8 answers
laura
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
3
Questions
Asked
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how hard was college?
was there ever a class that you just thought would be the end of you like it just made you want to drop out?
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8 answers
Yolanda Stroman, MBA
Regional Engagement Manager
2
Answers
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
I must say that college is certainly an upgrade from high school. In the college world you are taught to make your own decisions, and those decisions are of significance as you navigate college life. From choosing a major, building your own class schedule, prioritizing study hours, scheduling social time; it all helps shape who you become. I really wanted to be in the technology field so I began my college career as a Computer Information Systems student. I quickly realized that calculus and computer programming did not come as easy to me as some of my peers, however I was determined to have a career in technology. After doing some research and speaking with career counselors, I discovered that the technology field is so broad and there are many ways to break through the barriers of entry. With that knowledge, I redirected my major to Management Information Systems which allowed me to leverage both business and information technology courses which I found more palatable and interesting. Just know that there is are many paths to take to reaching your goals. If one way doesn’t work, try another!
Savannah T
Registered Nurse
10
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Savannah’s Answer
Hello Laura!
Throughout high school I did really well and made really good grades. I had planned to become a doctor and there was nothing that was going to stop me. However, when I got to college, they ended up putting me in some really tough classes all at the same time. Being away from home and coming into the spring semester also challenged my mental health. I had loved chemistry in high school, but for some reason in college everything had changed. I wasn't understanding the material, and as I would sit to take a test my mind felt like it went completely blank. The worse I did in that class, the more stressed I became about passing it. This led to me feeling like the world was over because how could I go to medical school with a bad grade in Chemistry. I ended up withdrawing from the course and having to re-take it. I tell you this all because while at the time it seemed like the end of the world, that ended up being such a small detail in the grand scheme of things. I retook the class and I got an A. Sometimes we fall, but you are able to pick yourself back up and try again. I did not become a doctor, as I realized later on this is not something I wanted for myself. But, two degrees later, I would say I survived!!
Throughout high school I did really well and made really good grades. I had planned to become a doctor and there was nothing that was going to stop me. However, when I got to college, they ended up putting me in some really tough classes all at the same time. Being away from home and coming into the spring semester also challenged my mental health. I had loved chemistry in high school, but for some reason in college everything had changed. I wasn't understanding the material, and as I would sit to take a test my mind felt like it went completely blank. The worse I did in that class, the more stressed I became about passing it. This led to me feeling like the world was over because how could I go to medical school with a bad grade in Chemistry. I ended up withdrawing from the course and having to re-take it. I tell you this all because while at the time it seemed like the end of the world, that ended up being such a small detail in the grand scheme of things. I retook the class and I got an A. Sometimes we fall, but you are able to pick yourself back up and try again. I did not become a doctor, as I realized later on this is not something I wanted for myself. But, two degrees later, I would say I survived!!
Ben Gof
Finance
29
Answers
Wayne, New Jersey
Updated
Ben’s Answer
College is not that hard if you put in the time for studies. I actually had better grades in College than I did in High School. It's not that college is easier than HS, it was because I focused and spent more time studying .
The #1 thing I would recommend is to go to class. College is not like HS in terms of many professors don't really care if you attend class. So it's easy to skip classes here and there, but you are better off if you do attend class every time. I learned that quickly the hard way. I recall that I had missed some classes for a History course I was enrolled in. I didn't think it mattered cause I had the syllabus and knew the reading assignments and when the test would be. One day I walked into class and the professor was handing out an exam that I wasn't prepared for. He had moved it up a week and I didn't know about the change because I had not been attending class. Suffice to say I failed that test. Lesson learned.
Another suggestion is I would recommend sitting in the first or 2nd row rather than all the way in the back. Studies show that students who sit in the front of the class are more attentive to the lecture and get higher grades.
Lastly, get overwhelmed and don't drop out because of one class being too hard. There are lots of options for help with tutors, study guides and group study sessions. You can do it!
The #1 thing I would recommend is to go to class. College is not like HS in terms of many professors don't really care if you attend class. So it's easy to skip classes here and there, but you are better off if you do attend class every time. I learned that quickly the hard way. I recall that I had missed some classes for a History course I was enrolled in. I didn't think it mattered cause I had the syllabus and knew the reading assignments and when the test would be. One day I walked into class and the professor was handing out an exam that I wasn't prepared for. He had moved it up a week and I didn't know about the change because I had not been attending class. Suffice to say I failed that test. Lesson learned.
Another suggestion is I would recommend sitting in the first or 2nd row rather than all the way in the back. Studies show that students who sit in the front of the class are more attentive to the lecture and get higher grades.
Lastly, get overwhelmed and don't drop out because of one class being too hard. There are lots of options for help with tutors, study guides and group study sessions. You can do it!
Meghan Bailey
Accountant
9
Answers
Falls Church, Virginia
Updated
Meghan’s Answer
Hi Laura!
I would say for almost all majors there is always going to be one or two notoriously hard classes (for a lot of people in sciences it's organic chemistry). These classes are designed to challenge you. For such courses, my professor always made it very clear that people would not pass if they did not put in the extra work. They explained there was free tutoring from past students, weekend study sessions, extra practice problems, office hours, suggested reading etc.
I would recommend for such courses to talk to your professor early on (do not wait until it's too late) about what you are struggling with (course material, personal obligations, issues at home, etc.). In my experience, if you communicate with your professor they will help you achieve your goals! The professor has typically taught the class before and helped many students pass.
If you know you have to take a really hard class for the upcoming semester, try to balance your schedule with easier classes. That way you can commit the extra time to the hard class. Another scheduling tip is to try to take the class at a good time (I always avoided 8ams) and give yourself some time before class for test days.
Although these classes require a lot of extra work, passing them will be one of your greatest college achievements. You will feel proud about the time and effort you put towards that class. Something to remember is that you are not alone in your classes! I would often go to the library on the weekend/weekday and find my entire class there as well. We formed study groups, made quizlets, taught concepts to each other, made silly mnemonics etc. It helps a lot if you all keep each other motivated and power through together!
Use your professor as a resource. Go to office hours and tutoring sessions. Talk to them early on about your concerns.
Set yourself up for success by planning your classes and schedule ahead of time.
Study with your classmates to stay motivated.
I would say for almost all majors there is always going to be one or two notoriously hard classes (for a lot of people in sciences it's organic chemistry). These classes are designed to challenge you. For such courses, my professor always made it very clear that people would not pass if they did not put in the extra work. They explained there was free tutoring from past students, weekend study sessions, extra practice problems, office hours, suggested reading etc.
I would recommend for such courses to talk to your professor early on (do not wait until it's too late) about what you are struggling with (course material, personal obligations, issues at home, etc.). In my experience, if you communicate with your professor they will help you achieve your goals! The professor has typically taught the class before and helped many students pass.
If you know you have to take a really hard class for the upcoming semester, try to balance your schedule with easier classes. That way you can commit the extra time to the hard class. Another scheduling tip is to try to take the class at a good time (I always avoided 8ams) and give yourself some time before class for test days.
Although these classes require a lot of extra work, passing them will be one of your greatest college achievements. You will feel proud about the time and effort you put towards that class. Something to remember is that you are not alone in your classes! I would often go to the library on the weekend/weekday and find my entire class there as well. We formed study groups, made quizlets, taught concepts to each other, made silly mnemonics etc. It helps a lot if you all keep each other motivated and power through together!
Meghan recommends the following next steps:
Madi Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Laura,
Truthfully, I have taken some challenging courses. I have never felt that I wanted to drop out because of them but they were indeed challenging. The way to combat this is to try your best to succeed and remember your end goals. Almost any goal in life comes with its challenges but it is up to you to prepare and face them. In college, you prepare by studying, going to tutoring, watching videos on the subjects or whatever it is you need to master the material. Additionally, you prepare by making sure you are organized and on top of all tasks. This will make those challenging courses seem a little less daunting and more manageable.
Truthfully, I have taken some challenging courses. I have never felt that I wanted to drop out because of them but they were indeed challenging. The way to combat this is to try your best to succeed and remember your end goals. Almost any goal in life comes with its challenges but it is up to you to prepare and face them. In college, you prepare by studying, going to tutoring, watching videos on the subjects or whatever it is you need to master the material. Additionally, you prepare by making sure you are organized and on top of all tasks. This will make those challenging courses seem a little less daunting and more manageable.
Essence Walden
Associate Technical Sourcer
4
Answers
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Updated
Essence’s Answer
Hi Laura!
I think everyone can say they had at least once challenging course throughout their college career. From my experience, the key to doing well in classes is staying organized and developing a good relationship with your professors. Take advantage of professor's office hours, tutoring sessions, extra credit assignments, etc., whenever you have the chance to do so. Luckily, it is fairly easy to drop a class within the first few weeks and find a different course that perhaps works better for you! The good thing about college is that you have the ability to create your own path and can choose a lot of your courses. When times get tough, utilize your resources and remember why you're there in the first place. Hope this helps!
I think everyone can say they had at least once challenging course throughout their college career. From my experience, the key to doing well in classes is staying organized and developing a good relationship with your professors. Take advantage of professor's office hours, tutoring sessions, extra credit assignments, etc., whenever you have the chance to do so. Luckily, it is fairly easy to drop a class within the first few weeks and find a different course that perhaps works better for you! The good thing about college is that you have the ability to create your own path and can choose a lot of your courses. When times get tough, utilize your resources and remember why you're there in the first place. Hope this helps!
Bryan Hoang
Student
5
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
The hardest part of college is remembering why you're there in the first place. Doing so will make sure you are focused and will help you spend your time in college the right way. There are a lot of distractions along the way but don't forget to take care of business!
Tahani Abbas
Student
2
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Tahani’s Answer
The hardest part of college in my experience would have to be staying motivated. Sometimes life gets in the way, many students have to balance school with work or even caring for children at home. The hardest classes for me were my math classes because I did not apply myself or put in the effort to learn the material. I was majoring in Psychology so any class that was not psychology-related was a drag to me. It got to the point where I realized if I ever want to finish school, I needed to buckle down and find a way to approach my classes so I can learn effectively and get through them.
I took a class recently that taught us a lot about work-life balance, and figuring out your learning style so you can truly absorb information and retain it long term. Find a career path you are interested in so that every class you take is relevant to the degree you want, and consult your academic advisor often to make sure you're taking the right classes and not wasting your time. Prioritize your responsibilities and make time for them accordingly, put time into your studies, and find a studying method that works for you.
I took a class recently that taught us a lot about work-life balance, and figuring out your learning style so you can truly absorb information and retain it long term. Find a career path you are interested in so that every class you take is relevant to the degree you want, and consult your academic advisor often to make sure you're taking the right classes and not wasting your time. Prioritize your responsibilities and make time for them accordingly, put time into your studies, and find a studying method that works for you.