You are not alone

If you’re repeating a college course after failing, remember you're not alone. Many students face setbacks and still go on to succeed. Failure is part of learning, not a reflection of your potential. Stay persistent, be kind to yourself, and use this as an opportunity to grow. Struggles are normal, and with focus and support from campus resources like tutors and advisors, you can turn this challenge into success.

You are not behind

Retaking a course can be stressful and discouraging, but it’s important to remember that you're not behind—there’s no set timeline for success. SLCC serves students from all walks of life, and everyone’s path to graduation is unique. While there’s societal and financial pressure to finish higher education quickly, it’s okay to take your time. Education is both a challenge and a privilege, and there’s no rush to complete it on someone else’s schedule.

Financial stress is often a significant factor when retaking a course, but SLCC offers many resources to help with scholarships and aid. Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue an education, and SLCC prioritizes making that possible.

Should I repeat a Course?

If the course isn't required for your degree or can be replaced with another, it may not be necessary to retake it. To determine whether you need to repeat a class, consult with your academic advisor.

Repeating a class can be a great way to improve your GPA. Be sure to review the "Basic Repeat Policies" for more information.

However, before deciding to retake a course, consider the following:

If you choose to repeat the class, take time to assess what caused the difficulty during your first attempt and create an action plan for a different approach. For example, if you didn’t dedicate enough time the first time, commit to a more consistent study routine. For help with time management, consider meeting with a Student Success Manager.

What went wrong?

Figuring out which aspects or circumstances specifically led to retaking a course can be challenging and requires a significant amount of honesty with yourself. Spend some time thinking about what happened during the last attempt, and make sure to only focus on the things that you can control. If you are working with the same professor, see if they are able to help you come up with a specific plan. Otherwise, try to see a Student Success Manager to create an individual improvement plan, and help find your next steps!

Utilize Campus Resources

Speak to your Professors!

Your instructors are here to help you! Be sure to find their office hours and make use of them—they’re happy to get to know their students. Let them know you’ve had to retake the course and ask for any feedback or advice. This is especially helpful if you’ve had the same professor before, as they can offer personalized guidance. Ideally, you’ll already have an idea of areas to improve and can build on that moving forward.

Free Tutoring at STEM Center

There are four locations for STEM Center tutoring. Review the STEM Center website Links to an external sitefor hours and location.

Please come visit us! Whether you’re working on homework, studying, or need help, our tutors are here to support you.

Stay Consistent and Positive!

Consistency is key to success. Attend every class, participate actively, and keep up with the assignments. Don’t let the previous failure discourage you—stay focused and remember that improvement takes time and effort. Keep a positive mindset and treat the experience as an opportunity to grow.