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How do I know if I should stay in college?
I just finished my first semester of college and I was really struggling a lot that I am not sure that I want to continue. My gpa is not the best and I really don't have motivation to be there but I am very interested in my chosen field and I want to pursue this but I'm just not sure if should continue to go or not
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Nicole’s Answer
Hi Jenise. Such an awesome question...and you are not alone in having these thoughts..
College, in the first couple of semesters, can be tough. No doubt about it. As an engineering student, I definitely felt that sting in the first three semesters of my college journey. But, for me, not finishing was not an option. This is primarily because I understood the reward that would come on the other side of finishing...and I also understood the potential challenges I might face if I didn't finish.
Attending college, doing well, in general, comes with a set of routines. If you give yourself a chance to dig in a bit more, you likely will see that there is a pattern to how things work. For example, if you have a chance to talk with other students or teachers aides (TAs) that took the courses you are about to take, oftentimes, that can ease your anxiety because what you learn from them can give you some time to prepare for the next set of classes. Time management is also another biggie. I didn't realize, until I went to college, that I really didn't have good study habits...but I sure did learn how to create good study habits :)...because my ability to do well depended on it.
Balance is also important. Generally speaking, attending college isn't only about going to class and hitting the books. There can be many awesome experiences, many awesome people to meet and connect with, when an individual attends college. Where possible, I encourage you to find those places, people and activities from which you can draw some inspiration and motivation. I had an awesome statistics professor. To this day, I still enjoy doing work that involves statistics and I am pretty sure most of that enjoyment comes from the fact that I was able to connect well with my professor.
Lastly, I will share that yes, there are those days when an individual will question their purpose while in college. "Am I in the right program?" "If I change, what will I change to?" "How much longer???" :) There is nothing wrong with examining the answers to these questions...try your best to do so with a clear mind. Recall why you are attending to begin with and the pros and cons of finishing vs not finishing. Most importantly, give yourself the time and head space to reassess when you need to.
I hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck to you!
College, in the first couple of semesters, can be tough. No doubt about it. As an engineering student, I definitely felt that sting in the first three semesters of my college journey. But, for me, not finishing was not an option. This is primarily because I understood the reward that would come on the other side of finishing...and I also understood the potential challenges I might face if I didn't finish.
Attending college, doing well, in general, comes with a set of routines. If you give yourself a chance to dig in a bit more, you likely will see that there is a pattern to how things work. For example, if you have a chance to talk with other students or teachers aides (TAs) that took the courses you are about to take, oftentimes, that can ease your anxiety because what you learn from them can give you some time to prepare for the next set of classes. Time management is also another biggie. I didn't realize, until I went to college, that I really didn't have good study habits...but I sure did learn how to create good study habits :)...because my ability to do well depended on it.
Balance is also important. Generally speaking, attending college isn't only about going to class and hitting the books. There can be many awesome experiences, many awesome people to meet and connect with, when an individual attends college. Where possible, I encourage you to find those places, people and activities from which you can draw some inspiration and motivation. I had an awesome statistics professor. To this day, I still enjoy doing work that involves statistics and I am pretty sure most of that enjoyment comes from the fact that I was able to connect well with my professor.
Lastly, I will share that yes, there are those days when an individual will question their purpose while in college. "Am I in the right program?" "If I change, what will I change to?" "How much longer???" :) There is nothing wrong with examining the answers to these questions...try your best to do so with a clear mind. Recall why you are attending to begin with and the pros and cons of finishing vs not finishing. Most importantly, give yourself the time and head space to reassess when you need to.
I hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck to you!
Updated
Vincent’s Answer
I'm really sorry to hear that you're facing this situation. I've been through something similar when I had a challenging quarter and thought about giving up my lab work. I can't provide a direct solution, but I suggest taking a break and spending time on activities you enjoy. Connect with your loved ones to help you feel emotionally strong and ready to make a well-informed decision about your next move. It might be helpful to discuss your options with your academic advisor, as they have plenty of experience and have guided students in similar situations before.
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Madeline’s Answer
I agree with the comments above. Moving to college is very challenging - you leave your loved ones behind and have four years to figure out your path.
Just remember that nothing lasts forever. College and your first job are not permanent, and you can grow and change your mind. Embrace the uncertainty and enjoy exploring without putting too much pressure on yourself. It's okay to grow and change.
Wishing you the best of luck - and remember, you are right where you need to be! We can't speed up or push any process.
Just remember that nothing lasts forever. College and your first job are not permanent, and you can grow and change your mind. Embrace the uncertainty and enjoy exploring without putting too much pressure on yourself. It's okay to grow and change.
Wishing you the best of luck - and remember, you are right where you need to be! We can't speed up or push any process.
Updated
Jhanvi’s Answer
Hey Jenise! As a recent college graduate, I totally get how you might feel disheartened or lacking motivation. However, college can be an amazing four years if you allow it to be. I suggest talking to your advisor about your current GPA, the number of courses you're taking, and any other factors that could be stressing you out. Plus, remember that it's never too late to switch your major – maybe studying something you're truly passionate about will make your classes more enjoyable?
On top of that, one of the key aspects of having a great college experience is the company you keep. Make an effort to join clubs or participate in extracurricular activities where you can meet like-minded people and find friends who support you!
On top of that, one of the key aspects of having a great college experience is the company you keep. Make an effort to join clubs or participate in extracurricular activities where you can meet like-minded people and find friends who support you!
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Megan’s Answer
Hi Jenise!
You are not alone and getting your degree is not easy!
In my freshman year, first semester, I really struggled. I failed a class. Did not know what I wanted to do. Did not like my school. I took a semester off and I hated that even more.
I went back the next fall to a community college and did better and enjoyed it more. The next fall I transferred again and finally found where I belonged. Once I found the right school I excelled. I did make sure that I used my resources as Audrey mentioned. Tutoring, writing center, talking to my academic advisor, career services, etc. I also got involved on campus. I did several internships and studied abroad. I really made the most of my college experience.
It was not always easy. There were times when I did not like it. If you know what you want to do and getting your degree will help you get there- stick it out! It seems overwhelming at times and a long journey but before you know it you will be graduating and proud of yourself!
I know you can do it! Best of luck!
You are not alone and getting your degree is not easy!
In my freshman year, first semester, I really struggled. I failed a class. Did not know what I wanted to do. Did not like my school. I took a semester off and I hated that even more.
I went back the next fall to a community college and did better and enjoyed it more. The next fall I transferred again and finally found where I belonged. Once I found the right school I excelled. I did make sure that I used my resources as Audrey mentioned. Tutoring, writing center, talking to my academic advisor, career services, etc. I also got involved on campus. I did several internships and studied abroad. I really made the most of my college experience.
It was not always easy. There were times when I did not like it. If you know what you want to do and getting your degree will help you get there- stick it out! It seems overwhelming at times and a long journey but before you know it you will be graduating and proud of yourself!
I know you can do it! Best of luck!
Updated
Fatma’s Answer
I have experienced such a situation when i was in my early years in college but let me told you it's not true feeling ..after years i believed that it's really my place!
As long as you decided to enter this speciality depending on certain and logical reasons and you're interested about them don't try to change or compare it with others you are not interested
The most important thing is to be interested and passionate about your field!
Rethink about your "why" and "why not" if you're convinced about your reasons don't hesitate !
And it's totally Ok to feel such confusion , don't panic, only manage it 🙏
Good luck
As long as you decided to enter this speciality depending on certain and logical reasons and you're interested about them don't try to change or compare it with others you are not interested
The most important thing is to be interested and passionate about your field!
Rethink about your "why" and "why not" if you're convinced about your reasons don't hesitate !
And it's totally Ok to feel such confusion , don't panic, only manage it 🙏
Good luck
Updated
SWAMINATHAN’s Answer
Hey jenise,
If you are really interested about your chosen field, go ahead. Yes, you have to struggle, until you get it. Try to explain, I hole you might did it with your parents. At the same time if you are not sure about your chosen field as well, let it be. Sometimes confusions will happen, at some point you will be back to your normal state.
All the very best ❤️
If you are really interested about your chosen field, go ahead. Yes, you have to struggle, until you get it. Try to explain, I hole you might did it with your parents. At the same time if you are not sure about your chosen field as well, let it be. Sometimes confusions will happen, at some point you will be back to your normal state.
All the very best ❤️
Updated
Tania’s Answer
Hello Jenise, Yes College can be a struggle but everything is. If you know what you want your career to be, you just need to put in the work to get through the rough patches. Please consider reducing your class load or consider getting a tutor to assist in the areas that are giving you problems.
Speak with your teachers and try to get some balance in your life / classes. Just keep pushing yourself and keep the faith.
Speak with your teachers and try to get some balance in your life / classes. Just keep pushing yourself and keep the faith.
Updated
Paul E.’s Answer
Hi Jenise - I want you to know that you are not alone. I struggled in my first 3 semesters of college. I was in a new environment, uninterested in attending class, and my grades suffered because of it. It took me a little time to find my path.
Entry level classes are designed to weed out the people who are only semi-interested. Those that are passionate and willing to take on the journey are eventually rewarded. If you are passionate about your chosen field, then overcoming adversity is a test. Stick with it.
Look... everyone fails. You shouldn't be afraid to fall down. The important thing is that you learn from it and pick yourself back up. Take inventory of your first semester and truly look in the mirror. Ask yourself the following:
-Did you give your all?
-What worked for you?
-What didn't work?
-Did I prioritize?
-Did I allow myself to get distracted?
-What would you change?
Self-reflection and honesty are key to becoming a successful person. Whatever you decide to do, my advice to you is to be true to yourself and give it 100% of your effort. You will do great things! Good luck!
Entry level classes are designed to weed out the people who are only semi-interested. Those that are passionate and willing to take on the journey are eventually rewarded. If you are passionate about your chosen field, then overcoming adversity is a test. Stick with it.
Look... everyone fails. You shouldn't be afraid to fall down. The important thing is that you learn from it and pick yourself back up. Take inventory of your first semester and truly look in the mirror. Ask yourself the following:
-Did you give your all?
-What worked for you?
-What didn't work?
-Did I prioritize?
-Did I allow myself to get distracted?
-What would you change?
Self-reflection and honesty are key to becoming a successful person. Whatever you decide to do, my advice to you is to be true to yourself and give it 100% of your effort. You will do great things! Good luck!
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Hi Jenise,
One thing that really helped me when I was in college and struggling was taking advantage of the resources available to help me improve. Your school probably has some kind of tutoring service available for students to use. Sometimes, there are even extra class sessions taught by tutors or TAs for you to go and ask questions and get extra help on assignments. The professors can also be a great resource. If you're struggling, you can go to their office hours or schedule meetings with them. Most professors will be happy to give you extra help because they do want you to learn and succeed. I really recommend looking into your school's academic and student support services and consider taking advantage of them. Most of them are free for students since student fees already cover them.
If you've taken advantage of all these resources and still find yourself struggling and you really don't understand why, I would consider maybe speaking to your school's counseling services. A lot of people have undiagnosed learning disabilities or mental health issues that they don't realize are there until college. If you are one of those people, getting counseling and accommodations from the school may help improve your performance. I think it's always worth looking into, especially if you use all the academic and student support resources, and none of them seem to help that much.
Your first semester of college is always the worst. GPAs can be improved further down the line, and even then, they're not going to define the rest of your life. Not everyone's journey looks the same, so don't feel discouraged if yours feels different than the people around you. Although I can guarantee you, there are plenty of people right now in the same position you're in. You're not alone.
Good luck!
One thing that really helped me when I was in college and struggling was taking advantage of the resources available to help me improve. Your school probably has some kind of tutoring service available for students to use. Sometimes, there are even extra class sessions taught by tutors or TAs for you to go and ask questions and get extra help on assignments. The professors can also be a great resource. If you're struggling, you can go to their office hours or schedule meetings with them. Most professors will be happy to give you extra help because they do want you to learn and succeed. I really recommend looking into your school's academic and student support services and consider taking advantage of them. Most of them are free for students since student fees already cover them.
If you've taken advantage of all these resources and still find yourself struggling and you really don't understand why, I would consider maybe speaking to your school's counseling services. A lot of people have undiagnosed learning disabilities or mental health issues that they don't realize are there until college. If you are one of those people, getting counseling and accommodations from the school may help improve your performance. I think it's always worth looking into, especially if you use all the academic and student support resources, and none of them seem to help that much.
Your first semester of college is always the worst. GPAs can be improved further down the line, and even then, they're not going to define the rest of your life. Not everyone's journey looks the same, so don't feel discouraged if yours feels different than the people around you. Although I can guarantee you, there are plenty of people right now in the same position you're in. You're not alone.
Good luck!
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Meagan’s Answer
I totally understand your feelings! It's like going through high school once more. The teachers, classes, and environment might not be enjoyable. Adapting to college can be tough. However, I encourage you to give yourself a second chance and stick with it for the rest of the year. It's possible that you might just need a different school or a new roommate if you're sharing a room. Joining a study group could help you connect with others who can support you. If, after a full year, you still feel it's not the right fit, consider taking a break and exploring other opportunities. Remember, college isn't for everyone, and that's totally fine!