To clarify:
1. the class I got a D in was a math class
2. I didn't wait 2 years to get this signed, I was on the wait list to get into the class and the day I got past the wait list the professor left the country for a month
3. I have a scholarship, I got better grades in classes much more advanced
4. the class I'm trying to get into has very little to do with the linear algebra I got a D in
5. An advanced linear algebra class (literally called AMAT) that I need to take let me in with 30 seconds of talk
6. people worried I'm going to build a bridge that kills everyone need not worry, this was one D two years ago
when I've carried a high enough average to keep a scholarship. Saying it's my fault and I deserve this isn't quite accurate, hundreds of students get waivers in this situation and the material I didn't do well in I've already learned in more advanced courses. The only reason he won't let me in is because of his personal policy, and to those saying it's not a big deal really have no idea. It's my future on the line in the hands of one man, I could take the final for that class I got a D in right now and do just fine, I'm not going to kill anyone, I just need one break so I don't have to wait an entire year because of one course. If I don't get in, which will make me a non-student, I will get kicked out my house, lose my scholarship and have no where to live so it kind of is a big deal to me. It irks me that so many people jump all over me like no one else has ever gotten a break in life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
Frankly, even if you say all the right things, he may still be reluctant to give you the waiver, simply because you've had two years to take the class over again.
During the meeting, if you get the sense that it's not going your way, I'd suggest you offer to take the pre-requisite class over again while also enrolling in his class. Even go as far as to guarantee an above average grade in the pre-requisite as a condition for successful completion of his class. Show him you are serious
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this was pretty much my plan, I'm willing to write the final or do anything to get in. I'd skip Christmas and New Year studying to get an A, piss off my entire family and my girlfriend so I'm not ruined. Whatever it takes I'd do, it just comes down to one guy just not caring at all and not wanting to go to even the effort of signing a piece of paper, or that's what I'm worried about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
as a cantankerous Chinese professor, I highly recommend you drop the victim mentality and attitude during your meeting. If you go in there and say the things you said in the OP (even in a diplomatic way), I would tell you no way.
The best chance you have is to give academic reasons for why you deserve the waiver. Point out similar classes you have taken to the one you received a D, and how you excelled in those classes. Describe how you earned your scholarship, not how you will lose it.
In short, give positive reason's why you deserve the waiver, not negative ramifications of not receiving the waiver.
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Obviously, the problem is the prof I need to sign the waiver is renowned as one of the worst professor's in the university (for being quite unprofessional and not fit to be teaching classes, the class booed him after the last midterm because he made so many mistakes the average suffered and he refused to fix them or even admit to them). I was merely outlining the situation, I plan on going in and telling him how every physics class I ever took I got an A in, I have a scholarship, etc. etc. but it still could come down to him saying no no matter what I say. I'm not going to play the victim card