Venting I'm at my third semester of a computer science degree and I don't even know basic math

[CPT_Snake]

So I've been dealing with depression my whole life, but as of recently my latest issues are related to the fact that although my taking courses like linear algebra, I don't even know how to do fractions, basic equations, and most of the time I'm just there in the class not understanding a single thing and messing up in group assignments, etc.

I know it's a little pathetic compared to other people's problems posted in this forum but, Someone else has a similar situation, Even if not academically related and how do you feel about it?

 

[To_bareTo_tear]

It's not pathetic atleast by my standards I was never good in maths myself always used to joke about my highest score being 60% felt so belittling cause at a certain point it became cool to not be "stupid" people genuinely just looked down on me and laughed at me when they could because I also was laughing at myself made me lose motivation in the subject as early as 6th grade.

 

[Set Real Goul]

Well, it's not that bad. Most people in my programming cohort weren't good at math and still managed to find jobs, unlike me, who was actually good at math, so it's not really that scary. Do you think you'll be able to scrape through the exams or not?

Also, I've barely talked to other people at all over the past year, so I'm really awkward when I talk IRL now.

 

[CPT_Snake]

Well, it's not that bad. Most people in my programming cohort weren't good at math and still managed to find jobs, unlike me, who was actually good at math, so it's not really that scary. Do you think you'll be able to scrape through the exams or not?

Also, I've barely talked to other people at all over the past year, so I'm really awkward when I talk IRL now.

Well I'm certainly f*ucked in the exams but at least I have few chances to try to pass the next semester.

I barely talk to people too, but I think that with time you can feel more comfortable talking with people IRL

 

[ctb_warrior]

I haven't been that great at Maths, but I completed my computer science engineering degree.
On the other hand, I went for MS to UK, I used up a lot of my savings for it, only to drop out of it due to my anxiety attack

 

[MeSauce]

So I've been dealing with depression my whole life, but as of recently my latest issues are related to the fact that although my taking courses like linear algebra, I don't even know how to do fractions, basic equations, and most of the time I'm just there in the class not understanding a single thing and messing up in group assignments, etc.

I know it's a little pathetic compared to other people's problems posted in this forum but, Someone else has a similar situation, Even if not academically related and how do you feel about it?

Dude I've failed my math course 3 times, im trying for a fourth time in a week from now. It really fucking hurts because im insecure about my intelligence and me failing math makes me beat myself up so hard it brings me to tears.

Having to go to tutoring for it is even more embarrassing. Having to be explained things by someone younger than me, maybe much younger than me, is extraordinarily painful.



I believe it is my pride. I have to get over my prude and where I should be at.



I have to remind myself to stop comparing myself to other people. I need to be honest with myself.



"This is where I am. I would like to be here by this time. What steps can I plan so that my goal is easier to achieve?"



Some people are blessed with different things. I believe the best approach is to do the best with what you have, right now, where you are.

 

[Set Real Goul]

Well I'm certainly f*ucked in the exams but at least I have few chances to try to pass the next semester.

Oh, well, it's not that bad. Do you have the opportunity to hire a tutor? With one, you could probably catch up on fractions and equations pretty quickly.
Or, if you can devote a lot of time to math, like I did I used to spend anywhere from 2 to 10 hours a day on it whenever I could, and I was usually able to figure out topics that were difficult for me. Of course, that can be difficult when depression gets in the way

 

[CPT_Snake]

Dude I've failed my math course 3 times, im trying for a fourth time in a week from now. It really fucking hurts because im insecure about my intelligence and me failing math makes me beat myself up so hard it brings me to tears.

Having to go to tutoring for it is even more embarrassing. Having to be explained things by someone younger than me, maybe much younger than me, is extraordinarily painful.



I believe it is my pride. I have to get over my prude and where I should be at.



I have to remind myself to stop comparing myself to other people. I need to be honest with myself.



"This is where I am. I would like to be here by this time. What steps can I plan so that my goal is easier to achieve?"



Some people are blessed with different things. I believe the best approach is to do the best with what you have, right now, where you are.

Thanks

 

[2709mg]

So I've been dealing with depression my whole life, but as of recently my latest issues are related to the fact that although my taking courses like linear algebra, I don't even know how to do fractions, basic equations, and most of the time I'm just there in the class not understanding a single thing and messing up in group assignments, etc.

I know it's a little pathetic compared to other people's problems posted in this forum but, Someone else has a similar situation, Even if not academically related and how do you feel about it?

i don't think it's pathetic at all. i'm 2 years into studying an IT course as well (cybersec) and still feel completely lost in some of my classes. there is a lot of content to take in so it's understandable to feel overwhelmed or dejected, i've been there many times myself. if it helps, my experience at two unis has shown me that there are a lot of stem students who struggle with the same thing. they don't know what they're doing either, they're just good at pretending, so we might not always see it.
i think it'll become easier with time if this is a course you are genuinely interested in, but the academic pressure is difficult to cope with either way and i can definitely understand that

 

[bagel12]

@CPT_Snake @MeSauce have you both looked into dyscalculia? i have a friend who is diagnosed with it and in school they got academic accommodations for it.

difficulty with math isn't shameful, everyone's brains work a little differently! we all have different strengths and weaknesses. i had some learning difficulties in school too but reminding myself of my strengths whenever i felt bad about myself helped a lot. i'm sure there are things you are good at that other people struggle with!

also if your goal is to do software engineering you won't need math at all, it's only needed for the degree, you can get through this! i'm rooting for you!

 

[samg12395]

hey im doing a cs bachelors right now and i forgot most of the basic math before I entered (mature student) you should watch professor leonard on youtube and do some practice problems this got me up to speed

 

[settling]

how did you get into linear algebra without knowing fractions? isnt calc 1 or 2 a requirement for that course? you should either self study like crazy or go back to the basic classes. have you talked to your advisor about it?

 

[tree.sn]

i don't think it's pathetic at all. i'm 2 years into studying an IT course as well (cybersec) and still feel completely lost in some of my classes. there is a lot of content to take in so it's understandable to feel overwhelmed or dejected, i've been there many times myself. if it helps, my experience at two unis has shown me that there are a lot of stem students who struggle with the same thing. they don't know what they're doing either, they're just good at pretending, so we might not always see it.
i think it'll become easier with time if this is a course you are genuinely interested in, but the academic pressure is difficult to cope with either way and i can definitely understand that

Are you in uni or just doing a course?

 

[dust-in-the-wind]

I have a degree in Computer Science. I am 57 now and retired from it but I made a great salary with excellent benefits. However, I failed Algebra and Geometry in HS and never took Calculus. I learned fractions in grade school and barely had any recollection. I was very good with programming though, it just made sense to me and was logical. It was like solving a puzzle and I enjoyed that. I don't even know if they have programmers anymore with all the new technology and AI but I just wanted to tell you the degree is possible with shitty math skills you will never use in real life any way.

 

[Intoxicated]

also if your goal is to do software engineering you won't need math at all, it's only needed for the degree

That depends on the field. If you delve into cryptography, programming of 3d graphics, or data science, you may need to deal with a lot of related math.