<p>that's probably what happened to me...</p>
<p>I've felt that I've become dumber ever since I entered high school.</p>
<p>Seriously, and not because there's more smart kids in my school.</p>
<p>I figured that the gifted classes I was in during primary school destroyed the experience I had in secondary school. In primary school, I was isolated for as much as three hours of a six hour day in such classes, and came into grade 7 unable to function in the larger social world as I had made no contacts during primary school. I still put up with the aftereffects of this six years later.
The education I recieved in such classes did a first class job of making me dumb; I realize now that they never taught me advanced math or foreign languages when they could have, but instead squandered my time on projects which bored me by the time I reached grade 4. So yes, my 'joy in learning' was put in a coffin at least 8 years ago.</p>
<p>drsarah,</p>
<p>I'm pretty much in the same boat. Relax, not all of us are geniuses. Not saying that you are not one, but for those (including me) who have received bad letter grades, only hope is to try better!</p>
<p>I am an Assian in my JR year in a very competitive CA high school (#1 in district, blue ribbon, one of top schools in CA and nation, and the list goes on) Guess what, in such a good school (and hard as well), I ended up with 2 Cs in 2 AP classes (last semester) AGH! I was frantic. </p>
<p>But don't worry. I know I learned not to worry to much about grades. By no means am I slacking. I am trying my best, but this school is just way to overwhelming (too competitive). </p>
<p>AND please apply to Berkeley. Why should you not? You have a chance. If you don't apply, then you have 0% chance. Don't let grades deter your hopes. I know I had 2 Cs last semester, but I am dying to go to USC or Rice. And I know I will apply to both schools, despite my 2 Cs</p>
<p>thanks for the confidence boost :) of course, i will apply.</p>
<p>For me, it kinda seems the opposite. In elementary school, I NEVER did my homework. I was put in ESOL (I spoke and understood English perfectly mind you). I get to middle school and teachers are serious about doing homework so I start trying a bit.</p>
<p>Now, I'd say I'm relatively smart compared to other science-oriented people in my school.</p>