Academic Advising

Avoiding the Sophomore Slump

What is the "sophomore slump"?

The sophomore slump is a time in every student’s college experience where you may feel:

• Disillusioned
• Confused (academically, emotionally, personally, spiritually)
• Difficulty becoming and staying motivated
• Rebellious toward professors, parents, and sometimes peers
• Disinterested in your classes, even ones you enjoy
• Pressure to select a major
• Doubts about your current major
• Overwhelmed by the future or what is required of you
• Depressed or disconnected
• Temptations to skip class

What are the root causes of the slump?

• Being in a major that is not intellectually stimulating or sufficiently interesting
• A failure to connect with friends
• Inability to find a meaningful and motivational extracurricular activity
• An overall feeling of lethargy and lack of energy caused by a poor diet, little sleep, and little to no exercise

What can I do to prevent or get out of the slump?

• Explore different majors with the Advising Office
• Explore careers within your major
• Join a club on campus
• Play on an intramural team
• Get some exercise and have fun
• Get involved in Works of Mercy
• Eat right and get enough sleep
• Set specific, concrete goals you can work toward
• Talk about your struggles with:
  • Your advisor or RD
  • A counselor on campus
  • A trusted friend
• Break away from your routine
  • Include activities throughout the week that you enjoy
  • Take up a hobby

Where should I go if I'm having difficulty?

• Advising Office
• Campus Counseling
• Career Services
• Student Academic Services
• Writing Lab
• Language Learning Lab