Failing pre-calculus,should I drop?

Test Preparation AP Mathematics & Computer Science
1

I’m a junior in high school and am failing precalculus. I’ve never once passed a test and I find the class too fast paced for me. My teacher is also very strict and will not accept late work. She told me today that I’d probably have to repeat the course. I usually got good grades in my past math classes. (The lowest being a B+). I find that precal is a lot harder for me considering I wasn’t in school until November due to family problems. Do you think it’d be better the drop the class and just take it next year?

2

If you drop it what other math class can you take second semester? And yes you will need to repeat. Missing three months of precalculus would explain why you don’t understand anything since math is sequential and you’re missing all the foundational building blocks.

3

What does your guidance counselor say?

Here’s the thing, though. Your post has two very different messages. One is that you’re failing tests. OK, what are you doing about that? How often are you at extra help? How much effort do you give the homework? Have you asked for a tutor through NHS?

The other thing you mention is that your teacher is “very strict” and won’t accept late work. Most teachers of Juniors and Seniors won’t. That’s not about “very strict” that’s about trying to help you grow up and meet deadlines. Is there some reason why it seems to be an issue?

Have you gotten the notes from those missing 3 months? Having gotten them, have you gone to the teacher to go over them? Precalc tends not to be a subject you can learn by reading it; you have to actually do the problems in order for them to make sense to you.

As to dropping the class: what’s your long range plan? Are you going into anything STEM or business related? If so, then down the road you’ll probably be taking Calc and you’ll want a concrete understanding of Precalc. Or are you thinking of something more in the Humanities line, where a College Algebra course might satisfy the Gen Ed math requirement? If so, then maybe you can just power through these last 3 months or so and pull out a passing grade.