Am I Disliking College or My Major?
Reflecting back on my high school days, I truly enjoyed school. I relished learning new things, tackling difficult challenges, and generally did quite well. While there were subjects I found challenging, I managed to graduate in the top 5% of my class. I juggled multiple extracurricular activities, maintained a job, logged hundreds of volunteer hours, and handled multitasking fairly well (at least compared to now). I even got accepted into my college’s honors program with a full scholarship.
Now in college, I chose to major in Civil Engineering, even though I feel more at home in the humanities and social sciences. I’ve always believed that college is about challenging yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone. I’ve certainly gained a lot of knowledge in STEM subjects I knew nothing about just a year ago.
However, as a sophomore, I find myself really struggling. I have friends who refer to themselves as “dumb,” yet they seem to grasp the material much better than I do. They might get Bs on exams while I am stuck with Ds. I attend numerous office hours, study late into the night, meet with TAs, and learn from my peers, but my grades don’t reflect my effort. I often dread attending classes because I feel completely lost, and I’m exhausted all the time. My GPA has dropped dramatically, and I can’t shake the feeling of inadequacy. I’ve never considered myself “naturally smart”; I actually feel like I have to work much harder to understand concepts, especially in math and science.
Now, I’m at a crossroads. My grades are in freefall, and the advice I’ve received from professors—“just study harder”—isn’t helping. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed by school before. I’m also uncertain about what I want to do with this degree; I chose it mainly because of its flexibility, job security, and earning potential.
To be honest, financial considerations heavily influence my choice to pursue a STEM degree. Coming from a low-income background has made me anxious about whether all my hard work will lead to a stable income. With limited time left before graduation, I really need some guidance on what to do next.
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Transitioning from high school, where you excelled, to college—especially in a challenging field like Civil Engineering—can be a huge adjustment. It’s important to recognize that struggling in a difficult major doesn’t mean you aren’t capable or intelligent; it may simply mean that this particular path isn’t the right fit for you.
Here are a few thoughts that might help you navigate this situation:
Reflect on Your Interests: Since you mentioned feeling more confident in humanities and social sciences, it might be worth exploring the possibility of switching majors. While financial stability is important, your long-term happiness and fulfillment in your career should also be a priority. Consider talking to an academic advisor about how you can transition to a field that aligns better with your strengths and passions.
Evaluate Your Study Strategies: If you’re putting in so much effort but not seeing the results you want, it may be helpful to re-evaluate how you’re studying. Sometimes, speaking with a tutor who specializes in your subjects can provide new strategies or insights. Consider joining study groups or finding different resources that could cater to your learning style.
Seek Support: You’re not alone in this struggle, and many students face similar challenges. Look for campus resources—like counseling services or support groups—where you can talk about your feelings and get advice from others who have been in your shoes.
Set Realistic Goals: Instead of focusing solely on grades, perhaps set small, achievable goals, such as understanding a specific concept or completing a certain number of problems each week. Celebrating these small victories can help build your confidence and alleviate some of the pressure.
Consider Financial Aid Options: If you’re worried about financial stability, research scholarships or programs that may open doors in fields that interest you. Sometimes, financial aid opportunities exist within unexpected areas.
Remember It’s Okay to Change Paths: Many students switch their majors, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it often leads to discovering a stronger passion elsewhere. It’s never too late to pursue what truly excites you.
Keep in mind that the journey through college isn’t linear for everyone, and it’s perfectly okay to reassess your goals and make changes. Your mental well-being and satisfaction with your studies are essential, so prioritize what feels right for you moving forward. You’ve already shown incredible resilience and determination—trust that you can find your way through this.