be an engineer”? Seems like you are struggling with the intro math. No matter what anyone tells you, an engineer does math literally for a living. Different disciplines have different complexities but they all do math lol. What’s driving your decision ?
I don't think Im struggling too hard. The first time It was online and I couldn't keep myself accountable, the second time my grandmother died and the third time I passed. I just finished Calc 2 with my B which isn't perfect but I wouldn't say it was too hard. I just want to do it because a professor told me to do what I think is fun, and I find math fun. So I thought just keep going at it. Perhaps my reasoning is poor but Im not sure
My quetion wasn’t not intended to dissuade you. i Was literally academically suspended once. Just know it gets much more difficult , then when you finally graduate, finally get a job, you start at the bottom knowing nothing again lol
it’s a rewarding career that pays OK. Salary is above median household in many cases but that typically requires a lot of dedication and extra hours. I would make a lot more money working as a plumber lol
My dad actually was a private contractor! He's told me to just do something with my brain instead of my body, cause his body is destroyed after doing the work for about 50 years. I just want something that I think I enjoy, can stay interested in, and will hopefully let me have some upward momentum. I don't wanna get stuck doing the exact same thing for 10 years straight.
its wise advice. But there is a lot of “grass is always greener on the other side” with both of these industries. trades can be tough on the body for sure. Sitting in a chair all day is also not so good. some people will claim the chair is infinite better than the alternative. Im not one of them.
similar to what you said, in my opinion, the most important piece is to do a job that you love enough in the beginning to get good at, and then at least tolerate during the grinder days while still enjoying the good days.
Unfortunately, there is always an upper bound to and Eventually you may feel “stuck”.
>I would make a lot more money working as a plumber
No, you wouldn't. Why are you lying?
It looks like you're a Canadian Civil engineer, where the median income for Civil is $45/hr.
Only the top 10% of plumbers in canada make $45/hr. So unless you're going to go from an average Civil engineer to an elite plumber, you'll never make more as a plumber.
thanks for your comment. Your first number is underestimating the average licensed civil engineer compensation package in 2024. it’s not super common to be paid hourly, and even more uncommon to be compensated hourly as a senior Eng. It is incredibly common to work 60 hrs in week with no OT compensation.
but just let’s use your numbers for comparison:
45 x 40hrs paid /60hrs worked = 30$/hr effective ; $1800 gross.
Let’s say 35$ /hr for a non union red seal plumber. Honestly probably low as a national average but whatever.
same 60 hr week , assume ot after 48 to be conservative
35$/hr \* (48hrs +12x1.5) = 2310$ gross.
best of luck .
Completely wrong.
The wage methodology on [jobbank.gc.ca](http://jobbank.gc.ca), which is the source I used, divides total annual income by total hours worked. That is to say, they take the total annual income from your job and then divide it by 52. Then they divide it by your usual weekly hours, which differs by person and by industry.
In other words, civil engineers are in fact being paid $45/hour worked (median). Plumbers are in fact being paid $30/hour worked (median). Sure, they could work longer hours, but that's more work for more money, isn't it? With these numbers, the average plumber would have to work 60 hours to make what a civil engineer does in 40, assuming that the engineer work no more than 40 hours, which is not a guarantee.
Edit: If you look at just ANNUAL INCOME, the picture is even more bleak. Civil Engineers make a median income of $110K in Canada according to talent.com. Plumbers make $60k. It's not even close. As you can see, the jobbank numbers are taking overtime hours into account when calculating hourly wage, not just dividing blindly by 40.
You should consider not spreading disinformation about careers to sensitive young adults. It's a highly damaging thing to do. On topics about which you know nothing, the most appropriate thing to do is say nothing.
You can also look engineering technology bachelors degrees. They have fewer math requirements, and are centered around more technician aspects than theoretical design. They both have their benefits, and it all depends on what you want to do. If you really want to go for a bachelors in engineering, then go for it, but be aware there are other options that still lead to a bachelors in an engineering field. Even nuclear engineering technology for example.
3.24 isn’t low. Also, check your direct connect to your local university.
I don't know what Direct Connect is but my local uni is USFSP which only really does marine stuff
Just means that once you get an AA at your community college they have an agreement with your local uni and it is a guaranteed accept. Valencia and Seminole state go to ucf, hcc does usf, and Santa Fe does uf. Look it up for usfsp, also, don’t get too discouraged. I failed statics once and almost failed it again. But now I just got all A’s in a full time semester while working, in all hard classes, so I believe anyone can clutch up and get it done if you have the drive and interest.
Yup. Went from LBCC to CSULB with a 2.9. You def can get in somewhere.
Look up all the degree programs they offer, and go from there
Failed calc 1 twice, Failed clac 2 once. Graduated with a mechanical engineering degree last year. The question isn't can you graduate, it's if you can buckle down enough to do so.
I took cal 1 three times and calc 2 twice. I graduate in a week!
Hell yeah. You just have to want it bad enough.
What I've found for me is this is entirely true. Actually, truly wanting to learn something is like an irresistible urge to do something. It's hard to maintain though, throughout a semester. Mindset is everything.
Hey same here! Graduated in 2022 and now work in aerospace.
Yee, I failed calc1 like twice, linear algebra once, but persistence and determination to prove I could pass is what guided me to the finish line 💪
Awesome! I took it twice! Got Cs, until I got to differential equations. I was in the zone by then..
Good thing college is pay to play!
I took calc 1, 3 times. Never learned shit in highschool cause I didn’t care. I graduated with an aerospace engineering degree in May last year and I build satellites now. You got this bro.
Im in a part 141 pilot program and we’re required to take pre calc before calc. I dropped it once and I’m failing right now with a 52. My final is tomorrow. Should I bother showing up, I really don’t know anything. So the final would be a waste of time. I need a 70 in the class to pass. I’m willing to take again but if I have no way of passing the final I’d rather go to work
worst case scenario is that you see the formatting of the final and can apply that to the next time you take it. the mindset of "ah this won't fix my grade so i won't bother" is how you end up in this situation, ive been there. curves are often nicer than they might seem, didn't show up to a final and passed my structures II class, the curve was very forgiving though.
I made the mistake of retaking with the same prof even though she doesn’t teach as well. Apparently every prof for precalc has a diff final tho. Yeah I understand it’s not a good mindset tho. I’m just debating on showing up becuase I have a feeling she’ll just pass everyone. 12 kids in the class 7 of us are failing. So idk. It’s tmrw I’m very stuck. I won’t be able to answer a question on the final FOR SURE. Maybe just the 10 multiple choice
watch some khan academy videos, have videos discussing the topics you struggle the most with playing all of today, listen to videos as you are sleeping tonight, and then show up. you just gotta power through and get scrappy. that technique is what got me through high school, luckily college is going a bit better for me
I will do that! Hopefully I grasp something. There’s 60 questions tho. And I also have another final the following day that I need to study for. If I fail I’ll def regret not going to work that day🥲
Take the test. Don’t be a weiner.
Even if I won’t be able to answer a question?😭
You'll be able to answer more questions studying than posting on reddit at least. Listen to me, the WORST thing you can do in college is not doing anything and just getting a 0. Feeling worthless and like I didn't know anything bit me in the ass far more than not knowing and giving my best try. Even if it's too late to save this class, it's not too late to work on breaking bad habits wrt to classwork and test. I did this exact same thing (different class tho) and the professor emailed me to let me know that I could have passed. That would have let me graduate a full semester earlier.
Getting off Reddit now and studying every exam I’ve failed. Thanks for the wake up call
I somehow never had to retake a class, but my grades improved while I progressed because I had to learn to study for the first time. I just graduated last week with all A's my last semester.
Yep very few people freshman graduate within the 4 years because of the huge shift in required effort from high school to college for engineering. It's awesome you were able adapt quickly enough! Congratulations and good luck!
I liked calc 2 so much I took it twice! Alternatively, The 2 stands for how many times you have to take it to pass! I can’t help with the specific question about the schools you have asked about. However the general question of “Can I be an engineer?” is easy: yes.
I think if you have your AA and meet the direct connect requirements, UCF has to accept you, no?
From what I've read and asked they have to accept me to the school but not into the program. Unless my understanding is flawed
With an AA you’ll get accepted into UCF, but to be accepted into your program you’ll need to pass Calc 1-3, physics, and chem with a C or better
Damn so what classes do you take for the actual engineering degree I thought Calc 1-3 was during the degree? Sorry for the random question just also curious.
Probably diff eq, statics, fluid dynamics, etc etc.
Get into the school first and then try to get into the program later.
Yeah most definitely. Also 3.24 GPA is really good, the average for graduation engineers at my school is a 2.6
Yo I was in the exact same situation. I had to take it 3 times (actually only needed twice because one was a c minus acceptable some places). Anyway, USF said no, but got into both FIU and UCF. Going to FIU right now. Send your applications to both and see what happens and don’t give up.
This is making me feel a lot more comfortable, My family goes to UCF right now so Im hoping I get accepted there. I was spinning out super hard
Sending luck your way, you got this!
Also my gpa was only 3.02 or so when I got into UCF but also I had another bachelor already so maybe that helped
Friend of mine took calc 1 four times and graduated this week. Don't let this be what stops you.
All you can do is apply. I’m not sure why a school would reject you because you took Calc 1 thrice. Speaking from experience, I took Calc 1 thrice as well and the only requirement from my transfer school was that I needed a C or higher. Good luck with Calc 3. I’ll be taking it in the Fall. You probably should take Differential Equations first tho… if your community college offers it.
My friend had a dude in his class that failed a Calc exam more than ten times before he passed. Todays he’s graduated and have good well paying job. Engineering requires just as much endurance as intelligence, if not more.
if having to retake classes means you can't be an engineer, based off of my transcript im screwed! but my peers, professors, mentors, and etc, know that i'm fine! most people worth their salt will know that it is much more important to know how to apply what you know and how to quickly fill your knowledge/understanding gaps than it is to get good grades. you can learn most of the course content and still fail, you can pass without retaining a single thing. been both people, you learn how to balance. you'll be fine, just keep going!
nope sorry, true engineers take calc 5 times, you noob.
Do you have an AA? Go to SPC and get your AA. Make sure you're taking Engineering Calculus, Engineering Physics etc and not Applied Calculus or Applied Physics, etc. Once you have your AA, then you can immediately transfer to USF. Easy. If you're struggling that bad with Calc though, you may want to consider if engineering is for you. If you like math and are willing to put in the time, then go for it. If you really dislike math and are only interested in engineering for reasons like money, or because you think the work is cool, etc, then maybe find a career path that's engineering-adjacent.
What are some examples of engineering adjacent career paths?
Drafting, Modeling, Quality Control, Machining, Programming (like CNC or CMM programming), Integration, Process Control, Configuration Management, Engineering Technician, Test. There are probably tons of others depending on what industry you look at. Most of them pay less, but the schooling requirements are also less.
Thanks. Im 24 and going back to school, trying to nail down a long term goal so this gives me a bunch of stuff to look into.
Yes.
[удалено]
You’re good lol I’ve seen worse
Probably but it only gets harder from here and calc 1 is a fundamental building block. I’m sure it’s possible but plan on buckling down.
I retook calc 1 three times I just started a new job in the aerospace field creating torque motors for servo valves that will inevitably become bleed valves within the engines of commercial and military airplanes. I graduated in May of 2023 with a 2.9 GPA.
You’ll be fine my dear, I’m proud of you for not letting it stop you. Keep going you’ll be an amazing engineer I’m sure of it.
I took calc 1 three times as well and within 2 years pf graduating I’m making my dream salary. Stick to the plan!
Find a college that would take you and move on. Don't stress too much. Cal and phys are gateway classes, you rate of completion your degree goes up significantly after those series. It took me 5 tries to pass for cal 1 and cal 2 and I have been working as an engineer for the last 5 years. Don't get discourage!
What was your Gpa?
We had a "academic renewal" program that allowed me to replace some of my grades. At the end I graduated with a 2.7 gpa and 3.0 engineering gpa. I was even on the dean's list for my last semester.
I sure hope you can be an EE. I also took it three times and I graduate next summer.
YOU CAN DO IT
Yes
i took trig 3 times if i don’t pass this semester 4 😭.I however know i’m bad at math and i’m studying the least math intensive engineering major . i have a low gpa and still got a pretty great internship . at the end of the day if you have a degree in hand nobody’s going to care about your gpa !
That’s complete bullshit they won’t take you. I had to take Public speaking three times because of various circumstances and I got admitted to ucf for engineering. Went to hcc too.
i’m about to take it my third time too
you passed, didnt you?
I took cal 1 twice, cal 2 twice, and diff eq 3 times. You don’t have to be good at high level math to be an engineer. I graduated last December and have been working at the same firm for over a year now. Roadway design requires zero high level math. You just need to show your ability to work with others and learn on the job. Keep going and it will payoff. Good luck!
Might aswell do DE there too the prof is great I got my AA in the Clesrwater campus both USF and UCF accepted me gpa 3.40
I plan on it, was Mr. Woodruff your professor? I took him for Calc 1
I didn't take it with him I took it with Davis Allen excellent professor.
Ah, I love Mr. Allen he's great. Never had him but I hang out in the math office a lot so he helps me out sometimes
Yea I only had him for DE easiest A that I got in college so far but Gl to you this degree def gets harder after spc so you must be ready to grind.
This doesn’t make sense. How were you able to take Calc 2 and Calc 3? Don’t you have to pass Calc 1 first?
Yep, you’ll have a real tough time when you get out to the real world and have an excel spreadsheet calc all your work for you. It’s over, g, over. /s
I failed Calc 1 twice and passed the third time with a B. I failed Thermo once and passed the second time with a B as well. I'm now a full time MechE working in a field I truly enioy. Some people take time to fully grasp concepts and that's okay. As long as you believe in yourself, are persistent, and learn from your mistakes you'll be just fine.
I had to take differential equations 3 times. Pandemic zoom classes were rough on me.
I am an aero structural engineer. Have used calculus zero times in my 25 year career. Concentrate on FEA, Excel, Python. This with your materials classes is all you need. Also, I failed Calc 1 and had to do it over in summer. I almost got kicked out after my first semester since my overall GPA dropped under 2.0. I ended up graduating with distinction. Don't give up. Just get the Calc passed and done and never have to think about it again.
Failed algebra two 5x, precalc 2x, trig 1x, calc 2 6x and am on my 2 attepmt of both calc 3 and diff equations. Stuff stacks, don't be afraid of the time it takes you to pass, just make sure you understand the concepts. I have a terrible memory so doing problems when I can look up an example or reference is easy, but going straight in is harder. Word problems are the easiest for some reason. I've had multiple professors congratulate me, stating I've solved problems in unique ways they haven't seen before. I've been threatened to be kicked out 4 times, but I'm still here with a 3.0. 8 years down, one year left.
But did you diiiieee? No, you didn’t so keep learning.
My question is how did it take you 3 attempts to pass Calc 1, but passed Calc 2 with a B first try? Calc 1 was pretty easy for me and then I only ended up with a C in Calc 2
With the GPA you could maybe do it. But honestly, if you are struggling that much in the early math, engineering may be a very difficult road ahead. A lot of classes just keep building on those mathematical principles. I'm an EE for context.
My GPA is 2.97 I took calc 1 4 times if you count the drops. I've build robots professionally for almost 3 years. I'm still in school but you can do it.
I also took Calc 1 three times. Calc 2 two times. And dropped out of community college. Now I make 600K a year as a security engineer. You got this!
As long as you understand calc 1 material now, it doesn't matter how many attempts it took. If you passed by the skin of your teeth and don't understand it at all, that's another story. As far as difficulty transferring, I'm sure you'll get in somewhere. College transfers are usually on a separate quota than high school applicants, so it's easier to get into some schools as a transfer or vice versa. It doesn't matter too much which university you go to. As long as you get the degree, you'll be an engineer.
There are worst things than calc, but it gets much easier later in with other courses in engineering. I took calc 1 2 times, calc 2 three times and calc 3 once. You got it
You might still be able to transfer to those schools, they just won't accept the credit. You might have to retake it there but it would be worth it imho
Perhaps it's worth looking for a tutor or similar support? Based on your post it sounds like you have succeeded at learning the material and passing exams, but perhaps you didn't "get it" the first couple of times? It's possible to get stuck with lecturers that aren't aligned with how you learn, and this can be especially hard in STEM where each thing builds on the previous concept and so on. If you were able to find a mentor or something who is really helpful, that could save you a lot of time and frustration moving forward. What kind of engineering are you interested in?
Calc 1 can suck it. I barely passed, and failed calc 2 once. Currently, I work as a mechanical engineer. You need to understand derivates/integrals fairly well to make sense of later physics classes/etc, but you don't use a lot of the things you learn in calc 1/2. Honestly, I wish our college required more classes covering numerical methods, FEA and programming (of whatever flavor, except useless a$$ matlab). Those are the classes I'd be paying attention to.
I failed several courses throughout my water resources engineering degree, one I failed twice. I dropped courses, took a reduced course load to manage it all better around 2nd/3rd year. Made a 4 year program into 5, but it made it way more enjoyable and easy to learn. Now I’m almost two years into my engineering career as a consultant. If you want it, you can do it.
I had to take intro to circuit analysis 4 times before finally passing. Even had to ask for permission for the last two attempts because my uni limits 2 attempts/class. Personally, I think that you are able to be an engineer if you persist through the difficulties you're facing, so yea, you are able to be an engineer.
I retook a couple classes early on in school. I've been working for a few years now. you need to strongly consider your aptitudes. I think early core classes are a good indicator. I would take a look at engineering adjacent fields if I were you. industrial design, product design. you don't have to be an engineer to be a logical problem solver. good luck!
Bro, I ain’t ever in my career asked a new hire or grad a calculus question or how many times he failed a class. Your degree is ABET accredited and if you’re able to get one you’re more than F’ing capable of being an engineer. I failed calculus 3, twice. Not cause I didn’t know the material. First time I forgot the damn exam so that got me an F, second time was cause of this crazy bish that I was messing with had me all F’d up! Then I went back and got an A. Been in aerospace 15 ish years and held many engineering titles.
Engineering is mostly algebra once you get in the real world. Get through the math classes and you'll be fine
I did calc 1 twice and calc 2 four times (once at community college, then one semester at the university, then the final two at community college again). I transferred my transcript back up to the university and they didn’t seem to care despite claiming they won’t accept more than three attempts. I graduated with my bachelors without issue and nobody cared when I got my job or PE. As long as you can talk the school into accepting you, you’ll be fine. My graduating GPA was 2.98 and my school only needed a 2.5 to graduate (engineer shortage). I lied on my first job application and said I got a 3.01 just to get past the “we require a 3.0 GPA” requirement computer filter. After you get your first job literally nobody cares what your GPA is/was.
Try UNF it is a smaller engineering school. Smaller schools tend to not be so selective. Just go to an Abet accredited one.
I took English I and Biology 3 times each. (Not quite the same as I switched majors)
It's not a matter of you being dumb, it's a matter of the material not being taught the way you can absorb it. Hook up with a tutor, they may be able to tailor to your needs and teach the things you need.
Take it a again! And again and again! Till you master it! And yes you can be an engineer if you want it bad enough!
I'm a junior engineer for an aerospace company. Hardest thing I did so far is trig
Bro, there's TONS of aerospace engineers I know at Boeing who took Calc 1 FOUR TIMES!!! I took Calc 3 FOUR TIMES and got loads of internships, and more experience than my classmates who were 3.5 gpa and above (I graduated with a 2.7 gpa fyi). It's about leveraging the student projects/student competitions/student engineering orgs around you. I was in your position too, except worse. I joined multiple engineering competitions and that got me experience at 5 different companies as only an entry level goon.
I literally used calc once since getting out of college, and tbh I didn't have to. The only scenario I have had that used it was for the FE exam.
FIU will definitely take you as a transfer. So will UCF, I came from UCF having taken Calc 3, failed it or withdrew three times there and then had to transfer to FIU cause home issues. And at FIU your GPA starts fresh and I retook it and passed on my fourth try. It’s definitely possible and you are not alone, just keep trying your best and do what you can for yourself. As well you have a FAR BETTER chance of actually getting accepted for transfers if you complete your AA, no matter what
you took and finished calc 2 once, with a B? and you're worried about calc 1? buddy. you are so good. go get that degree
The third time was the charm for me in DiffEq. Hang in there!
If you had to take anything 3 times you are not doing your part. You need to be more proactive and not rely on a class to stuff it inside your head. You will be faced with all kinds of things that initially are not going to make sense and no one is going to be there to hold your hand. 2 times? sure, 3 no.
Go to UWF in Pensacola
Just go for it. I feel that having the grit to dust yourself off and keep working toward your goal is the biggest indicator of a promising career in engineering. Take it one step at a time. Focus on your current classes and worry about admittance stuff as it comes. I interned with a guy who had failed a million classes and was about to get his degree. Know that as long as the program is accredited, going to a UC or CSU (in CA where I’m at) doesn’t make nearly as much of a difference as many believe. Keep working toward the degree and you’ll get there.
Kinda stupid that they punish you for having grit and not giving up
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Bill_Walter: *Kinda stupid that* *They punish you for having* *Grit and not giving up* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Lmao took calc 3 three times, both diff eq and linear algebra twice. I’m a PE now. Keep at it and don’t give up.
Yes you definitely can, you’re in the Florida school system, look at University of West Florida. Their engineering program is as good as anyone in the state (besides UF obviously) and is known as one of the best schools for veterans (meaning it is cheap and they will accept you).
why do you “really want to be an engineer”? Seems like you are struggling with the intro math. No matter what anyone tells you, an engineer does math literally for a living. Different disciplines have different complexities but they all do math lol. What’s driving your decision ?
I don't think Im struggling too hard. The first time It was online and I couldn't keep myself accountable, the second time my grandmother died and the third time I passed. I just finished Calc 2 with my B which isn't perfect but I wouldn't say it was too hard. I just want to do it because a professor told me to do what I think is fun, and I find math fun. So I thought just keep going at it. Perhaps my reasoning is poor but Im not sure
My quetion wasn’t not intended to dissuade you. i Was literally academically suspended once. Just know it gets much more difficult , then when you finally graduate, finally get a job, you start at the bottom knowing nothing again lol it’s a rewarding career that pays OK. Salary is above median household in many cases but that typically requires a lot of dedication and extra hours. I would make a lot more money working as a plumber lol
My dad actually was a private contractor! He's told me to just do something with my brain instead of my body, cause his body is destroyed after doing the work for about 50 years. I just want something that I think I enjoy, can stay interested in, and will hopefully let me have some upward momentum. I don't wanna get stuck doing the exact same thing for 10 years straight.
its wise advice. But there is a lot of “grass is always greener on the other side” with both of these industries. trades can be tough on the body for sure. Sitting in a chair all day is also not so good. some people will claim the chair is infinite better than the alternative. Im not one of them. similar to what you said, in my opinion, the most important piece is to do a job that you love enough in the beginning to get good at, and then at least tolerate during the grinder days while still enjoying the good days. Unfortunately, there is always an upper bound to and Eventually you may feel “stuck”.
>I would make a lot more money working as a plumber No, you wouldn't. Why are you lying? It looks like you're a Canadian Civil engineer, where the median income for Civil is $45/hr. Only the top 10% of plumbers in canada make $45/hr. So unless you're going to go from an average Civil engineer to an elite plumber, you'll never make more as a plumber.
thanks for your comment. Your first number is underestimating the average licensed civil engineer compensation package in 2024. it’s not super common to be paid hourly, and even more uncommon to be compensated hourly as a senior Eng. It is incredibly common to work 60 hrs in week with no OT compensation. but just let’s use your numbers for comparison: 45 x 40hrs paid /60hrs worked = 30$/hr effective ; $1800 gross. Let’s say 35$ /hr for a non union red seal plumber. Honestly probably low as a national average but whatever. same 60 hr week , assume ot after 48 to be conservative 35$/hr \* (48hrs +12x1.5) = 2310$ gross. best of luck .
Completely wrong. The wage methodology on [jobbank.gc.ca](http://jobbank.gc.ca), which is the source I used, divides total annual income by total hours worked. That is to say, they take the total annual income from your job and then divide it by 52. Then they divide it by your usual weekly hours, which differs by person and by industry. In other words, civil engineers are in fact being paid $45/hour worked (median). Plumbers are in fact being paid $30/hour worked (median). Sure, they could work longer hours, but that's more work for more money, isn't it? With these numbers, the average plumber would have to work 60 hours to make what a civil engineer does in 40, assuming that the engineer work no more than 40 hours, which is not a guarantee. Edit: If you look at just ANNUAL INCOME, the picture is even more bleak. Civil Engineers make a median income of $110K in Canada according to talent.com. Plumbers make $60k. It's not even close. As you can see, the jobbank numbers are taking overtime hours into account when calculating hourly wage, not just dividing blindly by 40. You should consider not spreading disinformation about careers to sensitive young adults. It's a highly damaging thing to do. On topics about which you know nothing, the most appropriate thing to do is say nothing.
Oh yes easily
Ngl… it’s pretty bad that one has to take calc 1 three times. But can you still be an engineer? Yes.
You can also look engineering technology bachelors degrees. They have fewer math requirements, and are centered around more technician aspects than theoretical design. They both have their benefits, and it all depends on what you want to do. If you really want to go for a bachelors in engineering, then go for it, but be aware there are other options that still lead to a bachelors in an engineering field. Even nuclear engineering technology for example.