Grades

Hi everyone

So basically I’m a freshman and this is my first semester of college. The thing is I’m struggling in my first semester since this is a big transition for me as is most freshman. I tend to learn things a little late even when it comes to learning new things. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until recently that I discovered how to do well in college which includes studying for exams, time management, etc. Currently I have 3 Ds one F one A and one B. My gpa is below a 2.0. If I don’t maintain a gpa of 2.0 I will get kicked out. However I’m told that they give me another chance in the spring to improve that. Does anyone else experience not doing well the first semester and doing better in the spring? If so please tell me I would like to hear about it. I genuinely think I can do a lot better if I was given another shot at spring. Im just afraid that Ill get kicked out if I don’t have a good gpa. I’m also attending every class I never go to parties instead Ive been trying to study hard for exams.

Is it true that for the most part I can get another chance during the spring. At this point theres only 3 weeks left in the semester and finals schedules are coming out. So I don’t really think theres enough time for me to improve since Im a slow learner and it took time for me to figure out a study plan. Again my question is did anyone experience difficulty their first semester and later did well in the spring? Thanks any answer is appreciated

Typically students with low grades are put on academic probation but allowed to come back. I think many students have experienced what you are. It sounds like you have figured a lot of things out and are making progress. Keep studying and do your best! You can do it!

In another thread you note that you are depressed and homesick. http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/2104997-being-depressed-homesick-freshman-year-and-struggling.html#latest Have those issues been resolved? And have you taken advice about going to professor’s office hours, going to tutoring center, seeking out a study group etc. You need to focus on feeling better about your situation and making changes to your study routine.

Hi there

Yes my homesickness has gotten better and I’m not feeling as depressed anymore since I made some improvements compared to two months ago. I have gone to office hours to get help with some assignments and it worked out great! its just my time management a lot of times its tough walking from class to class in the freezing cold. Then when I get back to my dorm I’m tired and don’t feel like studying. But I’m trying my best to overcome that. Lately Ive been studying hard and getting as much help as I can. I just wish I had realized sooner. I made some pretty big changes and some decisions these past few weeks that I think can really help me in my study routine.

I’m glad things are looking up and you are getting academic help. There is still time for your grades to improve this semester so try to give it your all.

The semester isn’t over yet. You might be able to nudge those grades up a bit now that you are starting to get your legs under you.

I agree with NorthernMom61. The semester isn’t over. Keep working hard.

Work hard on those 2 D’s. See what you can do in the next few weeks to nudge them into better territory.

And speak to your advisor-- if that F really is a foregone conclusion, might it be better to withdraw from the class if that’s still possible?

I don’t think its that possible to drop out of that class because its math and its a required major course I believe. I struggle with it a lot and the professor in that class is really annoying. Ill try my best

Is it possible to drop it this semester and retake it next semester with someone else?

You’ve good advice on how to study. I am coming from a totally different angle. You mentioned that is is hard to walk from class to class or dorm to class in freezing cold and that once you get to your dorm, you are tired and don’t want to study. Those feelings are real.

I wonder where your college is. In a northern climate, a spring semester esp. Dec- March, is colder than late fall semester Oct-Dec (before winter break). If it is freezing cold for you now, it could be colder at the beginning of a spring semester. My D and her many of her friends suffered from “ winter blue” last spring. It was a very cold, dreary, depressing time. She said she felt unmotivated and it was hard to study or even walk in freezing weather to a library.

Hopefully, you will get into your good studying habits now. Make a schdule and try to stick with it. Be mentally prepared for more cold months. If you have a tendency to be affected by “winter blue”, you may want to look into buying a SAD lamp/light to improve your environment. All the best.

Yes my college is in upstate New York where its already starting to snow and it was extremely windy yesterday. Im from southern New York where its much warmer there now. Like I said I recently started to figure out a better study routine and it has been working good for me so far. Not sure how its like in the spring. If its colder then Im going to bring more coats next time.

When you come home for Thanksgiving dig out your winter hat, coat, gloves, and boots!

And I know this is cheesy, but think about getting a beachy poster or two. My daughter brought up a mason jar of sand she took from the beach last August when she left for school in NH, just to remind her very concretely of a place she loves.

Bundle up. Do not underestimate what a lack of sunlight and a long, cold winter can do to you and your mood.

Seasonable affective disorder is real. Spend some time exercising will help you both physically and mentally. Good luck.

Sometimes it might be good to withdraw from a class you are failing…not sure if it is too late for that. Talk to your advisor.
You need to get more help…tutors, professors, etc.
Here are more ideas:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html