I am an undergraduate in my first semester of my sophomore year. Last semester, I did horribly. Three F’s, one C and one D+. I now have a gpa of 1.8, which puts me in the range of academic probation. The classes I failed were primarily math classes. I’m trying to get my undergraduate degree in computer science, but I am at a loss as to what to do in order to be better at learning. I’ve tried being tutored, going to therapy because of depression related to poor academic performance, several dozen self help titles focused on studying and learning, motivational youtube videos, college blogs, and going to the library to do work. These have not really helped. My main problem is coming up with the motivation to stay off reddit and youtube while simultaneously putting in a lot more hours studying for my degree. I seem to be lethargic, even though I really want to get a computer science degree, not just for the money or job security, but because I want to be an Artificial Intelligence researcher. That won’t happen unless I turn myself around, but so far I haven’t been succeeding in that area.
I have tried to be disciplined, to study as a habit rather than some forced ritual, but I can’t focus on my notes for long enough to get a lot of studying done. I have a D- on every piece of work I’ve turned in this year and it makes me incredibly depressed knowing I spend 5 figures to come to university to slack off and perform well below average.My university is small, and I should be able to do my work competently.
The most depressing thing is reading everything on the internet where people go “I failed out of community college then went to princeton and got a 4.0 gpa.” or “I failed the midterm but still got an A in the class”.I know that this kind of talk is related to survivorship bias because no one wants to talk about their failing grades, their failed semesters, exams, assignments, etc. But I’m extremely discouraged by the fact that everyone seems to easily do well in college and I’m stranded in mediocrity. Most of the time I feel incredibly stupid for not being able to do the simplest of classes. They say hard work will always triumph over raw IQ, but I don’t have either in sufficient amounts to even do school. My greatest worry is that I wasted 30 thousand dollars so far to fail 3 out of 13 classes and do poorly in almost every other class.
I thank anyone who has read this far, and while I probably sound like a typical whiny college age frat boy who doesn’t want to put in the work, I really do have a strong desire to go into computer science and learn everything about it. I absolutely love all sciences, and I wish I was better at them then I am now. Please, If anyone has a constructive suggestion about my situation it would be tremendously appreciated.
First, delete your Reddit account. Second, how well did you do in math in high school? Were those math classes easy, challenging, or were they at the edge of your capabilities?
College-level math for a CS degree is extremely difficult. I have a PhD in the biological sciences, and I’m sure that I would have not done better than you on any one of those math classes. I do not think that I am stranded in mediocrity, though.
Perhaps another direction instead. What classes are you doing well in?
Howdy!
I want to start by saying that you are in a position that is not an uncommon occurrence. Though I am not in college myself, I know some friends of mine that are in the same boat as you. These friends are struggling through university though have a strong desire to do well in their majors, not unlike you. I am sure you have probably researched how to study more efficiently, but if not, I found this method to work quite well.
You start by picking a study area that you don’t change. This way, every time you go to this spot, your mind knows its time to study. It really helps to organize this area too. I have heard from friends in your situation that very soft classical music works wonders while studying also. It seems you are struggling in math the most, my suggestion, take 20 minutes to re-read your notes from class that day. Take a 5-minute break and then work through some practice problems. Take a 5 min break after every 20 minutes or so of studying.
If nothing seems to be working, it may also help to transfer to a community college. Most of these schools are very relaxed and easier to find help in. Though that is a suggestion I’m sure you don’t want to hear right now, so just keep it on the back burner.
I hope I’m not feeding you information you already know or have tried. This is just some stuff that worked for my friends that are in your position.
MWolf: It isn’t quite so easy as simply deleting my reddit account. I don’t visit reddit for the karma, but rather for the low grade endless entertainment. I am doing well in my computer science classes, I think it’s my lethargy in studying that keeps me from doing math well/
Amateurengineer: Thank you for your advice. It heartens me to find there are others that are in my situation. Unfortunately, I cannot transfer to community college, but thank you for the suggestion. I have already attempted to train my brain to know that it’s time to study, but I can’t focus in any one area for too long. I don’t think I have either ADHD or ADD, so that’s probably not the issue. I will definitely try your proposed method of study when I retake those math classes.
momofsenior1: Are there any resources you might suggest for internet addiction? I’ve played with the thought that I am addicted to the internet frequently. I’ve tried to quit but it’s like every other addiction. They say smokers want a cig just as bad after 4 years of being clean than on the day after they quit. I’m the same way, and I find myself unable to keep away from reddit, no matter how many site blockers I employ. I know it’s pathetic to be this way, but I haven’t been able to solve it myself, not even in therapy.
Who’s paying that $30k/year for you? If you fail out of school will your parents allow you to live at home so you can work until you get your priorities straightened out?
Can you find a study buddy? It’s more fun to study when you’re not alone.
Do you have enough sleep? Lack of sleep can totally mess up the ability to concentrate. Do you eat well? Exercise regularly?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be effective for people who have a hard time controlling things like their use of the Internet. Have you looked into a therapist who specializes in CBT? It might be worth trying.
@Publisher - I think that’s either a really good idea or a really bad idea, but I’m not sure which.
@OP - CS is a tough major, and mathematical reasoning is a fundamental component. Hopefully you do better in the classes you failed when you retake them. Just know that the demand for anyone with AI applications experience is growing rapidly, so it’s in your own best interest to double-down and pull out of this slump.
Edit: Don’t reply to this post; get off CC; get off the Internet!
