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Counselling

UFV/Counselling/Study Skills Counselling/Suggestions for Students Who Are Struggling

Suggestions for Students Who Are Struggling

Many students who are struggling at university eventually manage to improve their grades and succeed in their program of studies. They identified what went wrong and figured out a plan to address their problems. You can too. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Learn about the university’s continuance policies and understand the requirements set by your program in order to remain enrolled.

  2. Know the deadline to withdraw from courses (which usually occurs during the first 40% of the course). Consider withdrawing from any course in which you are unlikely to get at least a C grade. If you withdraw before the deadline you will receive a W, which is not included in the calculations for your GPA at UFV.

  3. Try to find more time to study. Plan to spend at least two hours of study time for every hour in class and allow extra time to study for mid-terms and final exams. If you work, consider reducing your hours. Take fewer courses so you can focus your efforts.

  4. Start going for help at the Math Centre or the Academic Success Centre early in the semester.

  5. Attend one of the study skills workshops that are offered each semester through Counselling Services or enroll in one of the academic support courses that are offered for credit.

  6. Consider upgrading your math or English Skills. Only post-secondary courses (those numbered 100 or higher) are included in your GPA calculation.

  7. Consider re-taking courses in which you have received low grades. This is the fastest way to improve your GPA because only the highest grade is included in the calculation. However, if you hated the course and are dreading the idea of taking it again, this may not be the best option.

  8. Talk to your instructors during their office hours. Ask them what steps you need to take in order to succeed.

  9. If your career goals are unclear and you’re not sure why you are at university, make an appointment to meet with a counsellor to discuss your career directions. Consider attending one of the Career and Life Planning Workshop s that are offered each semester through Counselling Services.

  10. Make an appointment with a counsellor to talk about your study habits and any personal or family issues that may be making it hard for you to focus on school.


Good luck!