<p>I currently study Biology at The University of Windsor in Ontario and am on scholarship, well not anymore. Through out high school I've been a good student. Once I got to college I started to feel the sensation of dumbing down. I did bad during my first semester and I'm really worried. I can't focus on studying, my mind drifts off all the time, my sleep pattern is insane (I can't fall asleep till 8 in the morning) and its affecting my productivity. My parents are furious with me, I've never recieved bad grades in high school, plus University of Windsor is not really considered a "top" school in Canada. I know I can do better than this.</p>
<p>Can I get some advise (I really can't believe I'm asking this) on study habits, and tips how I can get back on track?</p>
<p>Also if I somehow buck up for the second semester, stay back for a summer semester and pull off straight As, show an immense improvment would I get a decent chance in transferring to a better school?</p>
<p>If your sleep pattern's all wonky (I was in a similar situation where I wouldn't be able to go to sleep until 5 or 6 am and have to get up for a nine oclock class), I recommend just staying up all night and the next day. You'll be so tired by 8 or 9 pm (but force yourself not to go to sleep until 10 so you don't wake up really early the next day), you definitely won't stay up too late that night. But you have to keep it on a regular schedule after that. Go to bed by whenever is 7-8 hours before your class. On weekends, don't stay up later than 3 am and don't get up later than noon, or it'll throw you right back in that loop again. </p>
<p>Despite the fact that you're doing badly, you know you can do well or you wouldn't have gotten a scholarship in the first place. I know how you are. I did the same thing my sophomore year (last year), and almost lost my scholarship as well. Mine was related more to outside issues (aka bf at the time) being distracting than my inability to concentrate on studying, but the result was the same. Low grades, parents being ****ed off, etc. You just have to force yourself to focus (if you really do think you might have ADD do talk to your doctor but since you didn't have any problem in high school that's probably not it). Get away from distractions like tv, friends, the dorm, etc and go to the library. Find a hidden cubicle or table and Stay There until you finish what you need to get done. Don't pay attention to anything besides your studying/homework. Buy earplugs if necessary. Don't bring a watch, study for as long as you need to. If you start to get tired and need a break, get up and do a lap or two around the floor then come back and get back to work.</p>
<p>Thank you for the reply, it gives me a little hope. Active studying is something I never did in high school, I always counted on the fact I was a fast learner...I just skated through high school. I guess its something I have to start.</p>
<p>Sounds like you might be experiencing some depression. It's not a bad idea to go see a doctor or a counselor about your issues to see if you can get a referral for whatever it is that you need.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, I've made it my goal that I will fix my studying skills and really kick ass next semester and beyond. What are my chances of transferring to a better school if I got a 60% my first semester and straight As or As and a few Bs on the next two full semesters?</p>
<p>Try paying more attention to healthy living....eating healthy and exercising are crucial. I think the sleep will fall into place if you do the other two. It's hard in college to get a decent meal I know. Try getting some supplements too...a good multivitamin, some fish oil capsules, extra B vitamins for stress and a acidopholus/bifidus capsule to regulate your intestines and give them a good supply of good bacteria. If you can't find them near your college, ask your parents to get them and send them to you or pick them up on break. These help ward off illness and depression. You need to take responsibility for your health now. Does your school have a workout center? Most do. Try and get a regimen of working out or playing some sport. You may also find that working with a trainer for a while can help get you motivated. This will also help with your sleep issue.</p>
<p>You are also going to have to start studying. I know it's hard if you are used to coasting in HS, I had the same problem. Use your class notes and make outlines of the written material. Type them up on your computer and use them as study guides before the tests. The typing will help you know the material. Go to the library to study so you are not distracted by things in your room.</p>
<p>^ And thank you for that, actually thanks to everyone who gave me some replies it actually got me feeling better. I'm going to kick as from no onward and try and transfer to a better school Wish me luck.</p>
<p>"I can't focus on studying, my mind drifts off all the time, my sleep pattern is insane (I can't fall asleep till 8 in the morning)"</p>
<p>Concentration problems, lack of motivation, difficulty in sleeping all can be signs of depression. Talk to a counselor to see if you may be depressed. Also get a physical as the same symptoms could be due to a physical problem like a thyroid problem or anemia.</p>
<p>Someone here suggested you could be ADHD, which I doubt is true because ADHD is believed to be a characteristic that one is born with, not that one develops. Depression, however, can come and go.</p>