Ryan ChartrandI won’t go on about how my winter break was and hope that you had a good one too because I know you got that e-mail. Yes, that dreaded e-mail. The one that says you’re on academic probation, and you better watch it, kid.
It could be your first time and you’re really scared. Or maybe it’s your second or third time and you’re still not used to it. Unfortunately, it was my fourth time, and I had not gone a quarter without academic
probation for most of my stay at Cal Poly (The answer is: no, I’m not sure why I’m still here). Luckily for me and my future bachelor’s degree, I finally got
myself off probation last quarter.
Academic probation basically means you’re getting less than a 2.0 in your overall grade point average and that you probably should have studied harder (Didn’t I warn
you about that last quarter? ). Your parents are probably mad at you, and you’re probably frustrated with yourself. But there are ways out, of course, otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this column. Simply put, to get yourself out of this academic probation mess, I suggest studying more, changing the way you study, getting a tutor and/or taking basket-weaving classes.
Studying more is the best way to pass a class. The more seriously you study, the more you’ll remember come midterms and finals. Also, if you think your studying methods were imperfect, change them. Sit down and think about the best way to improve your studying and then go out and do it.
Assuming all else fails or if you don’t feel
satisfied with the other suggestions, get a tutor. Unlike your professors, a tutor will have more time to spend on making sure you understand the subject. In fact, that’s what they’re paid (most of the time) to do. Tutors are a good option because there are many classes where tutors are offered by Cal Poly free of charge. Otherwise, there are usually many students in the major who make money through tutoring. Your professor can usually point you in their direction.
If you can’t find a tutor, visit your professor. That’s right, go see them. The professor is going to know what you’re supposed to be studying better than anyone else. Office hours exist for a reason and
professors often gripe that no one comes to them for help during those times.
Finally, take basket-weaving classes (Warning: that is not an actual class at Cal Poly). All I’m saying is that you should take a class that you know you’ll be able to pass easily. Your GPA will improve and you’ll be able to take a hit without getting on academic probation as easily.
Yes, it’s still scary. But luckily for everyone on academic probation this quarter, you’ll get another chance to prove that you are good enough to stay at Cal Poly. You’ve just got to study hard (or take
bowling) to do it.