Tackling The Tough Subjects: When’s It TIme To Get Some Help?

college degree holds significance for a variety of reasons. In its most basic regard, it shows you’ve successfully completed years of education.  Yet a degree is proof of something else: that you can get through something that was a long, demanding commitment.

College classes can be tough, that’s no secret. Hopefully you’ll find yourself well-prepared for your first year and beyond, but not matter how bright you are or how avid your study skills are, you’ll find your share of assignments and classes that will challenge you. In addition to the rigorous material, one of the challenges will be how you handle these obstacles.

Sometimes you’ll have to reach out for help; there’s no shame being in that position, as thinking you’ll never find yourself confused in class would be an awfully proud and even foolish disposition. But when is it time to ask for help? And who can your turn to? Don’t worry. No matter how big or small your school, it’ll have plenty of resources and people available for your academic aid.

A poor grade on an exam or assignment isn’t necessarily a surefire indicator to visit your professor after class for more review. Bad grades, for a variety of reasons, will happen. It’s hackneyed advice, but just try studying harder and really focusing in class—when that doesn’t cut it, though, that’s when it’s time for some assistance. At least allow yourself a second attempt to recover after a poorly scored test or assignment. But be careful not to fall too far into the next-time-I’ll-get-it-right mentality. If you don’t succeed, try again. And if you don’t succeed again, get some help!

Too many students don’t take advantage of teachers’ office hours. Most instructors have a block of time each week where students can come in to review any material and to ask questions. Dropping by can only help your grade, and it’ll show the instructor that you actually care about the class, whereas  many other students unfortunately won’t care. If you go to a larger school, there may also be teacher aides who literally spend time just sitting in offices waiting for students to ask them questions. And should there be no aides, another instructor in the department should be there to help you out. Teachers like when you ask them questions, go figure. They’re plenty interested in sharing their knowledge on their subjects, and you’ll make them feel like they’re doing a good job too.

You can always turn to your textbook for more review, but sometimes it takes people, not paper, for adequate explanation. Other students can be big helpers too, just as long as they’re not as confused as you are. Fellow students might not have the vast knowledge a teacher holds, but they can explain things in different terms since they’re, like you, still learning the material. Some subjects and material allow for difference interpretations, and other students can deliver insights that textbooks and even teachers cannot. Ask another student not only about the challenging material, but how he went about learning and comprehending it. Gain a fresh perspective, receive a deeper understanding, and go forth feeling good about that next exam.