2 answers
Tegan
Student
Fort Wayne, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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How did you overcome your most challenging courses?
I am attending the University of Cincinnati. I am in finals week of my second semester of freshman year. What is the most challenging class you had to take as an undergrad and how did you successfully get through it?
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2 answers
Jayden Binford
Learning Program Manager
4
Answers
West Valley City, Utah
Updated
Jayden’s Answer
Hi there! First off — congrats on making it to finals week of your second semester. That’s a huge accomplishment!
One of the most challenging classes I ever took during undergrad was a master’s-level epigenetics course. It was intense — the material was difficult, the exams were closed book, and we had to know the concepts deeply, not just memorize facts.
Here’s what helped me get through it (and actually end up loving the class!):
Focused Study Techniques: I knew surface-level studying wouldn't cut it, so I developed strong techniques like active recall (quizzing myself without looking at notes) and creating mini-teaching sessions where I explained concepts out loud as if I were teaching someone else.
Study Groups: I made friends in the class, and we shared notes, discussed confusing topics, and held each other accountable. Explaining ideas to others really helped the information stick.
Consistency: Instead of cramming before tests, I reviewed small sections regularly. It kept me from getting overwhelmed and helped me feel more confident leading up to exams.
Building Relationships with Professors: I worked hard and asked thoughtful questions, which eventually led to a research opportunity with the professor. That experience ended up opening even more doors for me.
If you’re struggling with a tough course, remember: it’s normal. Lean on your classmates, don't be afraid to ask for help, and give yourself time to truly learn the material instead of just trying to memorize it. Sometimes the hardest classes end up being the most rewarding!
You've got this — keep going!
One of the most challenging classes I ever took during undergrad was a master’s-level epigenetics course. It was intense — the material was difficult, the exams were closed book, and we had to know the concepts deeply, not just memorize facts.
Here’s what helped me get through it (and actually end up loving the class!):
Focused Study Techniques: I knew surface-level studying wouldn't cut it, so I developed strong techniques like active recall (quizzing myself without looking at notes) and creating mini-teaching sessions where I explained concepts out loud as if I were teaching someone else.
Study Groups: I made friends in the class, and we shared notes, discussed confusing topics, and held each other accountable. Explaining ideas to others really helped the information stick.
Consistency: Instead of cramming before tests, I reviewed small sections regularly. It kept me from getting overwhelmed and helped me feel more confident leading up to exams.
Building Relationships with Professors: I worked hard and asked thoughtful questions, which eventually led to a research opportunity with the professor. That experience ended up opening even more doors for me.
If you’re struggling with a tough course, remember: it’s normal. Lean on your classmates, don't be afraid to ask for help, and give yourself time to truly learn the material instead of just trying to memorize it. Sometimes the hardest classes end up being the most rewarding!
You've got this — keep going!
Sama Kitta
4
Answers
Woodland Park, New Jersey
Updated
Sama’s Answer
Hello! Thank you for sharing. Almost every student has faced this type of challenge at least once in their college studies—how to overcome difficult classes. As a sophomore college student, I have often had to deal with challenging courses, whether in computer science or general education. One of the toughest classes I ever faced was Discrete Math. It was a true nightmare for me, especially since the professor was not the best. The material was dry and heavy, and the exams felt almost impossible. However, I managed to overcome this challenge by staying disciplined, seeking help when needed (from tutors or classmates), and approaching the material step by step. I also found that watching YouTube videos about confusing lessons, practicing problems repeatedly, and reviewing notes daily helped me understand the concepts better. By breaking down topics into manageable chunks and sticking to a consistent study schedule, I was able to make steady progress. By sticking with it and finding what worked for me, I not only passed the course but also learned important skills like problem-solving, time management, and resilience. For anyone facing a tough class, I would say: be patient, use the help available to you, and keep going—determination really pays off.