having a difficult time handling college coursework

Dustysmom
Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:23:28 +0000

Hi- Adjusting to college life and course work is a challenge for students of all abilities. Here are a few suggestions:


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.
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.
Exercise, eat well,and sleep enogh to be rested.


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.


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.
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.


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.

Best of luck!