Junior Year Effect

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I am a junior in high school and this year has probably been the worst I have had. My grades have been sliding down since freshman year and honestly I have no idea what to do anymore.</p>

<p>I study a lot for all my subjects (meaning 50+ hours a week), especially Math and AP Chemistry, but I keep on failing in my subjects. I have lost a lot of the motivation that I once had, and now whenever I study, I know that no matter how much effort I put in I will always get a low mark. I do have tutors and I ask my teachers for help, but I am still not doing well.</p>

<p>Everything seems like a chore. I play cello. In freshman year and sophomore year it was fun, but now whenever I practice I cannot have fun because I am always thinking, "Oh. I have more work and studying to do." It's not really fun anymore, and I can't put my heart into my playing. </p>

<p>I hold very high standards for myself because in freshman year I got straight A's and that really boosted my confidence. But recently I have been content to earn a D on a test. It is a rarity to come across A's (actually, I have never gotten an A yet this year). </p>

<p>All my friends are doing very well, and I have asked them for help but they do not know how to help me because they think their classes are easy. (We are enrolled in the same classes- AP Chemistry, AP Language, AP US History, Honors Math, Spanish, etc). I often feel left out as I am studying during lunch all the time, and they can afford to relax and talk about funny stuff and whatnot.</p>

<p>I asked my parents about dropping out but they said that I have already been in my classes for almost a whole semester now. I cannot quit. My sister said that too. She said: "When you look back on junior year, you will be proud of yourself for enduring such a difficult time." My friends say I have to keep on being positive, but how can I be positive when I see my grades sliding down even more? I have quit talking to my friends and family about this matter because it seems like they do not understand me. Literally everyone I talk to says, "It'll be fine" but I disagree.</p>

<p>With each D and F I get my confidence just keeps on getting lower and lower. It's almost at rock bottom. </p>

<p>Has anyone experienced this? How did you deal with it?</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Ouch. I am really sorry to hear that :(</p>

<p>I can’t really relate because I haven’t been in a situation like yours yet. I could suggest talking to a counselor, or just taking a day off just for the heck of it. </p>

<p>Get your mind off school, and just have some fun. You might need a break, I’m a junior and I can tell you my year is stressful as well. </p>

<p>When I’m stressed, I walk near the creek around my house, watch youtube, or hang out with a friend.</p>

<p>Hope this helps?</p>