Midterms are just about over, and many students are facing the moment of truth: Am I going to pass this class or not?
There’s a bit of a sinking feeling when you see that you’ve failed a midterm. Part of you knows that if you failed the midterm, chances are you won’t be passing the class. This doesn’t count for students whose professors don’t offer midterms or the midterm is only a meager percentage of your grade.
But for those of you who didn’t do too well on the midterm, and it negatively affects your grade, here are some steps you can take to turn things around.
Talk to your professor
I don’t mean suck up to your professor. I don’t mean cry and beg. I mean talk. Many professors really aren’t bad people. Not all of them are out to get their students. Some of them truly want to help, and if you talk to them, they’ll put you down the path of redemption.
Extra credit, anyone?
So, you know all those extra credit assignments you didn’t feel like doing? Now is the time to start doing them. Many people end up passing classes ONLY because they did the extra credit that was offered. You may not think you need to do those extra assignments, and you probably think you don’t have the time; however, you need to make the time in order to bring your grade back up to where it needs to be.
Get help
If it comes down to the fact that you don’t understand the concepts being taught, then the best thing to do is to find someone to help you. Many colleges offer free tutoring services for students that you can take advantage of. Or, if you’re lucky, you might have a friend that’s proficient in the subject you’re struggling in. Whatever the case may be, get someone who can help you to learn the concepts you’re having trouble with.
Consider withdrawing
If you find that your grade is just dead and there’s no way to salvage it, then consider withdrawing from the class. If you withdraw from the class, it won’t show up on your transcript as a failed class and it won’t affect your GPA. Look into your school’s policies to see how it works at the school you attend.
But still, don’t give up
Nobody wants to fail a class, but if you find that that’s where you’re headed, you want to be able to say that you did everything you could. Exhaust every method or resource available to you to try to bring your grade back to where it needs to be. The extra work and effort will be worth it in the end – trust me.
What are some ways you’ve been able to bring your grade back up?
