failing class, sent prof a email

kordoISback · #1 10-19-2007, 05:17 PM

here is the email I sent to the prof, do you think it works or not?

Dear Mr. XXXXXXX,

As you have seen by my first test result I am really having troubles in your course. The last day to withdrawal from a class is the 22nd which is coming up very quickly. I would really like to stay in your class for I do enjoy your lectures and teaching, however I am needing to maintain a certain GPA this semester and I'm afraid that continuing in this course will cause me not to achieve that GPA. Basically I need to get a "c" in this course and with the scores coming back from the 1st test and looking at the syllabus, I have come to the realization that getting a "c" in this course is pretty far fetched. From your style of teaching and the grading on the first test, I can tell that you are not one to give a grade unless the student has fully earned it. I am willing to work very hard and put in a lot of time to get this grade. If you feel that the possibility of getting a "C" in the class is unrealistic I understand completely. However if there is a possibility that I can earn a "C" in your class I am willing to work at it. I would like to meet with you in your office to discus if there is anything that can be done. Your offices hours Monday from 9-10 do not work for me because I have class from 9-9:50 however if I could make a appointment to meet with you that would be perfect. I am free anytime after 10 on Mondays, so just email me back a time after 10 that works for you and I will be there.

chrismystero · #2 10-19-2007, 05:32 PM

Define "works."

kordoISback · #3 10-19-2007, 05:39 PM

a plan is made in which it is mathmatically possable for me to get a C, because right now it isnt.

PRE · #4 10-19-2007, 07:12 PM

I'm guessing this is an English course?

kordoISback · #5 10-19-2007, 07:14 PM

no, it is a non-profit econ course, the class is based on 2 tests and 3 papers,

Ganjasaurus Rex · #6 10-19-2007, 11:10 PM

As a professor, i would let you come in and make your case. I would also give credit for effort; that is, if you did what you promised to do, i'd probably give you a C. It would all depend on you fulfilling your end of the bargain.

The letter you wrote is decently written. He'll be suspicious, of course, but he might go for it. Worth a shot.

kordoISback · #7 10-19-2007, 11:28 PM

he sent a email back to me, 9 mins after i sent mine it says

"10 - 11 works for me."

and thats it, so i wonder if he even looked at the grade i got on the test?

furyshade · #8 10-19-2007, 11:31 PM

[ QUOTE ]
As a professor, i would let you come in and make your case. I would also give credit for effort; that is, if you did what you promised to do, i'd probably give you a C. It would all depend on you fulfilling your end of the bargain.

The letter you wrote is decently written. He'll be suspicious, of course, but he might go for it. Worth a shot.

[/ QUOTE ]

are you saying if you were a professor or that you are one, if so what do you teach given the sn "ganjasaurus rex"?

Wyman · #9 10-20-2007, 12:02 AM

[ QUOTE ]
he sent a email back to me, 9 mins after i sent mine it says

"10 - 11 works for me."

and thats it, so i wonder if he even looked at the grade i got on the test?

[/ QUOTE ]

I would have sent back something similar. No need to start talking about your test/grades in the email if you're going to come in and talk about them. He'll have looked at your exam grade before your appointment.

How much is your bad exam worth? I generally assume that it's reasonable for a student who wasn't working hard before and who starts to work after our conversation can raise his grade by about a full letter. Sure, mathematically it's possible for the grade to go up by more, but in practice it never happens.

FWIW, if a student comes to me with an email like yours, I generally don't discourage them from dropping. I won't change your grade (by more than maybe finding a creative way to stretch it a 1/3 of a letter, e.g. C- to C) to save your scholarship (the whole point of the scholarship is that you're supposed to be an A/B student), and dealing with grade appeals (which happen more frequently in these situations) is a huge hassle.

If you stay in the class, make sure it is very evident that you are working your butt off. Ask intelligent questions in class and during office hours. Write your papers way way ahead of time and discuss them with your professor. Read the section BEFORE class, so you know what's going on. Be the model student. If you can't do this, drop, 'cause you'll get no sympathy from the prof if he thinks you could have worked harder.

basementproject · #10 10-20-2007, 12:49 AM

After failing 1/2 tests, with 3 papers left as well, it's mathematically impossible for you to get a C in the course?

I don't see how this could possibly be right. Unless I'm missing something.