what to do if you're failing a college course

1. Don’t Stop Showing Up. It is completely possible to be failing a college class because of attendance. ...
2. Approach your professor. If you have been attending classes consistently but still struggling with the course your first step should be to contact your professor and to make an ...
3. Understand what you need to do. Once you have made an appointment to chat with your professor, you need to ask them to help you better understand what it ...
4. Make use of student services. Most colleges have a plethora of resources available to students, you just need to ask around. ...
5. Get in touch with your academic advisor. Your academic advisor is in a good position to advocate for you and help you formulate a long-term plan to reach your ...
Look for a tutor. Never be too proud to admit that you need a tutor, they are there for a reason. ...
Utilize online resources. There are so many different resources available online that could help you if you find yourself failing a class.
Get in touch with other students. You are more than likely not alone, and you should be able to find students in the same boat as you.
Look for extra credit. Talk to your professor to see if there is any possibility of gaining extra credits. ...
Stay positive. The most important thing is to stay positive. You have come this far, and you need to do your best to keep going.

Full Answer

What to do if you fail a class in college?

One of the reasons you have an academic advisor is to help you out in situations like this. Reach out to that person: he or she will likely know the ins and outs of the academic process at your university. Be honest with yourself about why you failed a class.

Does failing a college class ruin your life?

So, if you have failed several classes, then there’s a high chance they may decline to approve your admission. Does Failing a College Class Ruin Your Life? No. Failing a college class doesn’t mean your life is ruined.

Can you get kicked out of college for failing a class?

Because college tends to be highly competitive, institutions tend to have policies around failing classes. On the strict end, some schools might consider multiple failings as grounds for dismissal because it may signal you don’t take the education seriously or are unfit for the major.

What should parents do when students fail at school?

As parents you must remember to be the adults in the situation, and recognize that a student may shut down, avoid, or even stop communicating in the face of such problems. Students will need a plan to get back on track, whether it means at their school or another, because repeated failures will prevent them from ever graduating.

What do I do if I fail a class in college?

Consider repeating the course. Over 90% of colleges allow undergraduates to take a failed class again to improve their grade. Depending on the school, the new grade may replace the F on your transcript — or both grades may appear, with the new grade replacing the F in your GPA calculation.

Is it OK to fail a college class?

A failing grade will likely hurt your GPA (unless you took the course pass/fail), which could jeopardize your financial aid. The failure will end up on your college transcripts and could hurt your chances of getting into graduate school or graduating when you originally planned to.

Is failing college the end of the world?

Failing a class is not the end of the world, or even of your college experience. It doesn't mean you're stupid, or that you chose the wrong major and won't be able to cut it in the real world. It simply means that you have something to improve on and a goal to work toward in your education.

Is it better to drop a class or fail?

Failing & Then Re-Taking a Class Croskey notes that dropping a class is better than withdrawing, but withdrawing is better than failing. “A failing grade will lower the student's GPA, which may prevent a student from participating in a particular major that has a GPA requirement,” Croskey says.

Why do students fail classes?

Here are some common reasons why students fail classes and what you can do about them: Focusing too much on partying and not enough on academics . You don't have to be a hermit, but try to find ways to socialize that don't involve partying. If you can't cut this out altogether, at least dial it back.

What to do if you can't cut this out?

If you can't cut this out altogether, at least dial it back. Overcommitting to too many extracurricular activities or a part-time job. If you're stretching yourself too thin, something's gotta give. If your part-time job is essential for your finances, keep it but try not to work more hours than you absolutely have to.

How to get work done on time?

Getting work done on time is a challenge that's all too common. Set up regular study hours and stick to them. Once you make studying a habit, it will become easier for you to keep the momentum going. Turning in assignments late or not following directions. Life does happen.

Can failing a class affect financial aid?

Many schools allow for an academic slip-up here and there (financially speaking), but if you are on academic probation, are not taking enough credit units, or have any other sort of complication, failing a class can have a major impact on financial aid. Check with your financial aid office to learn what a failed grade may mean for your particular ...

Do parents know your grades?

Your parents may not have a legal right to know your grades, but putting a failed grade out into the open will give you one less thing to stress about. Hopefully, your parents will provide you with the emotional support and the concrete advice you'll need to keep yourself on track.

Can you end up in the wrong class?

There are times you simply end up in the wrong class with the wrong teacher. While you might have to take a class again to meet the requirements of your program, see if someone else is teaching a similar course. If not, you might simply have to bite the bullet and do whatever you can to pass next time. If possible, simply avoid taking classes ...

Can stellar students fail college classes?

Updated October 22, 2019. Even stellar students fail college classes sometimes. It's not the end of the world, but it is a good idea to make a game plan to minimize the damage to your academic record and prevent it from happening again.

What happens if you fail a college class?

If this happens and you fail a college class, you might be completely lost as to what to do next. Your grades are important for so many different reasons, ...

How to help someone who is failing a class?

There are so many different resources available online that could help you if you find yourself failing a class. Academic sites, tutoring sites, and even YouTube can help with repetition, understanding, and researching new information.

What happens if my GPA drops below 2.0?

If your GPA does drop below a 2.0, you’ll be placed on academic probation or marked as ‘ineligible for aid.’. However, if you fail the same class twice or have failed multiple classes, you will have to talk to the financial aid department of your school.

What happens to your GPA if you fail a class?

GPA. Your grade point average, GPA, will be affected if you fail a class. Each grade you earn is assigned a value, and these values are added up and then divided by the number of classes you take. Failing a class, and receiving a 0, could have a huge impact on your GPA.

Can you fail a class because of attendance?

It is completely possible to be failing a college class because of attendance. Sometimes we think that because we have the syllabus and the textbook, we can study and just show up for the final. Although that may be the case for some, it’s not the case for most! Always show up to you college classes, even if you don’t feel like it.

2. Talk to Your Teacher

If you feel like the written feedback isn’t enough to help you do better on revisions and future assignments, approach your instructor and have a reflection session with them. Meeting with your instructor is a great opportunity because it helps you to understand what you did wrong to fail one or more tests.

3. Ask for Help Online

Navigating through college can be tough. You have hours of lectures to sit through every day, assignments to complete, and exams to write. It can be quite overwhelming, especially as you advance your education in college.

4. Form Study Groups for Difficult Subjects

Maybe you’re failing college because some of your classes are exceptionally difficult. If that’s the case, form study groups in which you can help each other to discuss concepts, questions, and solutions to difficult problems.

5. Motivate Yourself to Succeed

If you’re doing well in some classes and not so in others, there’s a high chance you don’t have the motivation to succeed. Unfortunately, not having the motivation to work hard on a subject is a recipe for automatic failure, so you need to find a solution to this problem and do so fast.

6. Set Realistic Goals

You’re failing in college not because you’re not smart but because you don’t have realistic goals. In fact, not having an achievement to look up to means you’re not working towards achieving anything. You tend to be in school just for the sake of it and failure is more than likely forthcoming.

What to do before dropping a class?

The most important thing to do before dropping a class or having a mental breakdown is to assess the situation. Check your grades online, and figure out what your average to date. If you're close to passing and still have two tests to take in the future, it's likely you can still pass if you study your ass off.

What to do if you are uncertain about passing a class?

If you're uncertain you will pass your class by the end of the semester, talk to your professor. They'll be able to assess your performance, and your probable grade by the end of the course. When talking to him or her, be sure you take responsibility for your actions.

How to stick through a class?

Don't procrastinate, review your class notes in advance, and set a schedule to allot time for future exams . Also, it might be time to figure out how to become the teacher's pet. Participate as much as you can; always ask about opportunities for extra credit, ask your professor's opinion on your paper—do anything you can to impress your professor, and show your commitment to the course.

What does it mean to fail a class?

Don't worry, failing a class (or, at least, the fear of failing) is an experience that most, if not all, college students experience at one time or another. As soon as you realize you're in the danger zone, it's important to take action immediately. Your opportunities to bring up your grade, or just drop the class altogether, ...

Is failing a class a failure?

In the grand scheme of things, failing one class doesn't make you a failure. Many college students have failed a class before, and still graduate with a stellar GPA and continue on post-college to lead successful lives. Ultimately, failing a class is a tough lesson learned. Come away from it a better, more self-aware student. Use the misstep to motivate you to do even better the following semester, and put your mistakes that much further behind you.

Is it bad to assess your own shortcomings?

Image via Complex Original. It can be really difficult to assess your own shortcomings, but it's a necessary evil if you want to become a better student and avoid these stressful situations. Your professor is never going to seek you out and give you a step-by-step rundown on how to improve your grade.

How to make sure college isn't your whole life?

14. Make Sure College isn’t your Whole Life. If you’re failing college, you need to think about your mental health. You might be failing college, but life goes on afterwards . So step back, take a deep breath, and remember to put college aside sometimes.

Why do I need friends outside of college?

You need friends outside of university in order to make sure you have a balanced life and a good support network. So … if you haven’t got a hobby or friends outside of college, work on it. It’ll be so, so valuable to you if you do end up failing out of college. 15.

What are some alternatives to college?

I have a full post on alternatives to college that I recommend you check out. On that post, I offer some options for you, like: 1 Going travelling: you can do this on the cheap by volunteering around the world. 2 Becoming a flight attendant, policy officer, or military personnel: each of these job options don’t require you to have a degree, but they have good benefits and can give you a solid career. 3 Studying in community college: do a vocational qualification rather than a university degree. These qualifications are more hands-on so less intellectually demanding. But, they still lead to well paid trade jobs in the end.

What happens if you don't understand the essay question?

If your professor wrote that you “didn’t understand the essay question”, “misinterpreted” it or “wrote the wrong essay”, then you might not be in as much trouble as you thought.

What is the first type of student who comes back from work experience?

The first (and most common) type of student who comes back from work experience is the ‘a renewed sense of purpose’ student . This student has found out from work experience that, yes, this is the career they want!

What is the most underused resource at a university?

Your library is the most underused resource at your university. And you’re paying through the nose for it. If you’re failing college, you must as a top priority go onto your university library webpage and look for study and writing classes they offer. Libraries usually offer great classes, such as:

What Happens If You Fail a Class In College?

Failing a class in college means that your grade didn’t make the cut over that semester. And it may happen due to various issues. For instance, you may come across a hard class, it may be health issues, you are facing family troubles, or you’ve simply given up on that class. So, what happens if you fail a class in college?

How Many Classes Can You Fail In College?

Most colleges will allow three to four fails of a class. However, you shouldn’t allow it to get to this point, especially if you are failing the class due to issues within your control. If you fail a class the first time, it will be highly advisable to do whatever you can to improve your grades.

Can I Still Graduate If I Fail a Class In College?

Yes. You can still graduate after failing a class in college. However, the policy will vary from one college to the other. For example, if your college has a near-pass policy, it will allow you to participate in the graduation ceremony if you are a course or two short.

Do You Have to Pay Back Financial Aid If You Fail a Class?

It will depend on the type of financial aid. If the financial aid is a loan, you will have to pay it back, regardless of whether you fail a class or pass. If you are on a scholarship, you will not have to pay it back after failing a class. However, the scholarship may be withdrawn.

Does Pass No Pass Look Bad?

A pass no pass is an arrangement where you choose to take a particular course without worrying about the grade you will get. As long as you complete the course at the C level or above, you will get a pass on your transcript. And if you finish the course at the D level or lower, you will get a no pass on your transcription.

Why Do College Students Fail?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 30% of students who join college fail to graduate. So, why do some students in college fail to complete their programs? Here are a few reasons that may explain why.

What Happens If You Fail 2 Classes In College?

If you fail two classes in college during a single semester, there’s a high chance that you will be put under academic probation. During this period, you will be allowed to remain in school. However, you must be ready to work towards raising your grades in order to meet the school’s minimum GPA requirements.

What to do if you fail a class?

Even if you do fail, you can retake the class and ask for help. Although it will negatively impact your GPA and could affect your financial obligations, you can bounce back. Start by asking for more help and studying differently or harder if you retake the course. Most importantly, don’t give up.

How to raise your grade when you are failing?

If you are headed towards failing a class, don’t lose hope! Try these ideas to help raise your grade or to ensure you do better next time: 1. Ask for help. Be sure to speak to your professor or adviser for alternatives to studying or better understanding the material. 2.

What happens when you retake a class?

Additionally, when you retake a class, some schools let the new grade replace the F, whereas others combine the scores. 3. Potential Dismissal. Because college tends to be highly competitive, institutions tend to have policies around failing classes.

What happens if you fail a scholarship?

Therefore, if you fail, you could lose the scholarship, or even worse, have to pay back any money that has already been issued.

Why is it important to know why you fail?

The reason why you fail is important to know, because if it’s in your control, you can change things. But, in any event, there are consequences of failing. Here’s what you need to know if it happens: 1. GPA.

Why do schools dismiss multiple failings?

On the strict end, some schools might consider multiple failings as grounds for dismissal because it may signal you don’t take the education seriously or are unfit for the major. 4. Financial Aid. Grants and loans that offer financial aid for enrolled students tend to have their own policies regarding failing a class.

Can you retake a class if you fail?

If your class is required for your major and you fail it, you will have to take it again. However, each school’s policies differ in terms of retakes. Some colleges limit the number of times you can retake. Additionally, when you retake a class, some schools let the new grade replace the F, whereas others combine the scores.

How to stop college from being over?

1. Breathe. I know what you’re thinking. Everything is over, there’s no going back, and your college career is over. Trust me, it’s not. Take a deep breath. There are a lot of options ahead of you. Please don’t give up so soon. 2.

What to ask yourself when you are struggling?

There are lots of questions to ask yourself while you are going through this. Did you not work hard enough? Did you work too hard? What was going on in your life when you realized you were struggling? Did you study enough? Be real with yourself. The more you deny and place blame on other things or people, the harder it’s going to be in the long run. Think about if college is really for you, or maybe it’s a fix as small as a major change. Either way, really think about your future and whether or not that still includes being a student.

How to distract yourself from stress?

Working or volunteering is a great way to distract yourself from stress. You can also take up several hobbies if you have some time on the side. Make a list of things you’ve wanted to do but couldn’t because you spent so much time at school. 6. Prepare for reinstatement.

How to get a second chance after being dismissed?

Work on your appeal. Depending on your university, there could be a chance to be given an immediate second chance after you are dismissed. Most colleges give the opportunity to write an appeal letter, which allows you to explain what happened to your GPA. Be honest, and don’t try to get the easy way back in.

Should I take a couple classes while away from school?

Taking just a couple classes is a great start. Working on your education while away from your designated college shows that you’re taking the upper hand and trying your hardest to return to school after your original plan took a hit . Remember: there’s absolutely no shame in finishing your degree at a community college.

What happens if a student fails a class?

Generally speaking, if a student fails a class, parents don’t take it as a sign of overall problems that need addressed. It’s usually when the student is assigned a negative status at their college that they start to take it seriously. The common statuses, with each having their own level of severity, are:

Why do kids fail in college?

Experts know that there can be many possible reasons for a child is failing in college, ranging from a poor choice of college or major to skills issues, hidden medical problems, and others. Ask your child about the problems they’re experiencing, then talk with a professional who can assess exactly what the issues are. Your son or daughter might be having common problems, or they may be experiencing ones that you were not aware of. College failure can repeat itself, so focus on identifying the problems to permanently solve them, which is the right strategy for their overall success.

What is the difference between a small college and a large college?

Smaller colleges tend to be more open to parents, while larger colleges may only give you the bureaucratic run-around. Gather more information about your son or daughter’s academic status, like probation or suspension, and clarify any stipulations or requirements the school sets for such students.

How long does it take to get dismissed from a college?

Dismissal is permanent, but this can be relative for some colleges since they will reconsider them at some later point. However, this may be five to ten years from the date of dismissal, which effectively locks them out of that college during traditional college age. 2. Protect Your Child’s GPA.

Why can't parents do college?

Many parents reach a point where they just can’t do it themselves, either due to relationship dynamics, or because they lack the expertise. With college costs rising, and graduation times increasing, and the benefits of graduation still being clear it’s important to do what is needed for students to earn their degree.

Can parents help if their child is not successful in college?

Find Professional Help When Needed. It can be very difficult for parents when their child is not successful in college. What I’ve heard most from parents is that self-intervention typically doesn’t work, and they said their child tuned them out, didn’t respond, or that it even caused friction in their relationship.

Can a student function well in college?

There is a faulty belief that any student can function well at any college, and in human terms this is simply not true. No person can function equally well in all environments, and this is especially true when it comes to academics.