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Dear VT

Struggling after acing community college. How can I stay afloat at university?

November 27, 2024
Question

I transferred to my current college from a community college in a very small town. I had a great GPA there, but now that I’m at university, I’m really struggling in most subjects, especially with my chemistry and physics courses. I don’t want to do remedial courses, but I feel like I might not be smart enough to keep up with my peers? What should I do?

Anonymous

Answer

First off, please understand that you’re not alone. It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when you make the jump from community college to university. However, struggling with tough subjects doesn't mean you're not smart enough. It just means you might need to tweak your approach a bit.

First off, don't be shy about asking for help. Professors have office hours for a reason, and there are usually tutoring services and study groups available too. It's also worth taking a look at your study habits. Are you managing your time effectively? Are you really getting into the material, or just skimming the surface? Sometimes, a little adjustment in your routine can make a big difference.

Also, don't forget to cut yourself some slack. Balancing college life can be tricky, especially when you're still finding your footing. If you need to drop a course or dial back on extracurriculars to give yourself some breathing room, that's totally okay.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Universities have all sorts of resources to help students like you succeed, from academic advising to study skill workshops. Take advantage of them! Stay focused on your goals and keep that determination going. You've already proven yourself by doing great at community college. With a bit of perseverance and support, you've got this!

Resources We Love

At VT, we offer subject-based tutoring in all subjects, extending into college and beyond. Check out our resources and see what options work for you and your schedule. We recommend 1-on-1 tutoring in instances like yours, but we also offer video classes, guided practice and more.