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)

What's the toughest course you've encountered in college?

Hey, everyone, curious high school junior here. I'm really interested in getting a glimpse of what college academics are like. To any current or former college students on here, I was wondering, what's the toughest course you had to take in college? And why was it so challenging?

a year ago

From what I've observed over the years, this really can vary significantly depending on the major and the individual student's background and strengths. That said, a common course that many students find challenging is Organic Chemistry in the pre-med track. This is often due to its reliance on both memorization and application of complex concepts. Students commonly struggle with visualizing molecules in three dimensions, predicting chemical reactions, and understanding the mechanisms by which these reactions occur.

Calculus (often Calculus II or Multivariable Calculus) is another course frequently mentioned as particularly tough. This can be attributed to its abstract nature, high problem-solving requirements, and the need to master a variety of different topics, including integration techniques, series, and in some cases, multivariable functions and partial derivatives.

However, it's important to remember that everyone's experience will differ. Some may find these courses manageable or even enjoyable, while others may struggle with completely different subjects. Personally developing your academic skills, study habits, and learning techniques is crucial for overcoming these challenges.

a year 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.