junior struggling in math

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I posted this in the chances forum too, but it probably wasn't the place to do so.</p>

<p>I'm a junior in a very very prestigious East Coast high school (best public high school in the country). I think a lot of my qualifications are pretty good:
-95 average (avg in my school is 92ish; we don't rank and we don't even give colleges a GPA)
-2280 on the SAT, and I'm planning to retake
-applying as a Classics major, I think (taking AP Vergil and Greek ind study)
-lots of backstage work in theater, both inside school and out (mostly stage managing)
-Mock Trial and a handful of piano-related extracurriculars
-National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards</p>

<p>EXCEPT FOR MY B-RANGE MATH GRADES...ugh.</p>

<p>My grades are probably my weak spot. I've had a B+ in math 9th and 10th grades, and my average right now in precalc/trig is a B (although it's a high B). I had been very committed to bringing that grade up this year, but I have a ridiculously harsh teacher, and I have some attention issues that manifest themselves primarily in math/science classes, so I'm struggling more than usual. </p>

<p>I'm really worried that this has screwed me over for college (especially b/c it's not like I have A+s in every other class or anything). Does anyone have any advice on countering this math grade (or raising it, although I am definitely planning to try to do so)? Do I have no chance at an Ivy (Yale/Brown, although I'm def looking at other schools) with such low math grades? I'm getting nervous...</p>

2

<p>watch youtube videos/khan academy videos on the topics, do extra practice. ask friends/teacher for help when you don’t get something.</p>

3

<p>I’m trying!! It doesn’t seem to be working (I learn the material, but get bad test grades because of small mistakes like forgetting negative signs)…any specific youtube channels you’d recommend?</p>

4

<p>Do practice problems in the textbook they give you. They help. a lot.</p>

5

<p>Do every single practice problem you have. If you run out of problems to do, ask your teacher.</p>

<p>It worked for me.</p>

6

<p>You need to cut back time on your ECs to invest into your math grade.
You should get a private tutor and work with your hs math teacher as much as possible.
If the math teacher sees you putting in the effort and understanding the concepts as you work with her she will be less harsh for silly calculation mistakes on exams.
Honestly, you put more effort in your ECs because you don’t have a natural ability for math and ECs are more fun and social.
For some, like yourself, math takes concentration, work and dedication.
If you can make Bs in math, you have the potential to get As in math if you put in the time and work needed.
Good luck.</p>