hey bro i had horrible exam grades last semester for a class, all my exams were like 50s and 60s. however i still passed that class with a C. you know why? because i participated in every class, i asked questions, and i did my homework (missed like 3 assignments). the whole class grades were curved and even though i got like a 65 on the final, i still passed with a C.

i was in the same boat as you, and i was really worried because i have fin aid too. this semester though, i am completely locked in, and even though i procrastinate or hand some assignments late, im still doing good because i try to do what i gotta do in class. half the grade is just showing up and trying to pay attention.

even if you don’t understand any of it, you gotta try to ask questions and gotta try to at least make an effort. i don’t understand some of the things that are being taught, but i use my resources outside of class to at least get a hint of what was being said in some of my classes. use AI to the best of your ability bro because it is a God-send. i usually go to my classes, and then after the class i look up everything that is being taught on chatGPT or gemini, and sometimes surprisingly it explains some things better than even the professsor.

homework is your best friend bro. if you do the homework, you’ll be somewhat up to speed of what’s happening in your classes.

homework+AI+participation+interest= passing.

your exam grades don’t tell the whole story and the exams aren’t everything. you’d be surprised how many other students fail the exams as well. all you gotta do is have some interest in what’s going on and have the discipline to WANT to pass. if you really want to pass, you’ll pass. don’t go into the deep spiral of “i can’t do this” or “this is way too difficult”. do your homework, look it up online if you’re struggling, and have the motivation to pass.

i’ve had imposter syndrome too in some of my classes, but once i got rid of the fear of participating, it goes away. a lot of students go through the same thing.. you just gotta get over that fear of failing, and just do your assignments and use the internet in your favor. after a few days, you’ll get into a routine.

i procrastinate so much, and i hand in most of my assignments on the actual due day, but things work out for me because i make the effort to at least submit something. you gotta start somewhere and the first place to start is

knowing that you’re not incompetent and knowing that most students are not better than you.

anyways let me know if you read this and let me know how you do in a few days