How To Recover From A Bad Semester | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How To Recover From A Bad Semester

Most of us have been there

4838
How To Recover From A Bad Semester

College can be a difficult time, especially when you are just starting. When you enter college, you are given the freedom to do whatever you want. You were just a “child” graduating high school and all of a sudden you’re an adult and have to make decisions for yourself. No one is there to tell you to do your assignments, show up to class, or study. Professors are not there to babysit you, they are there to teach and if you don’t care, they usually don’t care. The first semesters of college are spent trying to adjust to your new life, it is easy to get behind. Whether you did badly in class, didn’t try, partied too much, or tried your best and still came up short, having a bad semester is normal.

If you had a bad semester and are trying to recover, stay calm and try these steps.

Identify where you need work

One of the first steps in enhancing your academic performance is realizing where you made mistakes. It could have been health issues, poor attendance, or concentration in class. There are many reasons that could have possibly lead to this moment in your life. Write a list of issues you faced as well as some of the reasons that caused them. You will have to learn from your mistakes.

Learn from your mistakes

Speaking of learning from your mistakes, it’s a vital part of your process. No matter what the problem was, it is important to be honest about the situation. Take responsibility for the mistakes you made and try to avoid them the next semester. If it was something out of your control, try to create a plan to possibly avoid the situation again and better prepare yourself for if it did reoccur. Learning from your mistakes will eventually teach you not to repeat them and therefore better yourself as your further in your career and academics.

Determine if you’re in the right major

This is a vital part of school. Being in the right major is a prime key. When you’re in the wrong major it can really affect your college experience. You’ll find yourself bored in class, failing, and not understanding why you are majoring in this. For example, if you’re a computer science major but you’re not a fan of coding or taking calculus classes then you are in the completely wrong major. If you find yourself in this situation, it is okay to take a few classes that you think might interest you in order to find out if you are truly interested in the subject. Another good place to start is speaking with your academic advisor.

Meet with an academic advisor

Now that you have determined that you are in the right major, meet with your academic advisor. They are some of the best people to help start you off on the right track. They will typically give helpful suggestions and ways to work around situations. Like I mentioned above, they are able to help you determine if you should try to continue for the major you’re in or if you might want to decide to try a new one. Even if they are telling you to try a new one, they are looking out for what is best for you. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment, they are there for you even if your problems aren’t just about your grades.

Take better advantage of on campus resources

This is something that I personally failed at my first year in school. I thought I was too good to go get math help if I didn’t understand. They are here for a reason. Chances are, if you are having trouble in a class, hundreds of other students throughout many years have had the same issues. Many of these services are free to students, so why not take advantage of doing so? I realized this my second year at school and it personally helped me in classes as well as creating a relationship with my professor. If you don’t know where to find resources, check your school’s website. There will be services ranging from counseling, health services, math and writing. There is always someone willing to help you when needed. Don’t wait too long to get help.

Focus on the positives

Even though you may have done bad in a few classes, there are always areas where you did well. Remember that you did some good throughout the semester and didn’t do terrible. You’re still in college and you’re doing your best to get through it. It can be tough and if you keep a positive and open mind, you can get through it.

Realize your GPA does NOT define you

Yes, I realize that your GPA does matter in school. It does matter when it comes to getting internships sometimes. But realize that your GPA doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad student. Sometimes you may try your hardest but can’t come out on top. It happens, it’s a part of life. You can easily raise your GPA to where you want it to be within a few semesters. It just takes time and patience. Do not stress over it too much.

Time management

Stick to a schedule; buy a planner to help keep time of what you have to do. Ask “What needs to be done today?” and make sure you get to them, especially if they are very important. Make sure you give yourself enough time to study each subject and finish the important items. It’s important to have great time management skills because it can eventually help you further in your academic and future career.

Give yourself a break

This goes well with time management. Don’t focus too hard on school. If you don’t give yourself a breather, you can get too stressed out and not do well. Give yourself a break by doing an activity that you enjoy or hanging out with your friends before getting back to studying. College is all about keeping a balance.

Remember why you’re here

You’re in college to get an education. College is supposed to be the time of your life, but if you forget why you’re here it can be hard for you to focus. College is not free, even if you have a scholarship, someone is paying for your education. It’s a waste of money and time if it is not taken seriously. You’re not in college to go out every night and go drunk or hungover drunk to your 8:30 am class the next day.

And remember…. Don’t give up

Please do not give up. Some courses are going to be easier than others while others may make you think about what TV show you’re going to watch when you get home later. It’s very easy to become uninterested in a subject, especially if it doesn’t relate to your study. Try to find ways to make it relate and keep your interest in. The semester will be over quicker if you start to enjoy the class and stay motivated. Keep your head up and optimism high! It may take more than one semester to adjust your GPA to where you want to be, but it is still possible to do well.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23020
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9625
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6951
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments