Advice!!! Grades, clubs, time-management, life, everything

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Ok so long story short:
I'm a stupid asian girl who tried to do too many things (clubs, competitions, and school) and is now suffering the price with my grades.... ;.; any advice?</p>

<p>Ok now for the long story:
This year at my school, I was too ambitious and decided to take on the most rigorous schedule for a junior (we only have around 200+ students per grade though and my schedule is probably very typical for many CCers out there). So, I basically have all honors and 4 APs with PE as my only CP class. I was doing "fine" the first half of the year, with A/A-'s in all my classes, and one B+ in my math class. This marking period however, my grades have significantly dropped!! It's not that the classes themselves were getting harder but because of my involvement with so many clubs, all my grades have suffered. </p>

<p>The main reason is because of my research project this year, which I missed 3 days of school for. After those 3 days I was in school for a week before my competition and during that week I either spaced out, slept, or worked on my research project in all my classes, and so my grades took a drop. </p>

<p>I've been building them up, but on some occasions I just haven't been able to do so. For example in English, my teacher unfairly graded my english midterm (he gave a 27/50 on my essay and I got a 50/50 on multiple choice, so total of 77) and told me that since he already submitted the midterm grade, he wasn't going to change it. If I needed extra credit in the 3rd marking period, he would be glad to offer me some. But now in the 3rd quarter, he hasn't graded 4 of my essays and the marking period is ending next week. So I'm freaking out now, because I can't tell if I need to extra credit, and the 77 midterm grade pulls my overall English grade down to a 88 or so. I'm not sure if I should approach him? Any input from experienced seniors or others with similar experiences?</p>

<p>Also in history this marking period, I bombed one test got a B- on it. Today we had an in class debate, which I didn't know counted as a quiz grade (he actually never told us about this), so I didn't really talk. Now because of that I have a B- quiz average and my overall grade is a B-.... Those are the only 2 grades we have and I don't see how I can raise them since the marking period is ending... what to do???</p>

<p>I also found out today that I might have a moderate form of narcolepsy if that helps my case! (I fall asleep all the time when I'm not doing something ex: watching tv, reading a book...)</p>

2

<p>Lose all your friends, take plenty of caffeine, study with fear of losing your grades even further, and 4 is the most amount of sleep anyone needs!</p>

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<p>Sadly, I’m already doing that… not that I lose all my friends, but when they ask me to hang out over the weekends or even on weekdays, i generally say that I’m too busy… ok now that makes me feel like a lousy friend.</p>

<p>About the caffeine, I used to drink coke ALL THE TIME but after finding out that caffeine worsens or can cause more narcolepsy, i’ve stopped drinking it. </p>

<p>But that actually makes sense, because I used to fall asleep at 10 because I would just be sooo sleepy that I couldn’t stay awake anymore even if I had a big term paper to write. Drinking coke helped me stay awake during those times, but now I can’t drink any, and I’m falling asleep at 11 at the latest. Any other tips about staying awake?</p>

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<p>I think you should take any opportunity of extra credit and DO IT to secure your grade!</p>

<p>It’s hard to turn back the clock now, but it sounds like you have a pretty small school, right? Which means your teachers are personal? My HS was the same, which made talking to the teacher easier. I’d recommend you try talking to every teacher you have and tell them about your situation (and maybe try stressing the nacrolespy lol). </p>

<p>One of my friend’s in HS had a situation where her mom got into a car accident that led to a coma. She was the breadwinner of the family and her dad is mentally ill and the whole thing was a mess because they had no income, so many legal issues, etc. Needless to say, her grades suffered. But her teachers saw how hard she worked at studying for AP exams, and just trying to up her grade in general despite her situation and I believe offered her some extra credit points or make-up tests to boost her grade. Of course, some teachers are less understanding than others but I think if you show them you are trying, at least one teacher will understand.</p>

<p>Hmm… you can try drinking tea to stay awake too. It has caffeine in it but I think it’s a lot more “natural” in terms of soda or coffee lol. It’s also beneficial to your health in many ways!! Also, keep a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid junk food. Chew on some gum or healthy snack like apples while studying. Take a walk and stretch when you feel tired. ← best tips I can offer. </p>

<p>Otherwise I’d advise a napping schedule. In HS, I would nap like 3-4 hours when I got home from school. I’d wake up, eat dinner, and feel REFRESHED around 10pm or so. I’d do homework from then on. If I was done before I needed to wake up, I’d nap a bit again. My sleeping cycle was pretty messed up from this as, after a while, a nap after school was necessary. But it was the best way for me to be productive, so find what works for you!</p>

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<p>@lullabies
Thanks sooooo much for the advice!!! :D</p>

<p>All that you said was so helpful!!! I going to try to talk to my teachers and possibly start drinking tea from now on. :slight_smile: The nap thing also sounds good, but when I’m out its so hard for me to wake up again for another 6-10 hours. But I think it’s still definitely worth a try!</p>

<p>Honestly thanks for the advice!</p>