Are you, for one reason or another, having a hard time making it academically at WPI? Do you start each term with a renewed sense of hope and energy only to lose steam and scramble to get through? Do you know exactly what you need to do, but you can't seem to get it together? Are you in a position where you have to get better grades this term or else...???
If any of these questions apply to you, you're not alone. Many students find themselves struggling with schoolwork at WPI, yet too many are afraid to ask for help. You may be embarrassed, feel like a failure, or just not know how and where to get help. There are all common hurdles that successful students eventually have to overcome. Now is the time for action! If you wait just a few more weeks it might be too late for anything short of damage control.
"So where do I begin?"
First you need to figure out what the problem is and then you can work on a solution. Becoming a better student may involve any combination of improving time management, stress management, study skills, motivation, or resolving personal problems. There is no one answer for every student, but any student who is willing to experiment with different approaches can become more successful at WPI. Counselors at the Student Development and Counseling Center (West Street House) can help you figure out where to start.
"But, I've already tried all sorts of things... nothing seems to work for me!"
Finding "the answer" is only half the battle. Improving academic performance usually involves changing habits, both in terms of studying and lifestyle. Changing habits takes time (usually 3 to 4 weeks) and effort (doing things you don't "feel like" doing). The good news is, once you've developed more effective habits it's much easier to maintain them and they will pay off for the rest of your college career. "I've never had academic problems before..."
If you breezed through high school, then you probably were never challenged to develop effective study habits. As you know, WPI is an extremely demanding academic environment; you have very little room for error or illness and minimal time to make adjustments. It's helpful to develop an approach to your schoolwork where you "expect the unexpected." You will see improvements in your performance in a short time if you dedicate yourself to taking some time and getting the help you need to make changes.
"I was doing fine before, but now I seem to be stuck."
Expect to get stuck at one time or another; sometimes it's a project, a particular class, or a personal problem of one sort or another that can get you off track. If you've tried to put a problem on hold and can't focus on your schoolwork, maybe talking about it will help. Even if the problem can't be "fixed", talking about it will probably help you concentrate more effectively on your schoolwork.
The bottom line is don't wait. Counselors at West Street House are experienced at helping students get on track academically, but remember it takes time to develop new habits. And don't expect that you should have to figure out your problems alone; get in, get ideas, and get support before it's too late this term. You can make an appointment to see a counselor by stopping by West Street House or calling us at 831-5540.