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What is Sophomore Slump?
How do I cope with it?
As a sophomore you will experience a whole new set of stressors when
you return to Schreiner. Unlike your freshman year, you will receive
fewer warnings about the do’s and don’ts of college life; you are
expected to “know how things work”. Combine this with the push to
declare a major, find an internship and decide whether or not to
study abroad and you may find yourself falling into the “Sophomore
Slump”. This new set of expectations can lead to challenges for
students in their second year. There are three general areas that
cause sophomores the most stress.
1. Academics
- pressure to choose a major
- taking upper level courses with juniors and seniors who may have
formed a closer relationship with the professor.
2. Personal
- uncertainty about the direction of your life
- feeling guilty about the time and money invested in college when
you are uncertain about your future
- changing and challenging of previously held family values
3. Relationships
- desire for intimacy increases
- friendship ties at home decrease
- desire to not go home on breaks
The sophomore slump is a time of uncertainty and a time for growth.
How will you know if you are experiencing symptoms of the sophomore
slump? Answer the following questionnaire to find out.
Do you find yourself wondering…….
1. What am I doing here at Schreiner University?
2. Why do I have more questions now than when I first got here?
3. Who are these people that I hang around with that I thought were
my friends?
4. Why am I majoring in this, if I don’t really like it?
5. Why am I constantly overwhelmed?
6. Why do I only find negatives in my life?
7. Why don’t I find time to relax?
8. Why am I so uncertain about my future?
9. Why am I not having as much fun as last year?
10. Why do I get upset if the smallest thing goes wrong?
11. Why do I feel like my parents are constantly pressuring me to
know what I want to do with my life?
12. Does everyone have this all figured out but me?
13. Why am I so unmotivated and/or anxious?
If you find yourself answering yes to three or more of these
questions when you arrive at Schreiner this semester, you could be
suffering from Sophomore Slump.
Now what?
If you think you may be experiencing the Slump, there are many
things you can do to cope.
1. Take care of your general physical well-being by:
- eating regularly
- sleeping regularly
- exercising
2. Talk to your academic advisor:
- explore classes that look fascinating
- take a class for fun or self expression
- make a personal connection with a faculty member
- explore need for academic support
3. Find interesting extracurricular activities:
- volunteer
- join an interest group
- renew high school activity (join intramural sport, choir, etc.)
- learn leadership skills
- form lifelong friendships
4. Talk to someone from counseling services:
- Sophomore Slump is normal
- identify if your schedule is too demanding
- identify underlying stressors
- learn ways to assert your growing identity
5. Visit the Career Services office:
- explore opportunities
- ask questions
- talk with others that have experienced the Slump
6. Talk with Campus Ministries:
- explore meaning and purpose
- develop a meaningful relationship
- increase interaction with University faculty, staff and services
It is important to recognize that the Sophomore Slump can really
exist. However, it can be resolved! The resolution will bring
greater growth and self-recognition.
Good luck and have a great second year!
Gordon Findlay
Student Resources & Support
If you don’t think anyone cares, think again!
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