I am a Sophomore taking one of the hardest APs at my High School… And it’s APUSH. I really don’t know what to do right now and I need advice… I know it’s just the beginning of the year but my APUSH grade already dropped from an A to a C because I failed a test and a quiz and the only assignment that I got a good grade on except for the homework was the first SAQ (3/3). I still have the option to drop but it would show up as an F in my transcript. APUSH is not the only hard class in my schedule but it’s the one I’m most concerned about. What should I do? I really need help and I have already tried watching the Adam Norris videos.
Thank You
CrashCourse videos, the AP prep book, and Quizlet will save you. Like many APs, APUSH starts harder, and gets easier as you understand how the class works. Do not drop if it will hurt your transcript. There will be many more assignments. Make sure you do your best on the homework, and that will bring your average up. That in turn can help you know more and be better prepared for the test. Read the chapter the first night it’s assigned and take notes/ make an outline. You can split the reading into two nights if you must. Reread some of the chapter and your outline before the test. This is a time-consuming and difficult class but if you go about it strategically you will do well.
OK, thanks! But another problem I also have is that I can not grasp barely anything from the textbook and the chapters are very long to read (usually around 25-30 textbook pages) with only a short amount of time we get to read them considering all the other classes I’m taking, clubs and sleep (around 2 nights). There are some tiny 1-2 sentence details that we could get tested on in class from the textbook that I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere (Quizlet, youtube, etc.) but the book.
You’re a sophomore taking a college course. It’s entirely possible that you’re in over your head simply because you’re not ready for college coursework at age 15.
What does your guidance counselor say?
My counselor didn’t say anything when I said that I wanted to take AP US History. At least 1/4 of sophomores at my school take it. My teacher said I just need to manage my time in a better way in order to be able to succeed but I’m really bad at time management.
Watch lecture videos online BEFORE you show up to class. It helps to recognize events and already have background information before you come to class. As far as time management goes, for me personally, it helps to do homework outside of the home. It makes it less likely for me to waste time.
US History textbooks are boring. Each chapter covers certain topics and has key concepts. Google those key concepts and read material from other sources. Create an outline of notes. Writing down the information and organizing it can help retain the information. Read ahead before you cover the material in class.