I didn't do so well this semester...

JoshuaGuit
Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:18:26 +0000

Nah, there are always people that are doing worse than you. The only difference is that here at RPI, not many people like saying “I don’t get this!” but rather keep a show for their own ego.

For right now there is nothing you can really do but enjoy your winter break. When you come back in the Spring you just have to hit the ground running. The reason for the low grades you’re getting can only be determined by your own self reflection on how you have been doing.

Either it is a lack of effort, lack of studying, lack of doing homework, lack of proper study habits, etc. You got into RPI for a reason, so there is no doubt that you are smart enough and capable to do the work well.

You are still in freshmen courses so one really great thing you can utilize are the SI (supplemental instruction) sessions and private tutoring offered through ALAC (alac.rpi.edu). These are often so much more useful than actual lectures.

One other great strategy is making friends in each of your classes (best ones are students in your major because generally you are taking the same courses). You can work together and have resources if you are not doing well.

Another tactic is using APO for back work (exams, quizzes, homework). Often doing the practice problems that professors have used in the past for exams is very helpful.

What classes are you taking in the Spring? I can try to hook you up with some of my own backwork.