I need help!!! I have 5 classes this semester!!!?

Question

Ok, I have just started a regular semester in college (a freshman) and I have 5 classes this semester only twice a week. The problem is that there is ALOT of reading in 4 of these classes. Can anyone tell me how I can make the reading, learning, and keeping the things I read inside my head? I am finding out that it's hard to read and comprehend it so that I won't forget it. Is it really necessary to read everything in order to pass the class? I am taking psychology, english, sociology, college algebra, and political science. WHAT CAN I DO????? PLEASE HELP!!!!

Answer 1

5 classes is not really that difficult. I know at the start, it does seem like a lot though. I think that professors try to scare you with their syllabus and homework assignments the first few weeks.

However, in my experience, the readings are not usually necessary to do well in the class. I never even bought the book for my freshman sociology and psychology classes and still got all A's. The tests were straight from the professors lectures and notes. You could try asking the professor or TA what the tests will be based on.

If you need to do the readings, try doing only one or two subjects a day. Keep a different notebook for each class and write/highlight in different colors. If the reading is overwhelming, just skim through each paragraph and review the chapter summaries. Try to find a study friend in each class to review what was learned. They will really come in handy when it is time to take exams.

Answer 2

It would be helpful to have a schedule. Set aside a block of time for each class (outside of class time) specifically for reading assignments. You'll find that this will cut down on wasted time and will have a lot more time to do other things. FInd a quiet space with no distractions like the library (you could reserve a cubicle for specific times) or an empty classroom. Bring a bottle of water and a notepad. Write down important principles and definitions or whatever you think is necessary.

Also take short breaks - stretch, walk around, take a breath of fresh air or use the bathroom - but be ready to concentrate when you hit the books again. Take 5 minutes to review what you just read or made notes on before continuing. I had a study buddy in college who was in a few of my classes. She was also helpful even when we were reading for other classes because she was a source of motivation and just sheer company. This we did for the entire 4 years!

Why you are having a hard time reading and comprehending is b/c you are stressing that you will forget what you have just read. You won't forget! All you need to do is make sure that you listen actively in class, take notes AND have a reading schedule. If your professor encourages it, visit them during office hours and ask them questions. That's what they are there for, right? Good luck with your classes!

Answer 3

I've never had less than 7 classes a semester, actually last year I had an average of 10! That's a lot of reading, learning, researching and writing... It's not always necessary to read everything to pass successfully, but some professors can be really meticulous about details. Don't get panicked - that's the worst you can do. The start is always somewhat scary. You'll get used to it pretty soon. Make friends with people from your groups and work in collaboration - that can help a lot :)

Answer 4

It all comes down to the tests. Some professors test strictly by the book and you can ignore the lecture, others you can ignore the book and simply go by the lecture. Ask around and try and sort out which professors do what.

Know the syllabus and how much assignments are worth and what your grade is in the class, so you can work strategically.

Study something every day. Our minds can only absorb a little bit at a time. Cramming doesn't work well.

Find a system that works for you. It could be flash cards, a voice recorder, or retyping of notes. I use a combination of all 3.

Answer 5

First thing, relax. It is only the first week. You'll get used to it.

Next, sit down and make a schedule. Plan on at least 30 hours a week of studying. Yes, it's a lot, but if you treat school like a job you'll do well.

Then figure out when you do work the best. I am best at doing work before 10 am and after 8 pm (which is why I am on Yahoo Answers and not writing my paper now). What I do is get to the library at 8 am and study until 10:30/11. Then I go to lunch, classes, work out, nap, watch trash TV, and play with my friends. It is useless for me to try to do work. It just won't happen. After dinner I make myself a cup of coffee and lock myself in the library until 1 am. I get 9 hours of studying done a day at the times which work for me.

Also, take notes when you read. It takes longer, but you'll remember more of it. Focus on vocab and key ideas. These will be a life savor as a cheat-sheet in class and to study for tests. After you are done reading the chapter, go back and reread your notes to make sure you get it.

You normally need to read everything. It may not seem like it, but you never know when a teacher will throw it to you on a test or a quiz. Once you have had the prof before you'll know when you can skip a reading.

If you still have trouble, your normall, and you need to ask for help. Study with a classmate (notice I didn't say friend? It is almost impossible to get work done with friends), ask your professors for help (they don't bite, I promise), or see if you can get a tutor.

English-- should be mostly about writing papers. If you can write well, most of the reading will be how well you understand and can explain it.
Psychology-- there is some science in the beginning, but most of it is common sense and easy. Straight memorization. Make flashcards to understand the key concepts.
Sociology-- common sense with a vocabulary. Use flashcards to master the vocab and you'll be fine.
Algebra-- pretty simple once you get working with letters. If you get lost, get help ASAP because it is hard to catch up.
Poli Sci-- read the main stories of the NY Times (www.nytimes.com) everyday. Major suck up points. Also do all of the reading because profs will throw it back at you all semester.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

It sounds like you're going to need to budget your time. Once you get the hang of how much effort you're going to need to put into each class, then you're going to need to sit down and do the work.
You can also try study groups. For instance, you could get together with your psychology group (say 3 people) and each person outlines and types up notes for what would be 1/3 of the chapter. Then y'all get together or email each other the notes, and your life is instantly easier!!! Pick people you can depend on and who don't slack.
In my experience, I pledged and joined a sorority and that same semester I got onto the Dean's List!! Because I was so busy with my sorority, I was able to really work on time management.
Also, don't binge drink or develop bad habits...people who drink more get worse grades than people who don't, studies have shown.
Don't freak out and talk to your professors. You can do it!!

Answer 7

I always found it best to take notes as I was reading....I find that I remember things better if I write it down...so when I have a break from class for a day, when the teacher asks a question about something we read, I remember it because I had to write it down. But this doesn't always work for everyone....you may need to experiment with this and other methods suggested by other people before you find what works best for you.

Answer 8

as you spend time in each class, you'll have to learn what is important and what is not so important. no reason to spend a lot of time on the non-important. just guessing, but some of the sociology will probably be common sense, and the algebra won't take much time... unless math is a problem, then it might drive you nuts.

go to class. pay attention in class. you'll probably be tested over a lot of stuff in your notes, so know them well. review daily for a few minutes. if you fall behind, then say "goodbye" to a weekend and catch up. discipline.

oh, and enjoy the time.

Answer 9

First of all, go to Tutoring and find out -- or try the college Library -- they will know where to send you to brush up your study skills.
What I did when in college was balance -- I tried to put half classes on like Tues/Thurs, and the other half on Mon/Weds/Fri - - which worked out great. You now have three weekdays to study -- and you DO need to read and comprehend the assignments for all of the courses listed -- and try Index Cards or Notes for each class in SEPARATE Notebooks.

Answer 10

Face reality. That is college life. Hate it and hate it a lot.
To keep up with the subjects you take, you have no choice but to sacrifice most of your free time and forcefully memorize everything to your brain (and hopefully, pray that they stay there up till exam...INTACT!).
If you are hoping to see an atmosphere of critical thinking, I am sorry but as an undergraduate you are more expected to be parrots with encyclopedic memory powers instead of young Einsteins (heck, Einstein even admitted that he had poor memory). So play their game and spend a lot of time every day on the desk, verbally reciting repeatedly the notes your lecturer give you.

One more thing...the greatest mistake students make is letting their memory decay when the exam is near. To prevent this from happening, recite the notes you remembered several times before going to bed everyday, even if you think you will never forget it (You WILL forget some of it without realising it. Trust me on this).