<p>What should I do if I’m having a hard time handling coursework, even though I’m hardworking and spend little time on extracurriculars or social events?</p>
<p>In terms of what my difficulty is–well, to me, it seems like a very vague, nebulous adversary. This actually has followed me from high school, when I dropped out of a rigorous program because I couldn’t handle all the demands. In a general sense it encompasses all facets of coursework, not solely papers or practice sets. A lot of people call it time management, but to me it just seems like I need to take longer to do everything others can do in a shorter amount of time–and I don’t know why. I don’t know if it is perfectionism either… I simply try to do assignments the way it occurs to me that I can approach them (and it’s not like I always succeed in earning a good evaluation). </p>
<p>I also often think it must be a conglomerate of issues. I know for instance that I do sometimes have a hard time focusing and that may be because I find the assignment painful or it seems daunting. For assignments that demand critical thought, I have a hard time synthesizing ideas and then communicating them. </p>
<p>Anyway, the result of this is that I spend whole days or periods of time working on a single project and getting behind on readings or similar issues; my sleeping schedule is messed up, and I don’t feel like I’m taking advantage of the opportunities at my college. </p>
<p>I just don’t know, what am I supposed to try? Am I just supposed to accept that worse student than in general, and need more time? I’ve approached my college’s counseling center, but they only address learning disabilities. My difficulties with handling the coursework is quite a pain at times and I find myself growing despondent over this issue and other challenges I face at the same time.</p>
<p>Maybe try seeing some tutors for your classes. They may help you to approach things in an easier way that you have not considered. Or go to your professors during office hours and ask if you are approaching things in the best way.</p>
<p>My college also offered a course called “The Psychology of Human Adjustment,” which was a basic freshman-level course that was meant to be practical to everyone, not just psych majors. It taught some good study techniques, how we typically learn or memorize things best, how to handle stress, etc. Does your school offer anything similar to that? </p>
<p>It might just be the case where you do indeed need to work harder to achieve the same results as someone else. But there are plenty of resources out there to help you.</p>
<p>I think NovaLynnx gave you good input. There’s no shame in getting a tutor if you’re having diffuculty grasping the material. I would also encourage you to look into taking a reading and writing course this summer at your local community college. It sounds like your might be having some trouble with a couple of the "R"s. I know this really helped my son.</p>
<p>Is it possible that you have an undiagnosed learning disability or ADD? If so, exploring that and getting a diagnosis could help you understand your issues and get you more support. Of course, you many not–but worth thinking about. Good luck…</p>
<p>Hi- Adjusting to college life and course work is a challenge for students of all abilities. Here are a few suggestions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>If you perceive the issue to be time management, make use of planners, lists, and other simple tools making absolute sure that you carve out time for exercise (even if it is just a walk around campus), sleep, socialactivities and your classes. Plan things on a short term basis (What do I want/need to accomplish today?) and long term (when are papers due/exams,social events and chunk how you are going to meet your goalsover time). Try not to procrastinate on things like papers- they can overwhelm a student and be time suckers if not planned properly.</p></li>
<li><p>Like the other wise posters above said, seek help at student health to easethe anxiety you may be experiencing and to determine if there are any learning disability issues. Get tutors for your most challenging course or go to writing centers most colleges have.If you are overwhelmed by a particular class, speak to the prof/TA and explain your difficultiess. They are there to help you.</p></li>
<li><p>Exercise, eat well,and sleep enogh to be rested. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>4.Talk to academic adviser about taking a reduced course load next semester so that you feel things are more manageable. You can always pick-up an extra class later or during the summer.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Reflecton what you want out of college and professional goals- talkwith parents,friends, academic/career advisers, student health counselors- is the path you are pursuing matched to your abilities, strengths, and personality- Lots of kids, for example go into college as pre-med and discover for any number of reasons that they don’t want to pursue the course to medical school. </p></li>
<li><p>Always remember, this isabout you, your happiness, and your success. You are a person of abilities and strengths. Grades do not define you. They are important but should never be the measure of your self-worth.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>BTW- I know this from experience-having gone through some of what you went through many years ago. I graduated college, went to law school, and have a successful career but had a very difficult time adjusting earlyon in college.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice! I’ll take them to heart.</p>
<p>Regarding tutors, I have applied for some. I haven’t heard back, though, so I’m thinking there’s a lack of tutors by this time of the year. Talking to my professor sounds like something I might want to try, however. My school unfortunately doesn’t offer a first-year adjustment course.</p>
<p>I keep a constant list. I tried scheduling a while ago but it got to be a little adverse. I would spend a lot of time on scheduling and planning every minute of my time, trying to make sure that I was being efficient, but would end up having to spend more time on things anyway.</p>
<p>What I do find helpful is dividing up my tasks into littler tasks and having a mental thought for when I will do each task and about how long I will take. I call this stress management! It makes things less daunting and I find that it helps me spread things over the week. I will try make sure I dedicate enough time to my well-being so I’m less stressed–anxieties can plunge me into a terrible state. I’m working on not letting my struggles define me.</p>
<p>As for taking a summer course in reading and writing at a local community college–I have (to me, it just seemed like another high school or college class, however). I’ll also go check if it is a learning disability. I’m not sure.</p>
<p>You need to keep in mind the drop dates, you may have taken on too much this semester and you don’t want to torpedo your gpa.
You never put yourself in pressure situations in high school and are having a tough time coping with the deadlines, relentless homework, readings, comprehension of ideas instead of memorization.
You sound like you are drowning but don’t know how to save yourself.
Good luck, get help before panic sets in.</p>