[Shippo704]

This year is an overload. I am enrolled in 10 (soon to be 11) classes this semester and 9 (soon to be 10) next semester.

The amount of courses and work isn't that much of a problem for me. I'm usually pretty good with time management.

But this year, unlike last year, I actually don't get some of the basic concepts.

Last year I was in 9 classes per semester and barely had to try to get an A- average. This year, especially in my theory and applied study classes, I just can't seem to do it. It's weird in theory because it's supposed to be my strong point, and for applied study, I just can't make myself practice as often as I need to. If I don't make the MDL in my performance this year, it's going to be really tough in the next two years. And I'm also on track for not getting my degree in three years (even though I have to to continue my concurrent program) because the director of my faculty won't let me enroll in the one last course that I need to be able to complete the degree on time.

In short, I feel like I'm screwed here, even though it's only three weeks into semester. It's not even the hard part yet and I already feel behind.

I've thought about talking to the professors in the two classes giving me grief, but I'm really scared of people and I feel like asking for help is more or less cheating, even though I know that that is not the case. Whenever I think about going for help, I can't breathe and get scared and sweaty.

If anyone out there has any suggestions about what I can do (either about improving my grades or dealing with sy stresses about talking to the professors or someone else who can help) please let me know?

[Miswimmy1]

have you been diagnosed with anxiety and/or a learning disability? adhd? first of all, asking for help isn't cheating, it is actually a smart thing to do. if you aren't getting the info, its likely that someone else is having issues too. also, with an undiagnosed issue, such as adhd, you can go really far in school easily (like you said), until responsibilites get too much and you get overwhelmed. this was the case with me, and getting diagnosed changed my life. i think that getting looked at would be worthwhile.

[Tsuki632]

My school had a lot of support for struggling students. It's not cheating. Asking for help is hard (especially if you're a perfectionist like me) but it will save your sanity.

Your school should have a centre for students with disabilities, that might be a place to start. Or what we called the Learning Centre, they had a lot of resources for different learning strategies and peer tutoring. Perhaps the teaching style of your professors this semester doesn't mesh with your learning style? They can help with that.

Definitely talk to your professors, or TA. Can you email them if speaking to them is too stressful? I organize my thoughts better in writing. I also practice what I want to say. I find talking to authority figures incredibly anxiety producing, practicing helps.

Good luck to you

[MargoMay32]

I know I HATE having to talk to my professors about needing help. So when I come down to needing that I grab one of my friends who knows how to get me off my butt and gets me to contacting my professor. I normally will do an email to them first to just explain some of it out and then when I have a class with them I then go an talk to them or make an appointment for their office hours, and I bring a note card of what I'm going to need to talk to them about. It's scary at first but it's better than feeling like you have no place to go.

good luck.

i know it's hard to ask for help- when i was at school i was so embarrased to ask, i just pretended i knew it.. didon't really get me that far though

[Travelinglady]

I was a college prof for years and I really liked it when students approached me for help. I'd sit in my office during office hours and feel like I was being useless, sometimes! Besides, if you end up on the border of two grades at the end of the term, I'd likely give you the higher grade, knowing you were trying.

Also, do you know anyone in the classes who seems to be getting the material? Maybe you can work out a plan where you can seek their help.

I really admire you for taking on so much. Gee. Amazing!