<p>Hi Bodangles,</p>
<p>I’m currently a junior in the Honors College (chemical engineering), and I’m really sorry you’re having a tough time. Believe me, I understand what it feels like to struggle academically in college after getting straight A’s in high school – and by “struggle” I mean failing the beginning of Honors Organic Chemistry my first semester (I believe the exact text I sent my mom was “This feels like a nightmare I can’t wake up from.”) I was learning to live with a complete stranger, maintaining a long-distance relationship with my girlfriend, and trying to decipher all those wash cycles in the laundry room (I still have no idea what “Permanent Press” means, but it doesn’t sound good…), and most days just felt like I was trying to keep my head above water. </p>
<p>As far as (STEM) classes are concerned, let me offer some tips that have helped me tremendously. For what they’re worth, I would HIGHLY recommend…</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Taking detailed lecture notes. It’s not enough (for me at least) to just transcribe what the professor WRITES on the board – really pay attention to (and take notes on) what they SAY. </p></li>
<li><p>Avoiding study groups (you will have plenty of other chances to make friends), which can fool you into thinking that you understand stuff when you actually don’t. You’re not going to take a test in a group, so don’t prepare that way.</p></li>
<li><p>When you study, being honest (I would even say ruthless) with yourself. This could mean doing example problems without looking at the solutions, making concept maps to understand how ideas are interrelated, pretending you have to teach someone this material, etc. Whatever works for you. </p></li>
<li><p>Writing down your questions (however stupid they seem) on a piece of paper. This way you won’t have a bunch of nebulous, conflicting ideas floating around in your head.</p></li>
<li><p>Going to office hours. You may be a skeptic like I was, but trust me – they’re a game-changer. Bring your lists of questions and (respectfully) interrogate your professors. So what if they treat you like an idiot and act like you’re wasting their time? So what if it’s totally awkward? You pay your professors’ salaries – make them earn it! </p></li>
<li><p>Taking advantage of TA’s and free help (like the Math Center), and looking into <em>good</em> off-campus tutoring (I recommend Upgrade Tutoring – it’s run by an Engineering Schreyer Alum and might be just what you need).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>As far as other things go, I totally agree with Greenbutton. I would just add that for me, getting involved with Alliance Christian Fellowship has been a great (understatement) way to stay grounded and make lasting friendships with people who genuinely care about you. </p>
<p>I know doesn’t feel like it now, but this insanity is just a blip on the radar of life, and whether you bomb a class or drop out of the Honors College in no way defines or reflects your worth as a human being…really 
Keep on persevering! </p>