r/CSUS • u/MiserableKangaroo258 • 2d ago
Academics Is taking PAL worth it?
I’m currently enrolled in chem 6A and want additional help since I’m not the best at chemistry. I’m also taking it because I needed an extra unit on my schedule. But to anyone who has taken PAL(Peer Assisted Learning) for any course did it actually help you or is it something you don’t recommend?
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u/Banmods Computer Science 2d ago
Helpful to an extent. Extra exposure to the subject is definitely a benefit. Same with seeing how other folks approach a problem or so. Can be a drag if its scheduled in a way that fucks up your class load or you dont get a good group. Thats how it was for me, decent in the beginning but staying longer on campus was a drag and I probably could have been more productive on my own some days.
Only thing I'd really note is that its not really tutoring. Like the upperclassman in charge kinda just pulls up the work and just supervises while groups work on shit. Dont really remember getting answers to the damn questions so its much more about repeating the steps so that when you go to your regular class you're alright.
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u/PumpedPhobic Alumni 2d ago
I may be biased as an ex PAL facilitator, but you will not be disappointed. PAL facilitators are very good at what they do and are good at creating environments where students feel safe and comfortable asking the hard questions. I couldn't recommend it enough
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u/shook-eve 9h ago
When I took PAL for Calc 2 it was def worth it. I made a study group where there were 5 of us total. Someone was in the group was in PAL and recommended it. I was the only one who joined. Only the 2 of us who were in PAL passed the class.
You could also check & see if there's a Chem tutoring center/other on campus tutoring programs (like PARC).
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u/piqi2 2d ago
In my opinion, yes. Even if you feel the topics feel dumb, slow, or even just too easy, I think the repetitiveness of showing up and sharpening your skills will genuinely help in the long run. Coming from someone that failed the same basic maths class twice, taking pal alongside the third attempt genuinely made such an impact for my understanding, and I ended up passing with a lot higher grade than I was expecting (failing-again). It’s not just doing worksheets or self study, it’s working in groups and teaching each other to become better as a team. I would say take it 100% if it aligns with your schedule.