<p>Sorry if this doesn't go here, but unfortunately, I've fallen behind with my school work and would like some suggestions on how to get back on-track. </p>
<p>I'm taking 4 classes (I'm a freshman), and one is a higher-level writing class with tons of reading, writing, and hands-on experience with working in my university's writing center. I put my main focus on the writing practicals in the center and with getting our case study done, which I thankfully submitted today and am done with. </p>
<p>However, now we have to do independent research on an area of tutoring, and I have about 8 readings I need to read and take notes on. I also have 2 tests in different classes next week along with the research proposal that's due for the writing class. I feel that this writing class is too much for a first year to do and do well, but I need it for my major and can't lose time since I'm double-majoring and studying abroad. So dropping isn't really an option, though I have until next Friday to do it. </p>
<p>I'm kind of freaking out. I've been having problems with anxiety, but so far, I've managed to quell this by being on top of all the important things. But now they're all converging. How can I keep up and not have to panic?? </p>
<p>Do what you need to pass the tests. Are these classes in your major? If not just get thru them. my daughter was a history major and was thrilled with her Cs in science.</p>
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<li><p>Take a deep breath. The amount of work you are describing seems fairly typical. Tests tend to clump up at certain times in the semester (often wks 4, 8, 12, and final or right around break time). Many before you have managed and you will, too. I would suggest you get a planner and block out your study plan. You will need to devote most of the weekend days to homework/studying. </p></li>
<li><p>Feeling anxious and overwhelmed is normal when you have a lot to do. You have addressed it in the past by staying on top of things. That’s a good strategy for handling the feelings. You may even feel quite a bit of relief if you plan out your weekend and next see and see that getting it all done is possible. If you feel anxious and overwhelmed all the time, even without major tests and assignments looming, go see someone in campus counseling.</p></li>
<li><p>You’re probably right that you didn’t belong in an upper level course as a freshman. However, you’re not the first freshman to think he or she could handle upper division work. However, it’s water under the bridge. Unless you need a higher GPA for scholarship maintenance, do as Seahorsesrock suggests and put less focus on a distribution requirement where a lower grade won’t matter. I’ve had students put off a math or science course until senior year and then be thrilled with Ds. Not saying that’s good, but those students still graduated on time.</p></li>
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<p>Don’t let this be your mantra: “I can’t lose time since I’m double-majoring and studying abroad.” You don’t know this. What you know is the here-and-now. You are stressed with the choices you have made thus far. Likely you will get through your classes this semester and do fine but learn the important and humble lesson - you do not have it all figured out- just because you have a plan. Things happen</p>
<p>I agree with above advice about accepting lower grades in non-major classes.</p>
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<p>Maybe you can’t. By that I mean, maybe double-majoring and studying abroad is too much if you’re trying to do it in four years. I personally don’t think I could have done it. Can you consider dropping a major? </p>
<p>I agree that seeing a counselor at the health center may be helpful. Good luck!</p>
<p>Make a To-Do list, breaking everything down into doable-in-one-sitting chunks. Check off the individual tasks as you get them done. Seeing the progress (checkmarks!) accumulate will likely help to alleviate your anxiety.</p>
<p>Without knowing all of your nitty gritty details, this would be my advice:</p>
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<li><p>Get the book, how to be a Straight A student by Cal Newport. In this book, he shows you how to study efficiently. Often in college, all of the reading assignments cannot be done because it’s just too much, and his book shows which items are vital, which are optional, depending on your time available.</p></li>
<li><p>After reading his book, should take a few hours, decide if you do the plan, can you still keep up with the work in 4 classes? If not, then drop 1 class; I’d recommend dropping the most time intensive one. If you are worried about your double major and study abroad, then you can either take a summer class at a local college and transfer the units, or rethink your future plans about double majoring.</p></li>
<li><p>If you don’t want to drop a class, then allow your “least important class” grade drift downward, while keeping the other 3 higher, or allow all 4 classes to drift down slightly.</p></li>
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