How to Deal With a Class That Feels Impossible to Get Through

We all have the classes where it seems as if failing is inevitable. When you’re feeling hopeless, here are some tips on how to survive the challenge:

1. Be prepared.

Read the syllabus ahead of time. Look at any assignments that have been posted. Talk to your advisor about the class. Start organizing your planner for study plans, and dates when there will be assignments or exams to prep for.

2. Develop a study plan and stick to it.

Have a specific spot on campus you go to for getting work done. Make sure it is a place free of distractions, and treat it like a job.  Try studying with a peer or study group from class to hold yourself accountable for getting work done.

3. Do not miss class.

The worst thing you can do with a difficult class is miss a day of lecture. It will not only confuse you even more, but you will have to take extra time to catch up with concepts you have missed. Although, if you absolutely have to miss class one day, make sure you have a friend or classmate to borrow the notes from.

4. Go to office hours.

Professors set these up to help you, so take advantage of them. Even if it is the first day of the semester and you go in to talk about your worries concerning the class, it will help more than you probably think. Professors gladly welcome questions and concerns during their office hours.

5. Use your resources.

The internet is an amazing place where you can find videos and websites that may explain a concept in a way that you will understand. All you need to do is take the initiative to seek out that material.

6. Take care of yourself.

Do not let the stress of a hard class cause you to form unhealthy habits. Make sure you are eating, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and taking time to relax. You will not be able to learn anything if your mental and physical states are in turmoil.

7. If you go to a four-year university, see about taking the same class at a local community college.

The courses offered there are usually much less difficult, and are taught in smaller classes. A lot of students take this route for the more difficult classes – just be sure they’ll transfer back to your home school before taking a class.

8. Drop a class if absolutely necessary.

If you need to focus more time on the difficult class, talk to your advisor about dropping another class. There is also the option to drop the class giving you problems, so you can take it at a time when it might not be as stressful. Be sure to think everything through, and talk to your advisor and financial aid office before doing this, because it can affect graduation dates and financial aid.

9. Do not lose motivation.

A lot of times, when a difficult class comes around, it becomes a habit to give up and not try as hard as you could be. Resist the temptation to do this, because you will regret it in the end. Rather, go into the assignments and exams with confidence, ask for help when you need it, and talk to your peers about difficult concepts. Keeping a level, determined attitude, can, a lot of times, make all the difference in the world.