Hi, guys! So I am a freshman at UCSD and I have been absolutely freaking out about my GPA as I feel like I am going to be a massive failure! I think my predicted GPA for my freshman year is going to be a 3.2 and I feel like it’s terrible. There are the classes I have taken and the grades so far. As a background, I’m an international student from Singapore and its been quite hard to adjust being so far away from home as well as adjusting to the huge university and different types and pace of the classes. I’ve also been having really bad anxiety issues that I have been seeking counseling. My parents keep telling me that it is fine, just focus on the coming 3 years and your minor but I feel like I am doing quite poorly. Any advice on what I can do to get better and my current performance (is this kind of a record normal early on?)
CHEM 6A- B
CHEM 6B-B+
CHEM 6C - In progress (estimate B+)
Math 20A- B-
MATH 20B- In progress (estimate B- )
MATH 4C- B
BILD 26- B
ETHN 1- A
PSYC 1- In progress (estimate B- )
LISP 1C- A
LISP 1CX- P
HUM 1- B+
HUM 2- In progress (estimate B+)
Gospel Choir - P
CHEM 1- P
I don’t see signs of massive failure in your gap. You are too anxious. Freshman year is often difficult because you are living and learning in an unfamiliar environment. Anxiety complicates your situation. Moderation is good. Study and do schoolwork on a schedule and don’t sacrifice eating, sleeping and socializing with new friends. Start exploring the city such as going to museums, festivals, concerts or whatever interests you, but do be careful to remain safe. Enjoy walks and just sitting outside. Read the text book before class and then work on handouts. That way classes should make more sense. If you don’t understand tell a grad student of faculty to clarify information. You will probably get a better explanation if you ask a specific question. Again, supporting yourself will get you farther than worrying about poor grades, disappointing parents or deciding you are a failure None of your fears are true. Instead think about those things you did well. That can be hard, but remember all those things you have mastered in school brand-new country so far.
A 3.2 is not a failure. Remember, if you get anything below a C- you can always petition to re-take the class and have the D/F struck from your record.
Your grades are not a failure but you have posted this information 5 times. Please seek counseling for your anxiety. You are doing fine. This is college and you are in a foreign country, It is not going to be easy to get all As but I think you are putting too much pressure on yourself.