One of the most difficult and time consuming classes a college freshman can take is a lab science course. Not only does a lab science require a great deal of time for homework and studying, it has a two to three hour lab on top of that. Needless to say, it is very important for any college student who has to take a lab science to pass it and get it out of the way as soon as possible. Passing a lab science also comes with a great feeling of accomplishment.

To pass a lab science course, you must first approach it like you are approaching a bully—with confidence and total awareness of the situation. First consider the issue of confidence. If you do not think you will pass the lab science course, then you WILL NOT pass it! You can beat the bully, all you have to do is believe you can. The truth is, if you work hard, you can pass your lab science course.

This leads to the second approach of total awareness. You cannot slack off and let things like assignments pass by undone. If a bully punches you once, you have to pay attention so you can avoid getting hit again. With regards to the lab science course, you shouldn’t let homework assignments go. If you do, you’re sure to get knocked unconscious. (following the bully analogy)

Defeating a bully also requires training and dedication. You can’t go into a fight unprepared (the bully would just wipe the floor with you). In the world of a lab science, this preparation comes in the form of studying. One of the best ways to study is to do the basic requirements for the class – doing homework and going to class ON TIME. When in class, take notes. If there are some concepts that you just don’t understand you may need to seek help. You can ask the professor about the topic.

Sometimes, however, professors are very intimidating. In this case, you may seek out a tutor. You may have to pay for them, but some schools offer free services. If your school does, go to it. Even if your college doesn’t have a free service, a few extra expenses seem trivial when it comes to having a good future as a college graduate. Another good way to study is to review your notes. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense writing something you won’t read later on. Take advantage of websites like the Khanacademy.org. Often these sites can really clear up confusion.

Tests are perhaps the most important challenge of a good grade in a lab science. Test are what studying really boils down to. The section: Being an Efficient Learner has a number of topics that are helpful in preparing for a lab science test. The most important thing to keep in mind when taking a test is to not freeze up and to just stay cool. One test will not kill you if you don’t pass it. If you do fail a test, don’t let it get you down. You must always look to the future, and learn from your past to avoid mistakes you made. See the topic: “Learning from Your Mistakes” to see how you can avoid repeating the same mistakes again. Most lab science courses have many grade components, so one bad test grade can be recovered.

Lab is the final facet of the lab science course. It is the class’s ugly, obese cousin, who has no other joy in life than to just sit on you once a week and ruin your day. Lab is stressful, time-consuming, tedious, and even dangerous if you aren’t careful. To make the most out of lab, pay attention to what you are doing. Analyze what processes are taking place rather than just going through the motion. In many cases, labs grades will help your overall grade in the class..