<p>tiff90 - I take it you’re not a social science person, or a very sheltered one.</p>
<p>The OP is right. Inner city or very rural schools are not designed for social mobility. They are structured against it. They are really awful. And even when they have any money, the attitudes within the community and school are mostly that of apathy. Not nearly as much accountability to parents. Good schools can exist, but there’s reasons why they have movies based on them. They’re not very common. The situation the OP described suggests the school wasn’t designed to send kids to college. </p>
<p>Once you get to financial aid for college and even preferential admissions, it’s a little late. A lot of them are either disillusioned with the notion of further education or lack the academic abilities to thrive.</p>
<p>“Some kids were on food stamps”? That does NOT make it comparable situation. We had a ton of poor kids in my school. A lot of my friends were pretty poor. We also had a bunch of rich kids from engineer parents and some solid AP programs. I would never dream of comparing my highschool experience to that of someone who actually goes to a school like the OP’s. My school had funding and accountability. Just because poor people happen to exist in your school does NOT mean it’s remotely equal.</p>
<p>Trig is pretty standard to learn in any college-bound HS classes. The OP’s educational background put 'em at a severe disadvantage from peers, especially in that intense major. Being overwhelmed is perfectly understandable.</p>
<p>I do think a lot of the suggestions on how to find help are worthwhile, not discrediting the entire thread. And the OP does have to work hard to supplement the failings of their HS. It doesn’t sound like the OP is unwilling to work, but just confused and worried about their options.</p>
<p>I was just really bothered by this notion that are schooling is equal and the OP was simply not trying hard enough. I know CC has a ton of privileged kids, but sheesh.</p>