So the professor you wanted isn’t available and you’re stuck with a tough professor. Don’t worry – it’s not the end for your GPA. Follow these steps and maybe you’ll be walking out of this semester alive.

1. Make friends in class.

This is true for any class, but especially for a class with a professor who is a tough grader. Don’t be afraid to ask for someone’s contact information even if you don’t know them; chances are, they find the class hard too. You can start forming study groups with your friends in the class or even just have a text buddy when a homework question gets too hard or you want to talk about how your professor wore the same shirt to your last five classes.

Related: Going From Clueless to Studious – Make a Friend and Get an A!

2. Don’t be afraid to communicate.

Make sure you know the professor’s email and office hours. If they mention a way they prefer to be reached, make a note of it. It’s easy to be afraid of your professor, but don’t be- you’re paying money to take the class so get your money’s worth. If you have questions about something that was discussed in class, talk to the professor about it after class or during his/her office hours. If you don’t understand the syllabus, email him/her.

Related: 3 Reasons You Should Get to Know Your Professors

3. Dedicate extra study time for that class.

If you know that a professor is going to make a certain class difficult, study a few more hours than you would normally. It’s important to delegate your time outside of class efficiently. It wouldn’t make sense to dedicate the same amount of study time to a class you find easy as you would to a class you find challenging. Make notecards, do the readings, create practice questions for yourself. Do what it takes to make sure you don’t fall behind.

Related: College Hacks – The Top Studying Techniques

4. Innovate your note taking.

Lastly, note taking is very important. When you have a tough professor, you might end up teaching yourself through your notes. If you have a professor who’s hard to understand, record the class with your phone or a voice recorder so you can listen to it later. Stay organized, highlight key points during the class, and make sure you’ll be able to understand your notes when you look back on them later.

Related: 3 Fun & Creative Ways to Study

These are just 4 ways to deal with a tough professor. When you can, try to avoid a professor who will make your semester difficult, but that’s not always possible. So for those unavoidable professors, keep this advice in mind.