<p>So today our school is picking classes and I wanted to take a Calculus for 0 hour. </p>
<p>And I was cool with that since before junior year, my stepdad was all cool with me driving to school for senior year and whatnot.</p>
<p>So when I came home today, I told him the plans.</p>
<p>AND HE JUST (pretty much) laughed in my face and said "No you're not".</p>
<p>When I ask him to pay for my AP test, he gets all frugal and cheap and then complains to my mom like it's MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR ALL OF MY TESTS (EVEN tho before I took my AP classes, he said "Oh we'll pay for all of that. Don't worry".)</p>
<p>So, he is basically NOT letting me take that class because he doesn't want to waste money on gas, insurance, etc. And then my mom was like, "Fine then. I'll send her". And he's like, "I won't allow that either".</p>
<p>What do I do? I want that AP class! Usually parents are supportive about these things. Of course I get the stepdad who could care less.</p>
<p>SO Now I'm basically just BALLING my eyes out because I'm mad of 5 years of always racing to the top, only to be pushed down because of this stupid transportation problem. I'm mad that I spent FIVE YEARS, struggling on all my assignments, studying HOURS to get that A, STAYING after school with teachers for them to help.</p>
<p>I really feel sorry for you Kimmy. I can imagine what you must be feeling, it is really unfortunate to be in such a situation after working so hard. Try to look for a time when your step father is not busy doing so many things and discuss all your concerns and feelings. Emotional appeal may work for you, try to get him to reason with you. Don’t appear forceful or anything of that sort. Also go to your mother, and ask her to convince your step father one way or the other. I hope it all works out for you, just keep your calm and remain optimistic.</p>
<p>As a parent, I am sorry to hear that your stepfather is being so difficult and controlling. I strongly suggest you talk to your school counselor and/or a teacher that you feel you can confide in. They may be able to come up with an alternative source of funds for your AP tests, and would keep the situation confidential. And they might even be willing to help you with transportation! I know of teachers at our public high school that have gone way out of their way to help dedicated students who come from unsupportive families. Reach out.</p>
<p>Tell your step dad that he’s doesn’t own your mother or you and you’re not even related anyways, so your mother can drive you and he can’t do anything about it.</p>
<p>“And then my mom was like, “Fine then. I’ll send her”. And he’s like, “I won’t allow that either”.”</p>
<p>Wow, are we in Saudi Arabia or something? He won’t ALLOW your mother to help her own daughter?</p>
<p>Seriously. I am just so apathetic about everything now. Why do homework when maybe my stepdad might flip out and all of this studying might again be a waste? I try to talk reasonable for about 30 minutes, but he’s still as obstinate as ever. My mom is totally cool with my idea at first. But now she’s iffy.</p>
<p>And I can’t tell anyone this. Because once I talked to my guidance counselor about how unsupportive my stepdad is. And when I got home, my stepdad yelled at me. </p>
<p>He’s your STEPdad- he shouldn’t have any power over you unless you want it, which you obviously don’t. The **** is this? Tell him to go ***** himself- this is YOUR education, he should not be interfering.</p>
<p>Are you friends with anybody else taking the class? If not, are you cordial and could eventually become friends with anyone taking the class? Perhaps you could bum a ride from them. As for the cost … friends, friends’ parents, grandparents, extended relatives??</p>
<p>And none of my friends are taking that class. Or if they do, they livve on the opposite side of town.</p>
<p>And now my mom is against me. Probably my stepdad wouldn’t leave her alone until she gives in. And now she did. ALso she’s treating like me taking an AP class is a “privilege” and basically told me that I am so spoiled to think I can just get a car (EVEN THOUGH FOR LIKE 2 YEARS THEY PROMISED ME ONE).</p>
<p>I don’t know…self study for the exam and get the cost covered by your school. Ask your GC to address the transportation/abusive stepdad issue in his rec.</p>
<p>So sorry for your situation- he definitely sounds like a real jerk.</p>
<p>Well my school is like 20 miles away from my home. And there are no metro around. My class starts around 6:20 as well and .y step dad complains “this is too early” even though I wake up every day to catch a bus at 6. And the bus I catch at 6 arrives at school at 7 since I’m one of the first people who get on</p>
<p>This may sound useless advice… I’m fairly certain there are fee waivers for AP exams through Collegeboard or possibly your school.</p>
<p>And even more useless advice… try publicity. You could kickstarter some funds which may lead to an opportunity to get your own car and gas money.</p>
<p>This is probably too late…but you could maybe try showing how important it is by asking him to pay the AP fee instead of getting you birthday presents … just a dumb thought that popped into my head. But as Gretzky said, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”</p>