Can guidance counselors refuse to let me drop a class?

Hello again,
I’m not sure why my post was deleted, I think it might’ve been because I was editing my spelling mistakes too much or it was something I might’ve said, but I’m reposting it because I’m really in need of advice.

My main problem is needing to drop AP Computer Science. I do not have enough time in my schedule and am already overwhelmed, I can’t dedicate any time to this class or to practicing code/doing the homework. I barely understand the material even though I’ve gone for help many times. I’m terrified of the class bringing down my GPA and mental health as the year goes on. The only reason I did not drop the class in the beginning of the year was because my teachers and counselors kept telling me to “tough it out,” even though half of the class had dropped when the school year started.
I truly don’t believe I can handle the workload of my current schedule, am not anywhere near interested in technology/coding, and don’t plan on majoring in anything related to this subject. I only took the class because my parents pushed me to. I don’t understand why the counselors won’t let me drop this class, is that even allowed? I thought it would be my choice and I believed they would understand, especially because I expressed how overwhelmed and anxious I was with everything, but they just referred me to a family therapist at the school and they are still refusing to take me out of AP Computer Science. I wanted to know if they are allowed to refuse my pleads and if there is anything I can do to get out of this class?

Are you past the deadline to drop a class?

Yes, I am past the deadline but another girl in the same class dropped out a few weeks ago past the deadline, which is what I don’t understand. I have been bringing up my requests since last month.

Do you have your parents’ support to drop? If so, have them call the counselor since you’ve been trying for the last month.

Nobody here knows your school policy, but in general, “their school, their rules” applies. So yes, they absolutely can refuse. Additionally, at many schools, students and parents must sign an AP contract stating that the class cannot be dropped. We don’t know the situation, nor have you told us what the GC’s reason was.

You can certainly get your parents involved and/or go up the chain of command.

I live with a single mother and she has scheduled numerous appointments with two guidance counselors and the teacher.
They refuse to do anything about changing the elective and say it’s because I signed an AP form at the beginning of the year.
Despite this, I personally think my mental health is more important than a piece of paper, there are also classes still open and they won’t do anything. I don’t understand how this is allowed.

I signed that AP form when I had no clue what I was signing up for or how much work the class would be. My mother went up the chain and the last option would be bringing it up with the school board, which I’m not sure is even allowed or near acceptable. I don’t know if this helps, but my situation is a bit different because I transferred from online school to public school just this year.

It’s not different. The new school does not have a clause in the rule book that says “Students transferring in are exempt from the rules.” Your health is a valid concern, and that’s the only thing you should focus on, and your only shot at getting an exception made.

You answered your own question:

So, that’s why it’s allowed. Your mother needs to speak with the assistant principal, or whatever the next level is at your school. Good luck.

I see, thank you for the information.

The impact to your GPA is an arithmetic exercise that you should be able to work through on your own. The impact to your rank cannot be answered, other than to day it will drop, without looking into the future and seeing everyone’s GPA.

No.Unless yours is one of the rare schools that uses AP scores as part of the transcript grade.

This post is in relation to my last post regarding AP Computer Science. If I fail Quarter 2 to Quarter 4, by how much will my GPA/Class Rank go down? On my transcript, my Cumulative GPA is 4, Academic Core is 4.34, and Weighted Cumulative is 4.56. My ranking is 25/626.
Also, will failing the AP Computer Science Exam further impact my GPA and class rank?

“Yes, I am past the deadline.”

Enough said.

Is this class AP Computer Science Principles or Computer Science A? CSP is a prerequisite in DD’s HS, but it seems a lot of students on these boards take CSA without knowing what they are in for.

Did you ask to drop at the beginning of the year? If you went in multiple times asking to drop the course, they should have dropped it from your schedule.

I actually ended up receiving a schedule change earlier this week after bringing it up with them again, thank you for the help.

The class was AP Computer Science A. We are usually not told about prerequisites for classes before taking them at my school.