bamuhit

Hello guys, I am doing PhD in Civil engineering in a US university. My research area focuses on pavement materials so I have to take a lot of courses from Materials Engineering department which is bit of a kick for me. But it seems that whatever I do I can't do well in the exams in those courses. Like, I have taken two courses on thermodynamics and materials properties. I study very hard all day long. But when it comes to the exams, I get the lowest grades. I don't know how to do well. I am a really good student, I have three publications and all in top tier journals.

Also, don't get me wrong on not liking the subjects- I LOVE Materials Engineering! I want to take as many courses as I can from this department but if this is case with my grades then I can't stay in the college and also will loose my position as an RA. Please help me on how to get A's. I want to become a faculty later on, so I need good grades. I have a midterm on Thursday on thermodynamics. I would be really grateful to you if you could help with some tips.

RacinReaver

Talk to the TA or professor for the course. Do it sooner than later, so you don't fall too far behind in the subject. I've TAed a number of grad courses in materials, and there tends to be a lot of people from very different backgrounds. The professor is making some assumptions about the material you already know, and it could just be you're not familiar with some things they expect you to be. The best way to correct this might be a few hours of sitting with the TA getting caught up.