The Most Failed College Course

College can be tough, and students often find themselves struggling with specific courses. Whether it’s due to the complexity of the subject matter, the teaching style of the professor, or simply the difficulty of the exams, some courses have higher failure rates than others. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most failed college course and explore why it’s so challenging.

What is the most failed college course?

According to studies, college algebra is the most failed course with about half of all students not getting credit for the course with a grade of a D, F, incomplete, or withdrawing. Students who choose a STEM major usually have to take college algebra as part of their core requirements, so it’s a course that many students are forced to take regardless of their proficiency in math. However, the challenges of learning algebra aren’t unique to college. High school students also struggle with algebra, and many students start college without a strong foundation in algebraic concepts.

Course	Failure Rate (%)
College Algebra	50
Statistics	28
Introduction to Psychology	18
Principles of Economics	15

Why is college algebra so challenging?

There are several reasons why college algebra is challenging for students. For one, algebra involves dealing with abstract concepts that can be difficult to visualize, making it hard for students to grasp. Additionally, algebra requires a solid foundation in mathematical operations, so students who struggle with basic math concepts are likely to have a hard time in algebra. The fast-paced nature of college courses can also contribute to a student’s struggle with algebra, as students may not have enough time to fully absorb and understand the material before moving on to the next concept.

How can students succeed in college algebra?

While college algebra may be a challenging course, it’s not impossible to succeed if you’re willing to put in the effort. Here are some tips for succeeding in college algebra:

Start Early: Don’t wait until the week before the exam to start studying. Begin reviewing and practicing algebraic concepts as soon as the material is introduced.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The only way to truly understand algebraic concepts is to practice them repeatedly. Look for additional problems online or in the textbook to practice beyond homework assignments.
Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to ask your professor or tutor for help if you’re struggling to understand a concept. Many universities offer tutoring services or study groups specifically for math classes.
Stay Organized: Keep track of class notes, homework assignments, and study materials in a organized way so everything is easy to find when it’s time to study for exams.

What are some alternatives to college algebra?

If you’re struggling with college algebra and want to explore alternative courses, here are some options:

Statistics: While still a math-based course, statistics is a different type of math that may be easier to grasp for some students than algebra.
Computer Science: Courses in computer science may satisfy the same degree requirements as college algebra and offer an alternative way to fulfill STEM core requirements.
Natural Science: Depending on your degree requirements, courses in natural science such as biology or chemistry may fulfill the STEM core requirement without involving complex algebraic concepts.

Conclusion

College algebra may be the most failed college course, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a reflection of a student’s intelligence or abilities. With the right mindset and study habits, any student can succeed in college algebra or any other challenging course. Don’t be afraid to seek help and explore alternative course options if algebra simply isn’t your strong suit.

Sources:
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/02/18/white-paper-questions-math-preparation-beyond-algebra
https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/education/30math.html
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/college-algebra-why-the-b_b_8127518