Category: Academics & Studying

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What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?

What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?
What do teachers think of those who sleep in class?

I’m sorry you’re getting such insufficient sleep at night that you’re falling asleep in class. I think your concern should be more about missing the most crucial hours of your BC education than about your professor’s attitudes, which could be any mix of annoyance, disregard, or concern. I do recommend apologizing to your professor & explaining the reason. I know one college teacher who had been annoyed about a sleeping student until he found out the student was working a full-time night job to pay tuition. If your reasons are less noble, maybe don’t mention them, but commit to changing habits so you can stay awake.

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How do people do well in Orgo?

How do people do well in Orgo?
How do people do well in Orgo?

Orgo is one of the subjects I hear about frequently. Most students find it challenging. Things that can help are: forming a study group, getting peer tutoring at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors), and going to your professor’s office hours and asking questions. But there’s no getting around the need to spend a lot of time studying. Best of luck!

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How do I recover from a C on an exam in a class that only has 2 exams total as my final grade?

How do I recover from a C on an exam in a class that only has 2 exams total as my final grade?
How do I recover from a C on an exam in a class that only has 2 exams total as my final grade?

First, check the syllabus. There are many possible scenarios for those who have a rocky start; the exams may not have equal weight, the professor may consider improvement in the second exam, they may give options for extra credit. If that’s not the case, I recommend going the the professor’s office hours and having a frank discussion. And, of course, peer tutoring is available at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors).

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How am I supposed to write 3 papers in 2 days?

How am I supposed to write 3 papers in 2 days?
How am I supposed to write 3 papers in 2 days?

Write them at a rate of 1.5 papers per day? You could try asking for an extension. But it sounds like you could use some support with time management. Academic Coaching at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) can give you some ideas for how to not wind up in this situation next time.

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People around always make me laugh.

People around always make me laugh. I can't study!!
People around always make me laugh. I can’t study!!

It’s really a great thing that you get so much joy from your fellow students, but I can see how this could become a problem. Can you explain the situation to your study friends, and ask them to help you out with a more serious environment… just while you’re studying? Afterwards, they can revert to being their hysterically funny selves.

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prove by induction that…

prove by induction that l + r +r^2 + ... r^n = (r^(n+1)-1)/(r-1) for all n ∈ N and numbers r≠1
prove by induction that l + r +r^2 + … r^n = (r^(n+1)-1)/(r-1) for all n ∈ N and numbers r≠1

I could answer this, but I’m concerned that maybe you can’t, and you need to be able to. How about getting some friendly peer tutoring at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors)?

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Best way to study for finance?

Best way to study for finance? Yes tutors and reading work helps but what else? (Som student strategying here)
Best way to study for finance? Yes tutors and reading work helps but what else? (Som student strategying here)

Everyone’s best way to study is a little different, so continuing to experiment is a good idea. Some people remember better when they write things down, some when they speak them aloud. Some people need to study different subjects different: one of my helpers who is good with history and English discovered that if he spent four times as much study time on his math courses that his grades went up dramatically. BC also has hundreds of books on study skills–take a look at a few and try a few of their suggestions out. bit.ly/bc-study

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I already had to take 4 years of Theology…

I already had to take 4 years of Theology in High School. Is there any way to fight the system so i don't have to retake it here? I already speak another language kunama. I know that I have to prove I can speak it, but there aren't that many Kunama people. How can I pass the language require[ment]?
I already had to take 4 years of Theology in High School. Is there any way to fight the system so i don’t have to retake it here? I already speak another language kunama. I know that I have to prove I can speak it, but there aren’t that many Kunama people. How can I pass the language require[ment]?

Your academic dean would be the person to contact regarding documenting your Kunama ability, and should also be able to rule on the theology requirement.

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日本語の大切な文法を忘れています。(I am forgetting important grammar in Japanese.)

日本語の大切な文法を忘れています。日本語を自然に話すようになりたい。I am forgetting important grammar in Japanese. I want to speak Japanese fluently.
日本語の大切な文法を忘れています。日本語を自然に話すようになりたい。(I am forgetting important grammar in Japanese. I want to speak Japanese fluently. )

What you probably need more than anything is conversation. There’s a Japan Club of BC, but it might be a little inactive. Try emailing them: jcbccontact@gmail.com. If you don’t get a response, try contacting the Office of Student Involvement: bc.edu/osi. Or you can check out these language resources: bit.ly/bc-japanese-resources. Or contact Asian Studies to see if they have additional solutions: bit.ly/bc-asian-studies

As VP of the Japan club, I can assure you that we are very active. Come check us out at Night Market Oct 24 6-8 PM at O'Neill Plaza!!
As VP of the Japan club, I can assure you that we are very active. Come check us out at Night Market Oct 24 6-8 PM at O’Neill Plaza!!

Ooooooh, I’m so embarrassed! (And so glad all these post-its cover my blushing!) My helpers should have looked into this more deeply. Well, now we all know! Find the Japanese Club (and many other cultural groups) at the Night Market on Oct 24: bit.ly/bc-night-market. Food! Games! Prizes!

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Studying isn’t working.

Studying isn't working. I need help, I always get a B or lower in class and it's getting to me
Studying isn’t working. I need help, I always get a B or lower in class and it’s getting to me

I’m sorry you’re stuck in the B’s. The Connors Family Learning Center (CFLC: bit.ly/BC-connors) has exactly what you need: 1) tutors who can help you get unstuck, and approach your subjects in new ways. 2) An academic coach who can help you adopt new study strategies, because different subjects and different workloads demand a variety of approaches. Good luck! I know you can do this!

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Why do I fail tests?

Why do I fail tests?
Why do I fail tests?

It’s distressing, for sure.There could be many reasons. Academic coaching and tutoring at the CFLC (bit.ly/BC-connors) may be just the thing, but I’d also suggest a talk with your advisor. We all want you to succeed here!

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Do my professors want me to succeed?

Do my professors want me to succeed? Becauseeee idk about that
Do my professors want me to succeed? Becauseeee idk about that

As a whole, yes. I can’t speak for all of them. Some may set up what seem like barriers to you, but are intended as challenges to deepen your knowledge of a subject. IOW, they want you to succeed, but they want you to succeed at a challenging level. I recommend a) meeting with the professor to clarify objectives and get help, b) seeing if there’s a tutor for your class at the CFLC (bit.ly/BC-connors), and c) organizing a supportive study group.

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I just dropped gen chem…

I just dropped gen chem with wolfman, and I feel super relieved, but I feel like a failure. My friends talk about studying for chem all the time , and I'm relieved that I don't have to do that, but sad that I feel like I can't be successful anymore. what to do from here, wall?
I just dropped gen chem with wolfman, and I feel super relieved, but I feel like a failure. My friends talk about studying for chem all the time , and I’m relieved that I don’t have to do that, but sad that I feel like I can’t be successful anymore. what to do from here, wall?

My librarian friends who are blessed with lungs say take a deep breath — it’s OK to chill and regroup.  I know you’ve heard it before, but life is a marathon, not a sprint.  You may want try chemistry again next semester, or, perhaps, it’s time to redirect your academic focus.  Consider checking in with your academic advisor.  Take a look at the classic, What Color is your Parachute (O’Neill Library HF5383 .B56).  Even though it’s for job hunting/career stuff, it may help you think about what gives you joy, your interests, and your strengths.

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I dropped calc II. … Feel like a failure.

I dropped calc II. It's much easier than what my Chinese peers learn back home. But I have trouble fitting it in schedule and need to protect GPA. Feel like a failure.
I dropped calc II. It’s much easier than what my Chinese peers learn back home. But I have trouble fitting it in schedule and need to protect GPA. Feel like a failure.

You’re not a failure! It sounds like you made a very rational decision. I hope you got input from your advisor? Also, if you feel a burning need to learn the material covered in calc II (and you might), you can take it later; this year, or even all your college years, are not your only opportunities.