ChiefsPlanet - View Single Post

**cdcox** · 01-11-2010, 10:45 AM

I'm a prof in engineering, and also the "head advisor" for our department. I've advised lots of kids with ADHD.

1. You may be eligible for extra time on exams. But you'll have to get paperwork from your doctor. This can make a big difference for some students.

2. Take your meds religiously. A common story I hear from students on academic probation is,

Me: "What seems to be keeping you from doing better in the classroom?"
Student: "I'm ADHD."
Me: "Are you taking your meds?"
Student: "No"

3. You're over scheduled. Figure 2 hours of studying for every hour you are in class. 45 hours working + 10*3 hours for school = 75 hour week. Heavy load, maybe manageable depending on how dedicated you are. But, what do you do during the week when you have a paper due in both classes and a pre-calc exam, and your car breaks down? You'll have weeks like that and they will tank your semester if you aren't prepared for them. Is your schedule flexible enough to cut back on hours at strategic times? If not, you may consider keeping the math and composition and dropping the other course.

4. Pre-calculus is on your critical path. You need that to get into calculus and Physics, which you need to get into everything else. If you don't pass pre-calc with a B (or preferably an A), I would recommend finding another career. Things will get harder before they get easier so use pre-calc as a barometer to see if you are on the right track.

5. You are older than your peers, which brings maturity and gives you an advantage. On the other hand, you are rusty from the lay off. The students you'll be competing against at U of A will come in calculus ready. I teach at a university similar to Arkansas and the students we are getting have been much better prepared than they were in the past. You need to eliminate that disadvantage by blowing pre-calc out of the water. You also need to develop a good management skills for for your ADHD before you hit the big time.

6. Don't work too many hours once you get to Arkansas. Remember the (work + 3*(credit hours)) formula. The classes will be much tougher there because 1) it's a bigger school and 2) you're in engineering.

7. Remember your motivation (getting paid well for something you like for the rest of your career). It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Good luck, I wish you the best.

01-11-2010, 10:45 AM	#7
cdcox www.nfl-forecast.com Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $-478231	I'm a prof in engineering, and also the "head advisor" for our department. I've advised lots of kids with ADHD. 1. You may be eligible for extra time on exams. But you'll have to get paperwork from your doctor. This can make a big difference for some students. 2. Take your meds religiously. A common story I hear from students on academic probation is, Me: "What seems to be keeping you from doing better in the classroom?" Student: "I'm ADHD." Me: "Are you taking your meds?" Student: "No" 3. You're over scheduled. Figure 2 hours of studying for every hour you are in class. 45 hours working + 103 hours for school = 75 hour week. Heavy load, maybe manageable depending on how dedicated you are. But, what do you do during the week when you have a paper due in both classes and a pre-calc exam, and your car breaks down? You'll have weeks like that and they will tank your semester if you aren't prepared for them. Is your schedule flexible enough to cut back on hours at strategic times? If not, you may consider keeping the math and composition and dropping the other course. 4. Pre-calculus is on your critical path. You need that to get into calculus and Physics, which you need to get into everything else. If you don't pass pre-calc with a B (or preferably an A), I would recommend finding another career. Things will get harder before they get easier so use pre-calc as a barometer to see if you are on the right track. 5. You are older than your peers, which brings maturity and gives you an advantage. On the other hand, you are rusty from the lay off. The students you'll be competing against at U of A will come in calculus ready. I teach at a university similar to Arkansas and the students we are getting have been much better prepared than they were in the past. You need to eliminate that disadvantage by blowing pre-calc out of the water. You also need to develop a good management skills for for your ADHD before you hit the big time. 6. Don't work too many hours once you get to Arkansas. Remember the (work + 3(credit hours)) formula. The classes will be much tougher there because 1) it's a bigger school and 2) you're in engineering. 7. Remember your motivation (getting paid well for something you like for the rest of your career). It's not easy, but it's worth it. Good luck, I wish you the best.
Posts: 46,032