Guys, I have a horrible problem.
I'm a sophomore in high school, and I'm always way too stressed about grades and homework and tests and just every single educational aspect of school.
Last year was so easy, and I had all A's, in all advanced classes.
This year I'm in all advanced classes, including one AP class, which is, in a way, a college course. I'm taking two maths and two sciences, which is an incredibly heavy weight to carry on my shoulders.
So far, I have a 78 in Algebra 2, 90 in Geometry, 100 in World History, 100 in English 2, 92 in Chemistry, 78 in AP Biology, and 95 in Spanish 3. Before this year started, I told myself I would be fine with being an AB student. But I can't deal with having C's. It just tears me to pieces to see that those two grades are ALMOST B's, but they're not. Tonight I was so upset with myself I nearly cried. (also, I'm female because real men don't cry.) I constantly think to myself that I'll never get into college with such horrible, horrible grades, even though I know that's not true at all.
Christmas break is in 3 days, and I'm so stressed. I literally have 6 tests between Thursday and Friday, and I have 7 periods in a day.
Is there any way that I could stop being this stressed out all the time? I want grades to still matter to me, but not to the point where it rips me apart and puts me in horrible moods until after I get a progress report/report card back so I decide that it's over with and I can't change it? I want to be confident in myself, and not let this high level of stress drag me down.
tl;dr I'm a spazz and grades FUCK ME UP WHAT DO I DO
The school curriculum I found in Western countries is generally of a very low standard I found. If you are finding some subjects difficult however, I advise, and I'm sure you feel the same way, that you revise material taught in class until you know it well.
Overlook either instance of 'I found' in the first sentence.
Dude, I got high every day in school, I still did fine, graduated two years early and got into community college no prob. Smoke more. Relax. Oh wait, you're a femm... hm... Algebra 2 should be easy as fuck, dunno what the deal is there... Not doing your homework? Sleeping through class? AP Bio is hard as shit and you should've waited till your senior year for that... Also, you just overloaded on a shitload on courses.....
Okay... talk to your bio and algebra teachers and see if they offer extra credit.... And really, if you really really can't relax... try weed. Really. It helps.
http://www.drugpolicy.org/marijuana/factsmyths/#prevention
That site has lovely information about all of the lies they fed us in DARE.
Let us know how you are later. Anon worries about you because you sound like one of our friends.
>>4
I can relate with that.
When school gets on top of you, go out with some friends and light up.
OP sounds like a very smart girl.
Don't take it for granted, you are very lucky.
Drug's for losers.
OP, I'm in the same school system variant as you; I'm a senior, AP student, and National Merit they-haven't-told-me-if-I'm-a-Finalist-yet.
First off:
DROP AP BIO RIGHT NOW.
RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW.
There is no reason for a sophomore to be in a second-year science course. Wait until your junior or senior year for that. I took AP Chem my junior year and I dropped it after the first semester because it was eating up so much of my time. I haven't looked back since and I laugh at my friends who have to stay at school doing labs two hours a week after school.
Also- I'm not sure why you're in two math courses right now. I took Algebra I in 8th grade, Geometry in 9th, and Algebra II in 10th. I'd drop whichever is the harder class for you right now. It seems like Algebra II is giving you more trouble right now, which, like >>4 said, shouldn't be the case.... I slept through the second semester of that class. If you're trying to catch up so you can take calculus or something senior year, then consider taking it through either a local community college or an online/correspondence course that your school will recognize. The way my school works, outside classes count for credits towards graduation, but the grades don't factor into the GPAs, so that should take some stress off, since you just have to pass.
As far as de-stressing yourself, figure out something to do that will help you calm down. You don't have to go the weed route unless you're of >>4 and his ilk, but find whatever it is that helps you. For me, repetitive hand movements calm me down, like knitting and origami and somesuch. Writing in a diary/journal/etc. may help too, since you can sort through your thoughts that way.
Good luck OP. Don't worry about things too much; enjoy your high school years while you have them. I'm still somewhat in shock that my senior year is halfway over, so don't take your time for granted.
>>8
I'm doubling up because they stuck me in Algebra I last year even though I'd already taken it in 8th grade. But you're right, I'm trying to catch up with everyone else and take pre-Calculus next year, and finally Calculus my senior year.
I really don't want to drop any classes, even though I was so stressed out(Christmas break started today btw awesome). All my junior friends are telling me that pre-cal is really easy, so I want to stay in Algebra II with atleast a B. I doubt that's going to happen after today's test. Honestly, I was AWESOME in Algebra I because it was retarded and easy. But this year, it's all about functions and parabolas and shit and the teacher gives us a load of homework every single night. Also, she does this weird grading shit so I end up with 70s on all my homework, except I only missed a few and there are a ton of questions. Excuses, excuses, but I'm pretty sure having two math classes is just taking a toll on me. Hopefully second semester, I'll rock it.
AP Bio is fun, actually. There are only like 15 people, and most of them are sophomores. Everyone's grades are ranging from about 75 to 100+ (since you can get over a hundred in AP classes), but the 100+ person is number 2 in the sophomore class, so. One guy has a 30 and he's dropping the class for good. I'm actually really good with labs and the homework, but when it comes to tests, I want to kill myself. I study for hours and don't understand anything. She also gives us two-day tests, where we do a Free Response (two very specific topics that we have to write essays on and use every single vocabulary word possible) the first day, and then multiple choice the next. I always do really well on the multiple choice, but you never know what to expect on the Free Response. I blanked during yesterday's Free Response, and just wrote a bunch of bullshit for the first topic, which was over protein synthesis beginning with, SPECIFICALLY, when mRNA attaches to the Ribosome, and ending, SPECIFICALLY, when the protein leaves the tRNA I dunno I can't even remember. It sucked. The second topic was just about genetics and mutations, and I just wrote about Down's Syndrome and crap. Okay back on topic.
I like AP Bio, but the tests make me bawww. I'm actually a little happy that my grade is a 78 in there, because it could be a lot lower. Just not willing to accept that my grade is so low in Algebra 2.
Anyways, thanks for the kind words, you guys.
Except for >>4. Not into that stuff. At all.
>>9
I actually found precal to be the hardest math class I've taken; I was failing on a progress report one six weeks, but my teacher drops a bunch of stuff, so I lucked out. Anyway, if you're going to stick around in Algebra II, you might want to talk to your counselors about changing your teacher since it sounds like you either have a jerkwad or a retard who can't teach, because that class should be a blowoff.
As for AP Bio, try talking to your teacher, since it looks like the tests are what's killing your grade. It doesn't sound like you have a retard teaching AP Bio at your school, so it may just be the way that you're studying the material.
Good luck OP~
Get out before it's too late. Only three years and changes are you probably won't survive the cosmic evenT.
I'm a junior right now, life is truly shit, and it won't get better for people like us until we get into college(second semester senioritis only if you get in ED)
anyways, sophomore year was tough too, and I failed many tests in honors sci, but got a B for the year..what I want to say is that if you're working as hard as it sounds, then teachers should see and grade on the whole. It helps so much to go to extra help and develop personal connections with your teachers. Trust me! Otherwise they don't know how you almost kill yourself with work every night. They will be able to grade you better knowing you're trying. And they're more understanding with late work, make ups etc. I know how hard it is for you right now, I hate report cards and numbers that label me, but this is the one thought that keeps me from suicide: in the long run, I will be happy. Fuck one 56 on a test, it's okay. Always think of the future without crazy parents and grades. I'm really sorry that anyone has the same situations, but you sound motivated and you're gonna get someplace. And don't compare yourself with your friends, there's always something you can't be better at.
i've never been so hopeful for anyone--I wish you the best of luck, stay strong, and it helps not to take things too personally. Don't forget to see the bigger picture!! Good luck good luck!
first off, do you really need to take all these courses? if
you're doing one extra you'll probably be better off dropping it, that way you can focus more on other subjects.
secondly, your grades are awesome! I wish mine were as good as that when I was in high school. (most were around 60 - 65)
I simply didn't really see the point in getting high grades,
having time for myself and my friends was more important to me.
if you really want to keep getting high grades that much, try to
stress as less as possible, and focus on getting things done
step by step. Don't freak out over everything you still have to
do, but instead be happy that you just finished something.
yeah dude i can relate to your school problem... my sophmore year was a bitch. >12 yeah dude im a junior now and it sucks. dude i hate midterms and i have capt testing uggh.
>>4
I think somebody with his grades is looking for something a little better than community college.
Look OP, it's amazing that you are taking so many classes and doing so well. You are an overachiever and you are pushing yourself to the max. Perhaps you need to stop doing too much and learn how to focus your efforts. Talk to your teachers and tell them what is bothering you about the classes, they can help you out and that may push your grade up. Do your best this semester and don't take on such a big load the next semester.
See dropping a class and trying again next semester as an option. It is better to do less things well then to do more with poor results. Just because you drop a class doesn't mean you failed, you can take it again later and do better the next time.
Here is why you made "bad" grades: you took too many courses. Drop whatever everyone suggests you drop because you need to drop something, if you can't drop anything then tough it out. If you are miserable it's because you are overloaded.
As a college student, the best advice I can give all you guys looking forward to college is that you absolutely have to learn your limits when it comes to coursework. Just because you can take 18 credit hours doesn't mean you should!! You can talk all you want about how life is going to suck until you get to college, but if you can't recognize the difference between meeting your potential and overloading yourself, college will eat you alive and you won't realize your mistake until it's too late.
Make it as a challenge for you to be better, not to be depressed. And you mustn't down because of that! Take it as a lesson for you. People who is easily down will be difficult to be able to survive in the world.
OP here. I took most everyone's advice into consideration and decided to go down a level in Algebra II. But the thing is, my Algebra II teacher is an old bitch.
I went to my counselor to switch into Algebra II Enriched, rather than pre-AP. It's a level above regular classes, so I'd still have a chance of going into Pre-Calculus Pre-AP next year. But anyway, at the counselor's office we figured out what my schedule would be like and it switched a few classes around but I could deal with it and be happy. She gave me a sheet of paper that said 'Request for Course Change.' I had to put my reason for the request, and get my parent's signature, my counselor's signature, my signature and my teacher's signature.
I felt good about it, so before class this morning, I went to my Algebra II teacher, and said, "Mrs.____, can you sign this for me?" She looked at it, looked at me, and read my reason for request. It said, 'Doing poorly on homework and tests.' Take note that I'm asking this two days after receiving the graded test we had took the day before winter break, which was a fucking 37. I just don't belong in this class. So anyway, she said to me, "Why do you think you're doing poorly on homework and tests?"
"I don't understand the work."
"Why don't you understand the work?"
"It's hard."
"You think it's hard because you don't come to tutoring."
I've gone to tutoring once, and I've attempted to go five other times, but she was never there. So I tell her that I really just don't think I'm at the right level to be in the class, and I've had straight 70s in there all of first semester, and don't want to end up with a 70 average for the whole year.
"You would rather go down a level and learn less just because you're making a low grade?"
What the fuck is that shit? I told her yes, obviously, you fucking retard. But I didn't say "obviously, you fucking retard."
She tells me, get ready..
"Grades aren't everything."
WHAT THE FUCK IS SCHOOL THEN? If grades aren't everything, just teach me at a level I can understand and give everyone in all of your classes 100 averages for the whole year! I kept my mouth shut, but I can't believe she said that. Maybe she was trying to say that I'll learn more if I stay in her level of Algebra II. But the problem is, she's teaching so much shit that I'm not even learning it, so ultimately I'm getting horrible grades. If I'm confused everyday over the lesson, does she expect me to go to tutoring, which she's never even at, everyday?
I don't know. I was so pissed off, and she didn't sign the paper. She told me that I need to go to tutoring this week and next week and take the next test which I'll fail before she'll even consider signing it.
What am I supposed to do now? :[
id say have your parents talk to the teacher and have them convince her. also your teacher sounds like a real bitch. that really sucks dude.
Your teacher can try to convince you and change your mind, but from where I'm standing, she has no right to refuse to let you do it. I recommend that you speak with her (privately, if it makes you feel more confident) about it, but this time you take the offensive. Question her about why she won't let you change, question her response. Try to put her in that same position she had you in. If you stress her over it, she might come around and sign it, or at least offer a compromise.
If that doesn't work however, then try what >>20 said. But I wouldn't let your parents get involved until after you've had an attempt yourself. By approaching her yourself first, you'll seem much more independent and authoritative, rather than relying on your parents to fight your battles for you.
She may not be right in this situation. Seconding >>21's suggestion to question her, and here's how you do it.
Take the change request back to her and tell her that if she's going to assure you that grades aren't everything, she has to promise you a good grade in the class. Explain that a good grade is what you need, what you are attempting to get, and what you don't realistically see yourself getting in this class. She will more than likely refuse to promise you a good grade.
The point is to catch her in her contradiction: if she wants what is best for you, she should want you to learn and understand the material. If you could learn and understand the material, you could make a good grade on your own. Since you don't believe you can properly learn and understand the material, then of course you aren't going to get a good grade.
If she agrees to promise you a good grade, she's going against every reason she should be teaching -- to ensure that students learn what she is teaching. If she refuses to promise you a good grade but refuses to sign the transfer, she's withholding you from doing what you know you need to do for yourself and hindering your scholastic progress.
I doubt she'll even question signing the transfer sheet if you go to her again -- going to her twice shows that you're determined to swap classes. Even then, take this approach to it, and if she won't sign it, go back to a guidance counselor or a vice principal.
Work harder? You did this to yourself.
OP here.
Updates, and good ones, too!
Today we got back our report cards. And while I wish I had more As, I don't have any Cs, which is AWESOME.
My semester averages are:
Algebra 2 - 82!
Geometry - 87!
World History - 98!
English 2 -96!
Chemistry - 85!
AP Biology - 81!
Spanish 3 - 92!
Just figured I'd keep those who cared up to date about how that Algebra class is going. I was determined to switch out on Wednesday, but then she gave us our semester averages and I was like WHAT HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE.
So far, this semester, I've understood the lessons. It might be because it's all new work, and everyone else is learning at the same pace I am.
I have a good feeling.
:] Thanks, everyone.
congrats oh pee, and keep the good work ^_^)
This is 11th grade? I don't know about your country's system, etc., so I can't really comment, but you sound quite frankly rather much too serious about it all. Yes, indeed. BUt a good job I suppose and good luck to you.
SHIT OP SHIT GOT THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM NOW MY HEAD HURTS BECAUSE OF YOUR DUMB POST
FUCK
YOU
OP
be a little more zen
it's highschool WHO CARES WHAT YOUR GRADES ARE.
as long as you still graduate, you can always go fuck around some community college for 1yr to get your grades back up to go to univ. srsly. highschool is a joke, just have fun because the real work starts when you graduate.
i dropped out in Grade 10, spent 6yrs partying and touring with bands then went back for the GEd (good enough diploma), spent 1yr at a shitty college, and still got straight into the UBC science program. fuck highschool
Most state schools will accept anymore. And they're dirt cheap anyways.