Five Reasons You're Struggling in Class
June 2, 2022
6 min read
And tips to help you meet your goals.
Written by Simon Spichak
You’re running on caffeine and adrenaline, anxiously waiting for the doors to open. You really need to get an A on this exam to boost your marks. You’ve tried so hard this semester but still haven’t been able to meet your goals. You might begin to wonder whether you’re smart enough. After all, you studied hard for all your tests but it was never enough.
Transitioning to high school or university classes is a shock to many students. Suddenly, you can’t rely on the study strategies you used in the past. For some, this means you actually need to study in advance for the first time in your life.
When you’re not doing well in class, it can be embarrassing and you might feel ashamed. It can cause a lot of family stress and some students even begin hiding their grades from their parents. After all, they expect you to do well, to be the smartest in the class, and to always succeed.
But what are the main reasons you’re starting to struggle?
Reason #1: There’s too much on your plate
Hands up if you’re a fellow over-achiever and perfectionist. When I was in university, I wanted to participate and take a leadership role in every single awesome club, take a full course load and work a part-time job. But my grades were faltering in first year and I had to ask myself, how much is too much?
Don’t get me wrong, participating in extra-curricular activities is a great way to blow off some steam, build leadership skills and make lifelong friends. But sometimes, there just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything you need to do. Either your grades are going to slip, or you won’t be as effective a leader in your extra-curricular activities.
So ask yourself, are you doing too much right now? If yes, what can you scale back and what activities and classes do you need to focus more on?
Reason #2: You’re not asking for help
In some high school classes and most universities, your teachers or professors will not provide extra help automatically to students that aren’t doing well. Students are expected to ask for help on their own, and while it may involve swallowing your pride, it is definitely worth it.
Some students spend money on tutoring and crash courses before an exam instead of using the free resources and supports provided to them. Send an email to your teacher or professor, let them know that you’re struggling with different concepts and you need help. It shows initiative and besides, no one besides your teacher or professor is privy to the topics covered on the upcoming exam.
Reason #3: You’re not studying effectively
How do you prepare for tests and exams? In first year of university, I didn’t do well on a few tests because I focused on the wrong things: the minutiae and the unimportant details mentioned in a tangent in class. To study, I simply looked over my notes and memorized them a few times but didn’t engage deep with the material.
Often, we imagine we are more competent at explaining something than we actually are. Writing up mock questions, studying in groups, rewriting your notes and practicing with past questions are more effective ways for studying. Just make sure you’ve got a quiet place, minimal distractions, and a plan. In some libraries you can even book a study room for group sessions where you and your classmates can quiz each other.
Reason #4: You can’t seem to focus or pay attention as well as your peers
Brains exist on a spectrum. Many people are neurodivergent meaning that their brain works a little differently. Whether that means ADHD, OCD or being on the autistic spectrum, typical means of studying might not work for you.
Seek out accessibility services at your school or university that can provide you with support as well as accommodations for assignments and exams. Look for scientists on YouTube or TikTok who discuss how they deal with their neurodivergent brain. And if you are able to, find a counsellor or therapist that understands how to help you excel.
Reason #5: External sources of stress
Relationship, family, health and financial issues can take a toll on your mental health. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, it can affect your working memory and make it harder for you to focus and study effectively. Speaking with your professor or university administration, if you’re comfortable with it, may help you find the right accommodations to relieve the stress.
Many university registrars have funds that they can use to help students struggling through financial difficulties. Other times, they may recommend a good family or relationship counsellor. See if there’s someone you can trust and reach out for help.
Importantly, remember that you are more than the number on your report card or transcript. Your value is not derived from your grades or how well you do in school. It is normal to struggle early on, just make sure you can find and address the reasons you aren’t doing well.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes, it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes, it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
