So, something interesting happened to me this week.  I had a student come up to me before class and ask me if he could leave class early to attend a training session for a volunteer program he was working on.  I said, yes, that was fine.  I strongly believe students have to set their own priorities.  However, this particular student is currently failing my class.  And it is a class in his major.  So I think it’s time to talk about priorities in this week’s discussion.

College is all about balance: academics, extracurriculars, and, of course, some fun. But what happens when the balance tips and students finds themselves failing a class? It’s a wake-up call—one that requires a shift in priorities.

For students, this is often a scary time.  But students often fail to realize the impact before it is too late and realize the impact other priorities may be having on their grades.  As parents, it’s tough to see your student struggle, but it’s also an opportunity for them to learn one of life’s most valuable lessons: knowing when to recalibrate. Balancing school, extracurricular activities and social life is crucial, but sometimes, academics need to come first. When grades are slipping, everything else has to take a back seat, and the focus has to shift to getting back on track.

The Reality of Failing

Failing a class can be overwhelming. It feels like the world is crashing down, especially when juggling multiple obligations. But here's the key message: failing one class doesn’t mean failing at life. What it does mean is that it's time to re-evaluate priorities.

It's easy to get caught up in campus activities, sports, or even social events—after all, that’s part of the college experience. But when grades drop, it’s time for students to take a step back. This is where they can start making conscious decisions about where their time goes and how to get back in control.

Step 1: Prioritize Academics

As a parent, the first conversation you’ll want to have with your student is about priorities. When grades start slipping, academics need to come first—at least for a little while. Encourage your student to look at their schedule and see where they can carve out more time for studying. Do they need to cut down on extracurriculars temporarily? Or maybe even skip some social activities?

It’s not about losing all balance forever, but rather adjusting for a short period to refocus.

Step 2: Seek Help Early

A lot of students wait until the very last moment to ask for help, which only adds to the stress. Encourage your student to reach out to their professors, teaching assistants, or academic advisors sooner rather than later. Sometimes a simple conversation or extra tutoring session can make a huge difference.

It’s also important that your student feels empowered to use their campus resources. Academic support centers are designed to help students in precisely these moments. Failing doesn’t mean they’re not smart enough—it means they need to adjust their approach.

Step 3: Time Management is Key

One of the biggest reasons students fall behind is poor time management. It’s easy to underestimate how long a project or study session will take. When this happens, deadlines get missed, exams performance is subpar, and stress skyrockets.

Encourage your student to map out their week. Have them block time for study sessions just like they would for classes or meetings. Creating this structure can lead to small wins like completing assignments early or acing a quiz—boosting confidence along the way.

Step 4: Break the "Perfection" Mindset

There’s a lot of pressure on students to excel in everything they do. While achieving straight A’s is admirable, it’s not realistic for everyone. Help your student understand that doing their best is what matters most.

Perfection isn't the goal—progress is. The important thing is to find strategies that help them perform better over time without burning out. A manageable study schedule, improved focus, and smarter time allocation will serve them better in the long run.

Step 5: Rest, Then Reset

Once your student has re-prioritized and made it through the immediate storm getting their grade out of the gutter, it’s time to reassess. Can they start easing back into extracurriculars and social events? Are they feeling more confident in their ability to manage everything?

Re-establishing balance after an academic crisis is essential for long-term success. Encourage your student to celebrate small victories and enjoy their college experience, but remind them that it's always about finding that sweet spot between fun and focus.

Final Thoughts

College life is a delicate balancing act. When your student is thriving, it’s wonderful. But when the scales tip too far toward fun or extracurriculars, and the grades start to slip, it’s time to re-evaluate priorities.

This is important because failing a class isn’t just about grades—it’s a chance to learn how to adapt and take control. The sooner they make that shift, the sooner they can get back on track and regain balance. Here’s to them all finding their path!

If your student is feeling overwhelmed by their first exam results, now’s the time to take action. My course helps students build sustainable study habits, manage their time, and stay focused. Click here to learn more about how I can help your student succeed without sacrificing their social life.  Who doesn't love a discount and some more help?  Check out our free training - The Top 3 Mistakes that Tank Student's Grades and How to Fix.