Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Most Stressful College Classes

Hey everyone, I've heard that some college classes can be really intense. I'm curious to know which ones are considered the most stressful and how do students typically handle them?

9 months ago

Hello! College classes do vary significantly in terms of stress level, and what one student finds stressful may not be as taxing to another. The difficulty and intensity of a class often depend both on the subject matter and the particular instructor's expectations.

As a general observation, however, many students report that calculus, organic chemistry, and physics classes can be challenging and stressful due to their complex concepts and rigorous problem-solving requirements. For those studying the humanities, highly theoretical courses like advanced philosophy or literature can also be demanding due to heavy readings and intense critical thinking.

On the more "hands-on" side, architecture and engineering courses are notorious for late-night project work and demanding practical assignments. Many pre-med students also often highlight the stress associated with biology and anatomy classes due to the amount of memorization required.

To navigate these demanding courses, many successful students recommend starting assignments early, consistently studying a bit each day instead of trying to cram, and seeking help as soon as they encounter difficulties. This could be from classmates, TA's, professors, or tutors. There are usually numerous resources available on campus to assist students who are struggling, from tutoring centers to office hours with professors and TAs. It's all about identifying your own learning style and using the resources that work best for you.

Let's also not overlook the importance of maintaining proper physical and mental health during demanding courses. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices can significantly reduce stress, boost performance, and enhance the overall learning experience. All those factors should be part of your strategy to handle these intense classes.

Remember, everyone has different strengths and tolerances when it comes to stress. The "most stressful" class will differ from person to person. You might find a class that other students consider tough to be enjoyable and vice versa. So, it's also about finding a balance that works for you.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.