I feel like I'm smart enough for the degree I'm doing

[VioletSunflower]

I'm almost at the end of the first year of my Bachelors. I feel like I'm nowhere near smart enough to do this degree, in all of the core classes I'm completing I'm getting lower marks than in the elective classes I'm enrolled in. if I can't achieve the best results in the classes that are in my field then should i even be doing it? 

Everyone seems to be grasping the content so much easier and quicker than I am, which is making me doubt myself even more. 

[Summer Rose]

Hi VioletSunflower

I can certainly understand why you’re doubting yourself given the situation you find yourself in. However, I would strongly encourage you to look at the evidence: you got into the course through a competitive process based on merit. Can’t argue with the facts.

I would encourage you to think about why your marks in your core class are lower than others. Ask yourself, do I actually enjoy these core classes? Am I scheduling enough study time for them? Am I attending all core classes and tutorials? If not, why not? Can I use a study group or tutor to improve? Should I talk to my professors about how best to improve? Am I spending too much time socialising or on extracurricular activities? (Sorry about that one, that’s the mum in me coming through!)

Unless you truly don’t want to complete the course, I think there’s likely a few things you can try before you make a big change.

Kind thoughts to you 

[Beeee]

Hello VioletSunflower,

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. As Summer Rose has said, you did get into this degree so you are definitely capable. Often core classes are much harder than electives so the marks your getting could actually be quite reasonable in comparison to the difficulty of the subjects. 

You might ask yourself whether you enjoy this degree and further, enjoy studying for it? Also, are high marks necessary? Many fields of work don't look at what marks you got in uni, rather whether you can apply the skills you learned in the real world. 

Wishing the best,

Beeee

[Mark Z.]

Totally agree. Also, are you able to keep focusing on study? Are there other things that annoy or distract you very much, such as your health, family, etc.

Mark

[sbella02]

VioletSunFlower,

Thank you for opening up to us here, and welcome to the forums. I'm sorry to hear that you are having these self-doubts. 

I've long struggled with my self-esteem, and quite often I find that it can impact my academic performance as it manifests as self-doubt. Like you, I began my Bachelor's degree doing significantly better in my elective subjects than my core classes, and I began to wonder why this was, which caused me to question my competence and intelligence. I can understand how you feel, and I empathise with you. 

One important thing to remember is that our words have great power, and that the way we talk to ourselves can often dictate the confidence that we have in our abilities, and the level of pride we feel for our achievements. If we tell ourselves that we aren't good enough, or that we're not deserving of things, we begin to believe it. Once this kind of thinking becomes a mindset, it can be very hard to change it - a lot harder than it is to make a change to the way in which we speak to ourselves. Thus, it's important to understand that increased confidence in our abilities can be born from positive affirmations towards ourselves, things like "I am worthy" or "I can do this". 

There are many ways you can boost your academic performance. I know my uni offers several student-led study programs, as well as different academic writing tools and resources. It may be worth having a look into what resources/programs may be available for your university. 

Another important thing to note is that the pace at which we learn is not a reflection of how "smart" we are. I believe the concept of being "smart" is socially constructed, and that it's far more important to recognise work ethic and dedication to one's studies rather than a natural ability to absorb information. Learning content or skills at a slow pace does not mean your ability to recall these is impaired. 

Sometimes, we put so much pressure on ourselves to live up to a certain standard that we can lose track of the things we do achieve or excel at. Remember to be kind to yourself. What's most important is that you have confidence in your ability to learn and recall content, such that you can pursue a fulfilling and rewarding career.

I hope this helps, please feel free to reach out if you need more support, we're here for you. 

Take care, SB

[Viaxoxo]

Hi VioletSunflower,

I was once told to run in my own lane and not worry about the speed of others. Believe in yourself!If you enjoy what you are doing, keep doing your degree! You might take things in at a different rate to others, and that's fine - everyone learns differently. If you feel like you can't do it, or are not good enough, you could try talking to your teachers or someone you trust. I'm sure they will be happy to help you and will give you support and maybe some extra help with your studying and the content. Maybe try organising your study schedule, or having designated periods of study and relaxation time. This always helps me improve - when I sat down and studied, then took a break, then came back and studied, rather than just randomly working on schoolwork, my marks improved and so did my focus. 
Hope this helps you and don't doubt yourself - you can do it!

[Puglett]

Hi VioletSunflower,

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with uni and getting the grades you desire. As someone who has completed an undergraduate degree, I will share a few points below that summarise my thoughts and experiences:

- Different people think differently. Sometimes your perspective may align with the staff member running the unit, other times you may think very differently.

- Assignments are not always straightforward in terms of what the marker is looking for, sometimes it might be something really specific that was not mentioned in the rubric.

- I don't feel the units where I got 'worse' marks vs 'better' marks reflect my true competence in the area. Often it depended on how the type of assessment fitted in with my skills, I always did far better on exams then assignments.

- Uni performance doesn't necessarily reflect a person's determination and especially not how they as a person with their own values would go in a related job. Sure, some people may have done better then myself marks wise at uni, however I am so much more determined then them which makes all the difference out in the real world when you have to motivate yourself and not rely on a due date/the need to pass. Some people can be really 'smart' and end up working as a doctor, though there have been plenty of news stories of doctors who have acted completely inappropriately with patients, here we see being 'smart' does not make you a good doctor alone or whatever else you want to be.

- People who have always got good marks/are very capable with little struggle sometimes (but not always) are unable to understand the difficulties other people face. Your struggles likely would make it easier if you saw a colleague at work struggling, you'd likely be more understanding and supportive of them.

I don't know if any of the above helps, but perhaps it might help see the other important things too besides marks x