<p>My D was a freshman last year and had numerous meltdowns over papers, finals, etc. Strangely, things got worse second semester because, after finishing first semester with 3.925, she was petrified of not getting all A's. She had all A's and A minuses second semeter and was admitted into the business school program she wanted at her University. She is finding this year more challenging but, since for the first time in a few years, she is not "applying to school" she has been more relaxed and even realized the life went on even after a C on a test. I think there is no way she won't have at least one B this term, and it is the best thing that could happen to her. I think her head is much clearer now and, if she does not do as well this semester as she would like, she will be able to identify her "mistakes" and make adjustments in her studying next semester. Also, this year she has made friends with whom she identifies better and they have become her support network. I feel as if I am breathing easily for the first time in almost 18 months.</p>
<p>I learned from S's Freshman year during finals that he will be stressed, tired, cranky, and a little nervous. This year, he seems more prepared and will call just to check in.
I try to send him quick texts right before an exam saying something short like 'good luck'. So far this semester he will text after an exam and say how he thought he did.
I have found that as long as I stay positive and he can vent, then everything works out fine. I always say do your best, it doesn't matter what you get as long as you try.</p>
<p>Just remembered something else about exams both finals and during the semester. S did horrible on a regular test last year, I can't remember if it was a D or lower, but it was really bad. It was the first time he had ever gotten below a B or anything. I told him that it was over, move on and not a big deal. I also assured him that when he graduates his degree will not have a comment added on it about that test score. With our reassurance he doesn't feel the added pressure of what will we think if he gets a bad grade.</p>
<p>Something must be wrong with my boys. The senior has never called at exam time. This is freshman S's first go around with exams. I have heard nothing from him since he went back after T-giving. He was never great at exams in high sch. His last exam is Thurs. I'll be the nervous/stressed one waiting for him to come home with the results.</p>
<p>Lots of pressure here. Younger D needs to maintain a 3.25 to keep her scholarship, and she has 2 A's and 2 B's, but one of the B's is shaky. She needs a good grade on the final. Note to all- if your child did not take AP world history in high school, honors European Civilization in college is a tough class.</p>
<p>Senior year D got an eye infection and can't see correctly. Doctor was no help, and she has 2 finals this week and the final interview for Teach for America, which is supposedly all day long and very intense. Not a thing I can do to help. Sigh.</p>
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Strangely she is having more difficulty this semester even though her social situation is better
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maybe that isn't so strange. I had a BLAST my sophmore year of college (shy guy coming out his shell) ... I also almost landed on probation. This was the year I started to learn to balance an active social life with solid work habits ... sophomore year I slighted the solid work habits ... by my junior year I had it figured out.</p>
<p>We got the final meltdown call Saturday. Turns out finals are "very stressful." I'm glad things haven't changed since I was in school. Also, one of her teachers is insane and hates her. But, she was calling from the coffee shop where she studies with her friends, and sounded good. </p>
<p>After I hung up, I remembered how strange it felt when I'd finish my last final at the end of a semester and felt so disoriented after pouring my heart and soul into my classes and then it would just abruptly end. Weird.</p>