The Most Difficult College Classes

Hey friends, I'm trying to prepare myself for the rigor of college. What are some of the most infamous classes that students tend to drop in college, and why do they tend to be so challenging?

Sure, there are definitely some notorious college courses out there that have a reputation for being intense, both in terms of the material they cover and the workload they require. Let me mention a few:

1. Organic Chemistry: Often referred to as the "weed-out" class for pre-med and other health-related majors, Organic Chemistry is renowned for its grueling pacing and the complexity of its content. The subject requires an immense amount of memorization, as well as a deep understanding of multistep synthesis and reaction mechanisms.

2. Physics II: This class typically covers electromagnetism and is usually required for Physics, Engineering, and other STEM majors. The abstract concepts and heavy math basis make this a challenge for many students.

3. Introductory Computer Science: As most students have no prior experience in coding, the steep learning curve can be overwhelming. Those unfamiliar with the logic and rigor required for coding can find this class particularly challenging.

4. Calculus II: Calculus II includes topics like integration techniques, series, and sequences—these can be incredibly hard for students to grasp and keep track of, especially if their algebra and trigonometry skills are not strong.

5. Any language course, especially at intermediate/advanced levels: Developing fluency requires both technical knowledge (grammar, vocabulary etc) and the ability to understand cultural context and nuances. These courses often also have a pace that some students struggle to keep up with.

6. Advanced Lab Courses: For sciences like biology, chemistry, or physics, advanced lab courses require not only a deep understanding of the principles discussed in previous classes, but also diligent lab work and lab report writing, often requiring you to do research and understand the results of experiments.

Remember, the challenge posed by these courses often lies not only in their content, but also in the amount of time and effort required to master that content. It's not always about inherent difficulty—sometimes it’s more about the commitment. However, remember that difficulty is subjective: what is difficult for one person might not be as tough for another. Understanding your own academic strengths and learning style is crucial to navigating these challenges.