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What can I do if I'm currently failing a class as a senior?
I'm currently in High School and I'm failing AP Calculus which is making me anxious I might not get into college because of an F.
Should I find a way to drop the class?
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John’s Answer
Hi Stelle,
Sorry to hear about your AP class. I know they can be tough (usually more difficult than actual college level courses). Finding a tutor, studying with classmates, and talking with your teacher can help. You might even ask if there's any extra credit opportunities that could help raise your grade to passing. I do recommend pressing on and trying to get your grade up, rather than dropping the class. Even if you still fail and have to make up the credit in a summer class, dropping a class will likely hurt your chances with college more than trying your best and failing.
While I can't help you with AP Calculus, I can give you some college advice that may help with your stress. I recommend going to a community college for at least the first year or two. University freshman classes are filled to the brim with hundreds of students, dorms are comparable to living at home, and the cost is very prohibitive for many young people, even with part time jobs.
Community colleges offer several advantages for your college career:
1. Save money - they are a lot less expensive than universities, but their credits count the same
2. Smaller class sizes - this means that teachers get to spend more time helping each student directly. It also gives you a chance to network with your classmates and build personal connections - which I highly recommend.
3. When you start college, your GPA will reset. Knocking out the core credits at a community college will give you a much better chance of going to the university you want. A lot of universities are denying students with 4.0 GPAs and perfect SAT scores as freshmen. However, a good 3.0 or better with all your core classes complete will give you a leg up as a junior.
4. Take your time declaring a major. Focus on core classes and get exposure to more subjects while you think about what field you may want to go into. Even with a AA in General Studies, you can easily switch your major once you transfer to a university.
5. Practice time management and discipline. University towns are filled with distractions, and many freshmen there pay the price. Staying home and attending community college will give you a chance to focus on your studies while working part time, and minimize these distractions. This gives you a good chance of starting out with a good GPA, and most importantly, building the skill of time management, which will be essential to your success in college and beyond.
6. Enjoy a more flexible schedule. Community colleges often offer many classes at night, which can be helpful depending on your sleep and work schedule.
Sorry to hear about your AP class. I know they can be tough (usually more difficult than actual college level courses). Finding a tutor, studying with classmates, and talking with your teacher can help. You might even ask if there's any extra credit opportunities that could help raise your grade to passing. I do recommend pressing on and trying to get your grade up, rather than dropping the class. Even if you still fail and have to make up the credit in a summer class, dropping a class will likely hurt your chances with college more than trying your best and failing.
While I can't help you with AP Calculus, I can give you some college advice that may help with your stress. I recommend going to a community college for at least the first year or two. University freshman classes are filled to the brim with hundreds of students, dorms are comparable to living at home, and the cost is very prohibitive for many young people, even with part time jobs.
Community colleges offer several advantages for your college career:
1. Save money - they are a lot less expensive than universities, but their credits count the same
2. Smaller class sizes - this means that teachers get to spend more time helping each student directly. It also gives you a chance to network with your classmates and build personal connections - which I highly recommend.
3. When you start college, your GPA will reset. Knocking out the core credits at a community college will give you a much better chance of going to the university you want. A lot of universities are denying students with 4.0 GPAs and perfect SAT scores as freshmen. However, a good 3.0 or better with all your core classes complete will give you a leg up as a junior.
4. Take your time declaring a major. Focus on core classes and get exposure to more subjects while you think about what field you may want to go into. Even with a AA in General Studies, you can easily switch your major once you transfer to a university.
5. Practice time management and discipline. University towns are filled with distractions, and many freshmen there pay the price. Staying home and attending community college will give you a chance to focus on your studies while working part time, and minimize these distractions. This gives you a good chance of starting out with a good GPA, and most importantly, building the skill of time management, which will be essential to your success in college and beyond.
6. Enjoy a more flexible schedule. Community colleges often offer many classes at night, which can be helpful depending on your sleep and work schedule.
Updated
Mandi’s Answer
Hi Stelle, I would never encourage you to quit this class. Ensure that you are getting enough study time in. See if you have a fellow classmate that would be willing to study with you. I would suggest you speak to your teacher and ask them to go back over the things you find challenging. I am sure that your teacher would be more than willing to help, as they want to see you succeed. I would also encourage you to seek out a tutor to help you if you cannot get help anywhere else. Don't give up Stelle! You can do this!
Updated
Anthany’s Answer
My initial reaction is to tell you to try to talk to your teacher to see if there's any way you can make up any assignments or do any extra credit to boost up your grade. If there's still enough time for you before the school year ends, then I would also try to find a study method that works well for you. Perhaps even try to get together with other students and make a little study group. If you feel comfortable enough, maybe even stay after class and ask your teacher for help on anything you don't quite understand.