So this article is actually inspired by the fact that my boyfriend and I are currently taking an SPN 1121C course at the University of Central Florida. To be honest, we're both a little worried about whether or not we'll actually pass it. Luckily, this is just the beginning of the semester, and I also have a few ideas in mind as to how I can increase the likelihood that we will both in fact pass the course. For those of you who can relate to our struggle with SPN 1121C (or any other course that you find difficult, for that matter), here are 6 actions you can take that will help you to succeed in that one class you think you just won't pass.
1. Communicate with your professor the moment you start to struggle with the course material.
Trust me, the sooner you do this, the better. After all, you really want to make sure to get any misunderstandings cleared up by your professor before any major assignments or exams are given. In addition, addressing your struggles with your professor and asking them for help with understanding the course material as well as letting them know that you want to do well in their course will give them the impression that you sincerely want to excel in their class, and that will definitely help you in the long-run.
2. Start on your work in advance to avoid procrastination.
Nothing is worse than having to rush to study or finish your homework at the last minute, so make sure to at least start doing so a few days or so in advance to avoid the stress that comes with procrastination. After all, you want to make sure that your assignments are in the best possible condition they can be, and the only way you can do that is to dedicate a generous amount of your time to them early on.
3. Don't slack off if you don't perform as well as you would have liked to on the first few assignments/exams. Instead, do the best you can on the ones you have left.
Keep in mind that this class isn't an easy one, so you're going to have a few bumps in the road as you go along. Whether it be a low score on a homework assignment or your first of many exams, remember that it's not the end of the world and that you still have many more assignments and exams to go before your final grade in the class is determined. So try your best to do well on all of the remaining homework and assignments that are affiliated with the course. Who knows? Your professor might notice your sudden increase in performance in his/her class and give you the benefit of the doubt.
4. Make friends with the people in your class.
Yeah, that's right. Make friends with the people in your class so that you can get all of the answers! Just kidding! While I definitely don't condone cheating as a means of doing well in a difficult course, it's always nice to have people you can go to for help every once in awhile. Or, if you're like me, you'll probably just end up becoming instant best friends with them after realizing that you're not the only one who's struggling with the material.
5. Make studying the course material an enjoyable experience.
If there's one lesson I've learned when it comes to studying, it's that you're more likely to retain the course material if you studied in a way that was enjoyable for you. I personally enjoy making colorful flashcards with Chegg's "Flashcards" app on my iPhone, but only you know what study strategies will work best for you!
6. Make the highest score you possibly can on your final exam.
Okay, so let's say you didn't exactly perform as well as you would have liked on everything you were assigned before your final exam. There's always that slim chance that if you manage to make a perfect score on your final exam that your professor will give you a much higher grade in their course than you anticipated, especially if it is a cumulative final exam. So study hard and go ace that exam, tiger! It's time you put that class behind you once and for all!
