Welcome back to another university blog post! I have been in university for six years now. Over that time, I have had my fair share of difficult classes. All my life I had to deal with my most dreaded subject of all, Math. I just couldn’t escape it. So when I started the College of The Bahamas, I made sure to utilize all of the resources available to me.
Remember in my last blog post when I talked about my 6:00 am class? Well, for some reason (aside from getting up extremely early) I had a really difficult time wrapping my head around the difficult concepts in that class. After one semester of stress, my grade for that class ended up being my highest grade. So I thought I should share some tips with you on how I survived difficult classes in university.
1. Take the class seriously
This goes without saying but go to class! Let’s be honest, it can be very tempting to miss classes, especially right now when our beds are looking extra cute. Now don’t just go to class but pay attention in class. Some concepts may go over your head and you may not understand what your teacher is explaining. I know we can be shy at times but if you don’t understand, ask questions in class.
2. Extra resources
There will be times when the textbook is not enough for you. The explanations in the textbook may be too complicated or it may not have enough examples for you to follow. This is where extra resources come in. To supplement your studying, it is important to utilize other resources. You can use different textbooks with easier explanations. You can also use Revision guides that have explanations and practice questions. Caution: this should not be used as a substitute to studying your notes. These resources should be used in addition to your required reading. You can also find YouTube videos to explain concepts. Another resource is simply googling the topic and looking at a Website explanation. Make sure the website is credible.
3. Get extra help
Don’t allow your pride to stop you from achieving your desired grade. Reach out to people who have done the course before you or people in your class who seem to understand the concept. I can remember getting math tutors during my Associate’s degree. I couldn’t afford to let math ruin my overall grade. In law school, there weren’t any tutors but there were mentors who could assist in helping to find a strategy that works for you. Another option is study groups. Now this all depends on whether you study better alone or with friends and whether your group will actually be productive. I like studying with other people because I get to bounce my ideas of people and because the other person may pick up on something that I missed.
4. Put in the work
If you know you’re struggling with a class, you need to put in extra work. That may look like you limiting the time you spend on social media so that you can spend more time reading your notes. It is important to give the class you’re struggling with extra love and attention. You may need to spend extra time studying. Another thing that is extremely important to do when dealing with a difficult class is PRACTICE. Complete practice questions. Some subjects may have the correct answer in the book so check your answer and compare it to the correct answer and see what you’re missing. Also, depending on your lecturer’s availability take it to them so that they can mark it and give you feedback. I can remember my Company law lecturer in law school being inundated with my practice questions. Don’t feel bad about annoying your lecturer. You paid money to be in university so make sure you utilize all resources available to you.
5. Believe in yourself
When you’re not confident it shows. There may be times when you have the right answer but due to not believing in yourself, you change it to the wrong answer. Don’t you just hate when your original answer was right in a Multiple Choice Exam but due to your uncertainty you end up getting the question wrong? You have to believe that you can do well in the class. Remember that God didn’t bring you this far for you to only come this far.
“Do your possible best and let God do the impossible rest.”
Faith without works is dead so if you’re dealing with a difficult class you can’t expect an A if you’re not putting in the work. Utilize the resources you have, do your best and let God do the rest!
If you found these tips helpful let me know in the comments below!
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