Another "I suck at AP Physics" Thread

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>I'm at my ends here. I don't know what else to do. AP Physics has been my first priority and yet I'm still failing the class. I went from a B at the beginning or the year then a C and know I have an F. I've never been the best science student, but I always paid attention in class, did my homework, and did at least OK on tests. I thought that would be enough for AP Physics, but I was wrong. I want out of this class so badly but I can't leave. At my school, a student can only opt for removal of a class the 1st week of school and I've already been in the class for a quarter of the semester (2 months). This class will definitely kill my GPA (it's only a 3.25). All my other grades are As this year (and I'm taking 4 other APs). I don't know how this set back will effect my chances in getting into a good college.</p>

<p>My Physics teacher is a genius, but sadly she doesn't know how to teach well. She gives us impossible 50 question hw assignments each week, that are to be graded and are also worth half a test grade. And the tests are the worst part. It's as if the questions aren't even related to the topic she has been teaching us. Sorry for the rant but I really don't know what to do at this point. If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it. Is there anything else I can do?</p>

<p>thanks</p>

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<p>Oh man I totally hear you. AP Physics is really difficult. Have you told your teacher about your struggles? Maybe she could set something up with you to help you, such as individual meetings to go over hw? If not, perhaps you could ask a friend who’s really good at physics to help you regularly. At a last resort, is it possible for you to drop the course altogether?</p>

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<p>You’re not alone,
There is more to this I know,
You can make it out,
You will live to tell.</p>

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<p>Ugh… ANOTHER one of these?! When will it stop?</p>

<p>Learn to love science and to think empirically and logically.</p>

<p>That is all.</p>

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<p>I TOTALLY feel you. Physics C is hell. And my class is only Mechanics! We just finished Newton’s Laws, and I think I got an F on the test. I’m to the end of my ropes.</p>

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<p>AP Physics B made me suicidal, but I dropped it right at the deadline with a 36.2%…</p>

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<p>Thanks, everyone for all the feedback. Do you guys think that if I bring my parents to school to talk to my guidance counselor about dropping down to Honors they would allow it even though its past the deadline?</p>

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<p>A few tips I’ve thought of after self-studying/tutor(for an hour a week) AP physics:

  1. Search out alternate methods if the ones presented in the book are confusing. THere are usually a few ways to do most things.
  2. Derive equations by yourself, because then they make a /lot/ more sense.
  3. Use this website
    [MIT</a> OpenCourseWare | Physics | 8.01 Physics I: Classical Mechanics, Fall 1999 | Home](<a href=“http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-01-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-1999/]MIT”>http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-01-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-1999/)
    [Free</a> Online Course Materials | Physics | MIT OpenCourseWare](<a href=“http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/]Free”>Search | MIT OpenCourseWare | Free Online Course Materials)</p>