I am a 18 year old student currently attending my local county college. I did very poorly my first semester (2 D’s, a C, a C+ and a B ), but I am more than ready to improve my study habits and actually keep up with the courses that I take, however I fear I will run out of motivation quickly after the semester begins. Does anyone have any suggestions for me that might help me have a better mindset going into my second semester?
I’m curious as to how you did in high school? The first thing that you need to do is make sure is that the courses you’re taking are at your level. Don’t take a course in which you didn’t have any previous experience, unless it’s labeled as “introductory” or “entry-level”.
Secondly, you need to start going to the writing center and to the tutors for these courses. It doesn’t mean that you’re not capable, it just means that you want to structure your study habits according to the course requirements.
When my eldest arrived at her university, she initially went to the tutors because she didn’t really know anyone. She was out of state, and she wanted to make sure she stayed ahead of the class. She had been advised, by her HS teachers, that high school and college were vastly different in how to prepare for classes and exams. She went as often as she could and she became a very strong engineering student, so much so, that the tutoring office asked her to be a tutor in engineering.
The tutors will also tell you about supplemental articles that the professors may use in the lectures, as well as other things that the professors expect. So, it’s not just about learning the material, it’s learning how to access different resources that will help you in your studies.
It is very common for freshmen to receive non-stellar grades in their first semesters at college, and I commend you for seeking help and support on your situation.
See if you can identify the causes of these grades; were they due to:
not studying,
not able to manage time well,
not understanding the material,
not noting and heeding the due dates,
or a combination of these?
Have you used the study help center at your school? Have you visited your professors or instructors at their office hours? From which course did you get the B? Were these courses too advance for you? Perhaps join a study group to encourage and hold each other accountable.