system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
How to improve at applying programming knowledge to projects?

I'm interested in being a CS major, and I'm currently in an introductory CS course. Thing is, I do fairly well on the exams that we have (they primarily involve tracing code), but I do poorly on programming projects, often not completing them on time (which is a problem, since projects more closely emulate real life).

When I can solve problems, it usually takes me awhile, a lot longer than many of my peers.

This shows to me that there's a significant rift between my knowledge and my ability to apply it.

I've also noticed the same issue in my math courses, where I can usually understand and remember a concept but have difficulty applying it to different situations to solve problems. As I grow older and my coursework becomes more conceptual, I find myself struggling a lot more than I used to.

Besides just programming more, is there any way to bridge this gap, or should I just practice more?

Thanks in advance for any and all replies.
gpt
You've got it: practice, practice, practice. It will come with time.

Try to start as early as possible on class assignments so you have more time.

In your time off school, do personal projects if you have the time and energy for them.