Hi, I am taking AP Computer Science and I am struggling so badly - I’m getting low Bs in quizzes and tests. I want to keep up with As in all subjects. It’s bringing my GPA down.
I got into this course without taking the prerequisite Intro to Programming 1&2 (each half semester courses, finish in one year) last year. I have random programming experiences from workshops I attended before and I was screened okay into the AP class when I talked with the math department counselor last year.
Now I am so concerned that I may not have enough background to keep up in this course.
but at this point, dropping down a course is not an option since it will appear on my transcript.
Can you please suggest to me how to self-study so that I can catch up with the content of the class? I have Barron’s AP book recommended by the teacher. Should I drop the course and enroll in Programming 1&2?
What math class are you in? Are you a senior, or could you take it at another time?
I’m currently in honors geometry and honors algebra 2 and I dropped the course because I just didn’t have enough math experience. I was getting the work done, but it took me a lot longer than others. She told me right before the drop deadline that I should have been in at least pre-calculus before I took her class. (The course recommendation sheet was wrong as it said you could concurrently be enrolled in algebra 2.) Almost everyone-in a class of 30- was in AP calculus AB or BC. There was a lot of pressure for me to finish assignments in a certain time because the rest of the class was so much more experienced and I decided to follow her advice and drop, even if I had a B in the class. I’m going to take it when I am enrolled in higher level math.
If you feel like the class is stressing you out, I would say to drop. What do you think is holding you back?
By the way, dropping the class gave me more time to explore my interests in CS. Currently, I am learning Python and competing in a coding competition. I wouldn’t have had the time to do that if I hadn’t dropped the class.
I ended up dropping it and now I’m taking Intro to Programming 2. Much more relaxing!
I should have had enough background though … I’m taking PreCalc AB now. Wow, AP Calc? That’s for me next year as a senior. My schedule next year is full though so I think I will save AP comp for the first year in college after all …
lmao i took apcs and dropped out of it with a C. it was so boring and confusing, good luck to you though
Honestly, most average students don’t go into AP CS and get straight A’s. Struggling in a hard AP class is often better than cruising with A’s in regs.