Seeking Advice on How to Succeed in My Course
Hi everyone,
I’m a freshman starting my second semester in college, and I’m currently enrolled in General Biology, General Chemistry 2, and a Math prerequisite. I’ve been really struggling with my General Chemistry class and unfortunately failed two out of the four exams. It feels overwhelming, and I’m worried about the impact this will have on my FAFSA; I really don’t want to put that financial burden on my parents.
I’ve been trying to improve by watching videos and studying, but I feel like I’m not making any progress. My goal is to become a dentist, but the challenges in my science classes are making me doubt my potential.
If anyone has any advice or strategies that could help me navigate this situation, I would be incredibly grateful! Thank you!
First off, I want to commend you for reaching out and seeking help—that’s a really important step! It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when taking tough science courses. Here are some strategies that might help you improve your situation in general chemistry and beyond:
Utilize Office Hours: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professor or teaching assistant during office hours. They can clarify difficult concepts and may provide extra resources.
Study Groups: Join or form a study group with classmates. Sometimes, discussing topics with peers can help reinforce your understanding.
Online Resources: If you find videos confusing, try different platforms. Websites like Khan Academy or Crash Course offer free tutorials that cover chemistry concepts in various ways.
Practice Problems: Chemistry often requires problem-solving skills. Focus on doing practice problems, especially from past exams if available. This can help you apply concepts and prepare for future tests.
Meet with a Tutor: Many colleges offer free tutoring services for subjects like chemistry. A tutor can provide personalized help and guidance.
Stay Organized: Keep track of important dates, lectures, and assignments. Staying organized can reduce stress and help you manage your time effectively.
Take Care of Yourself: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks. Stress can hinder your ability to learn and concentrate.
Mindset: Try to shift your perspective from feeling like a failure to viewing challenges as opportunities to grow. It’s okay not to grasp everything right away; persistence is key.
Focus on Improvement: Instead of aiming for perfection, set small goals to improve. For example, focus on raising your score one exam at a time.
Seek Academic Advising: Talk to an academic advisor about your concerns. They can help you navigate your course load and suggest resources.
Remember, many students struggle with chemistry and other science courses, and it doesn’t mean you won’t succeed in your goals. Stay positive, keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. You’ve got this!