Brittany, I am a college Learning Specialist, and I think you need to examine several issues. Ask yourself --do you use your time efficiently, or do you fritter it away? Are you studying "ACTIVELY" and taking practice tests, or are you just reading over the material, thinking you know it? There's a big difference in studying by doing and being a passive recipient, where you can begin to daydream. Are you accessing help when you're confused? Do you figure out what went wrong on your tests, so you don't repeat the error? If you can honestly say you're doing all of the above properly, then maybe it's time to try 12 credits instead of 15. The other issue is ADD meds - do you take any, and if so, do you time the medication so you're at your peak while in class and when doing homework? There are so many factors involved in success that I think you need to examine the reason(s) behind your pattern. The answer might be to alter your habits,or perhaps take 12 credits. I think anyone would agree that a solid GPA trumps speed -- especially in this highly competitive job market. Conquer College with LD/ADD http://www.conquercollegewithld.com

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I also found that when things overwhelmed me that my grades would go down. It not easy but maybe should cut down the courses and also find the ADD/ADHD counselors all university colleges are suppose to have. If you do this sometimes they can work out with you a schedule to fit your special needs. such as papers due extension without losing points time, exam time allotment etc. You will need a note from your doctor but it was worth it. My Gpa went from a 3.0 to 3.8 when I made the change. It may also help to talk to your parents because it maybe that they will lose money and a lower GPA will lose any grants, scholarshipp etc that you maybe getting some time alittle longer is better too fast and low grades in this work enviroment a solid grades will look atbetter than to low.

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Hey, there! School ate my life, as always, so I haven't been able to check back.

Over the last few weeks I've started to realize that my main issue with studying is directly connected to my emotional state. I will come back from classes each day ready to start on homework, and perhaps work on it for a hours before receiving a call or e-mail from my mother. The negativity and derogatory impact of that communication makes my motivation to do anything shut down, and I end up spending the rest of the night fuming and unable to accomplish anything. There's a lot of background to the issues I have with this situation, but it's far too long to go into and only vaguely related to the college course issue.

I've started gradually working toward minimizing communication on weekdays, except for absolutely necessary conversations, and I've noticed a big difference in my productivity levels. Unfortunately, it's a bit late in the year/semester to change much this time around, but hopefully I can manage to continue the trend this fall and through my summer (online) courses.

I'm also working toward some different study methods to aid my retention; I'm still sort of adjusting after twelve years of being able to just sit in class or skim a book and be able to ace a test. Next year, I'll be living in a sorority house, so hopefully I'll be able to get more help with a roommate and other girls to drill me on information I need to memorize.

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I always got sucked in with too much. In the beginning of the semester, I was always too bored and not stimulated enough.

Of course, if you feel challenged in the beginning of the semester, it would be easy to get over head in the second half.

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