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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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Which courses pose the biggest challenge for college freshmen?

Hi all, a bit stressed here, I'll be starting college soon, and I am trying to prepare as much as possible. I've heard some people mention some freshman classes that are notorious for being failed. Could you guys let me know about this, please?

2 years ago

The difficulty of courses can vary a lot depending on the college and the student's academic background. Generally, however, there are a few courses that tend to challenge a lot of freshmen:

1. Calculus: Often, students struggle with calculus if they've not taken it before or don't have a strong foundation in the preceding math courses. Calculus requires discipline and regular practice to stay on top of the materials.

2. Chemistry: Chemistry courses often have a lab component and the material can be complex and abstract, making it a challenging course, particularly for students on a pre-med or STEM track.

3. Physics: Like chemistry, physics often has a lab component and the concepts can be difficult to grasp. It also requires a good understanding of math.

4. Economics: While many students are introduced to economics in high school, the college-level course, particularly if it's a microeconomics or macroeconomics class, is typically a notch higher and often involves advanced math.

5. Philosophy: It can be quite challenging because of the abstract ideas and sometimes heavy readings. It also often requires strong attention to logic and argument analysis.

6. Computer Science: Coding or programming is not easy for everyone. The logic of coding and the technical aspects can be tricky, especially for students without prior experience.

The key to succeeding in these classes, and in your first year of college overall, is to stay organized and on top of your work, not be afraid to seek help when needed (from professors, TA's, or study groups), and take advantage of resources your school may offer, like tutoring centers. These can all help manage the workload and reduce the stress of challenging college courses.

2 years ago

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