Dropping a class

Applying to College
1

<p>My school works on the quarter basis, and for this first quarter, I had a 91.7 average -- which is good, but would have been a 94+ had precalculus not been in my class schedule. What was my grade in there? 75. And falling.</p>

<p>I have always, always, ALWAYS been bad at math. My SATs could easily have been in the 2100-2200 range, if not for those blasted formulas and equations! In fact, I have at some point been in honors everything except math, where I should probably be remedial. The only real Cs on my transcript come from some math derivative (besides honors chemistry, but that's another circumstance entirely). I have more than met the graduation requirements for an advanced Regents diploma in New York state: two math Regents exams, three years of math. Since precalculus is no longer mandatory, and it is bad for my mental and academic well-being, I would like to drop it.</p>

<p>This isn't just giving up, you know. I have health class every other day after school, and my free periods happen to be those when math teachers are not free for math labs, so my ability to stay after school and get help is severely limited -- every time that I've asked, my teacher has been busy. "Can you stay tomorrow, instead?" "No, health class." The two boys that I sit between talk over me and the teacher about programming for the entire forty minutes, and every time that I talk to my teacher to be moved, "can I move somewhere else? They're killing my grade." "Sure, tomorrow." Tomorrow comes, and there are no free seats to move to.</p>

<p>Half of my study hall is with a math teacher, but when I tried to get help with her at the beginning of the year, she had no idea what was going on with the work, either. I could try and stay with her and work through some of my assignment (although 20 minutes really doesn't give you much help). If my grade hasn't raised any by Christmas break, I'm out.</p>

<p>BUT THE PROBLEM IS THIS! I have no science in my schedule this year; I opted to drop physics for SUPA Psychology when presented with a scheduling conflict, but I already have more than the required three years of laboratory science credit. Would it make me look like a complete slacker not to have a math or a science in my schedule when I have more than exceeded the requirements, and have an eight-class school day as it is?</p>

2

<p>Chill...I think you're fine.</p>

3

<p>"Chill" really isn't in my vocabulary, my average overall is an 87-point-something and I'm terrified of looking like a slacker. :**P</p>

4

<p>Instead of dropping, can you switch to another class? Preferable another AP class or even better a science one such as Biology or Anatomy which don't require math. If not try independent study with an AP teacher or an online/distance class to demonstrate that you're not a slacker. A release, hole, teacher assistant or study hall in your schedule does not look good for elite schools. If your applying to state schools than your fine.</p>

5

<p>I had the same dilemma. I am not very good at math either, but my college of choice recommends "4 years of math culminating in Calculus." The month that I spent in that class was miserable. I was doing hours of homework every night while having no idea what I was doing. When I dropped it I felt this incredible weight lifted off my shoulders. I now have more time to focus on AP English, AP Government, and AP Bio, classes that I actually want to take. I agree with rwilliss about not leaving a hole, you need to fill up that time up with something. I filled it up with an art class, which relieves stress very well and is something that I've wanted to do for years. Best of luck with whatever you decide. From personal experience I must tell you that cutting Calculus has made me a better and happier person.</p>

6

<p>Rwillisss -- my school doesn't really offer AP or independent study, and I've exhausted all of my options for math classes this late in the year. :/</p>

<p>airplane334 -- eh, again, it all has to do with limited options; there seriously isn't much of anything that I can choose to do. Maybe I can drop it and switch into an art class second semester, hm...</p>