Doing well while in a slump

United States
February 13, 2007 6:04pm CST
I'm having a hard time keeping focused in school and getting my work done. The subject justs seems to hard. I worked hard in the prerequisite of that class and got a D and after this class I have to take the prerequisite again. Any advice on how to do well, I was aiming for an A. The only way that can happen is if I get an A on this test and 2 quizzes. I've already done alright on 2 quizzes, and semi-poorly on the last test. Which was actually any easy subject. For my class there's 2 chapters per test. I have to read 77 pages of hard condensed material. Throughout high school I never touched the textbook and now paying for it. So I guess I have a few questions-how should I tackle the problem of getting an A and the test is due Feb. 21 and how Do I focus in school. Or give me advice on how to get my work down. Tell me what works for you ? I don't know what I'm really asking for-I guess I'm asking for help...just getting a C would be fine. But I'm only taking 2 classes. I shouldn't be doing this bad. Plus, the class I'm talking about is the field I'm consider going into. Best Response won't be chosen until after Feb. 21. Thank you-I want to give time for responses since this class is a semester. P.S. feel free to add me if you like my discussions or want someone to respond to you.-silveysim
1 person likes this
2 responses
• United States
14 Feb 07
Talk to your professor. I've noticed (and been there) that college students often don't communicate effectively with the ones giving the grades. I would explain your goals and difficulties during office hours (or an appointment), and try to use their knowledge of what is to come to develop a plan that will work for you. I have 2 examples for you... well, 1 class, 2 outcomes. In French last semester, I was really struggling. It was my minor and as time wore on I realized I should probably pursue a different area of study. However, I figured this out about a month into the semester. So, after discussing the issue with my professor, he pointed out my key areas of weaknesses, and worked with me in those areas. Bonus, he gave the entire class on take home test and helped me through it in his office hours. I got straight Ds and Fs on everything in that class, but an A on that one test. Later in the semester, I realized I was still getting a D in the course and asked to be dropped from the class. We were not able to work out a drop, but we considered an Incomplete so that I could go back and retake my first semester of French to improve my fundamentals. So... in conclusion... clue your professor in, and it will make a world of difference.
• United States
16 Feb 07
I bet-I used to clue my professor in but after awhile of being at college I've been handling things myself due the college having to many errors effecting my life. Like losing my exam, sending the grade in way late effecting my financial aid. Yeah-my main problem is just doing the work now, after having difficulties at the college, in life, and my life is changing and there's so much to do, that I feel I've been thrown in a slump. Your right-people don't talk to professors-for accounting I don't because the guy makes me feel uncomfortable-and he's condescending. possible a perv,and cheater on his sweet wife. Not cool-I used to get help from him-not anymore-I'm trying to get my fiance to help me study and stuff but he's not. lol. His life is too busy.
@kgwat70 (13387)
• United States
14 Feb 07
I think that you just need to stay positive and remember why you are going to school. You are looking to further your knowledge about different topics in life as well as being able to work a nice career and live a good life. Try and remember why doing well in school is important both career wise and in your personal life. Maybe you have a friend there that can help you with your studies if you get stuck or start losing motivation. Sometimes having a study buddy has helped me out in the past that way we stay focused on our studies.
• United States
14 Feb 07
I really like your response.Yes-I have to remember why it's the only thing that got me through last semester. Having a study partner would be great. I don't have one-but my fiance said he would study with me and I've been asking him for ages too. I think it's a lack of schedule. Staying positive does help...my attitude has been better but the subject intimidating. Thank you for you response.