<p>This is about the third time I've posted about this subject on CC, but I'm having a really rough time with this situation. With recent developments, I'm hoping to finally resolve it.</p>
<p>Background:
1. Straight A student at a not too competitive school in the Midwest.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is 6th in class (taking into consideration I wasn't all honors last year) with a 4.0 UW and 4.5 W GPA (we aren't ranking anymore) and our GPA is subject to change in the way it's calculated.</p></li>
<li><p>Has a good start to a list of strong EC's (with leadership positions already).</p></li>
<li><p>Aspires to attend a school that is reputable in undergraduate business that has some prestige and has a stimulating, diverse environment (non-state university). Not looking at the Ivies, but I'd like to keep my possibilities open and have the best application I possibly can when graduating.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Problem:
Last year (freshman year) I took Algebra I, with the rest of my classes being honors. I knew that I should try to get full honor courses by my junior year, so I went to my counselor and she doubled up my math courses for this year (sophomore year). Now I have the most rigorous schedule possible at my school for my grade, plus a regular Geometry class., Thing is, the first couple of quizzes and tests in H Algebra II really hurt me and right now I have a D in the class. </p>
<p>I've talked with my H Algebra II teacher and the head of the math department. The head of the department said that they should of never let me double up and suggested I drop down into a regular Algebra II class. My H Algebra II teacher wants me to stick it out to semester and suck it up. </p>
<p>Solution(s):
1. Drop out of Algebra II completely and switch into an elective that relates to my desired profession (not a very rigorous class).
2. Drop down into a regular Algebra II class with juniors and have my D grade transfer with me (hopefully being able to raise it because of the slower pace).
3. Suck it up in H Algebra II and possibly receive a C or D on my transcript.</p>
<p>Suggestions? I've weighed these all out, multiple times, but I'm still not clear on what is best.</p>
<p>At some point for many high school students the expectations of them in math increases sharply. It often happens in advanced algebra. The reason is primarily that rigor in advanced math is essential, and that lower math courses don’t quite stress that rigor. The lower courses put a high premium on understanding concepts, and teachers tend to go soft on examples. But to go forward in math you need the rigor – where the right answer to difficult algebraic manipulations is important, as is some level of quickness.</p>
<p>So my guess is that you’ve hit that wall. It happens often. A lesser class may delay the need for you to handle the rigor expectations. But sooner or later it’s likely to happen to you.</p>
<p>I would trust your math teacher. Study much harder. Do lots of examples. Redo problems when you get the wrong answer. Take advantage of your teacher’s encouragement and confidence, and ask for help. My guess is that within 4-6 weeks you’ll see significant progress in your understanding and in your ability to handle the expected rigor.</p>
<p>It all depends on how badly you want to survive this class. If it doesn’t matter that much to you, you had better drop down, because you won’t find the motivation to climb out of the hole you are digging right now. If you are determined to grit your teeth and show them who’s who, then you are going to be spending some long nights with your face planted in that algebra book. </p>
<p>IOW, you can do it if you have the will to, but if it’s just not how you want to spend your time and effort, you should back off.</p>
<p>I think it’s a good question and a difficult decision. </p>
<p>You need to look inward as to why you are getting a D. Are you not spending enough time on the course or are you finding the pace too fast for your capabilities, or did you just miscalibrate and the tests were harder than what you expected. In other words, if you are confused about the material and went into the tests not expecting to ace them, then I would say you need to study math at a more deliberate pace and should probably drop down. If you thought you knew the material but were surprised at the difficulty of the exams, then you stick with the class and should probably study harder for the exams.</p>
<p>It’s only September. There is ample opportunity to pull your grade up. You may need to get a tutor or a peer tutor to get you caught up quickly. You have to remember that the class will not slow down to wait for you. If you are behind in your understanding, in order to catch up, you have to work to learn the stuff you did poorly on in ADDITION to keeping up with the new stuff. Don’t wait to get help if you need it. </p>
<p>From an educational point of view, dropping down to regular Algebra II is a good option. </p>
<p>I don’t think this is the end of the world. For competitive college admissions, you should take the most rigorous course that you can do well in, not the most rigorous course period. Getting a C in honors would be worse than getting a B in regular. My opinion is that nobody is going to raise an eyebrow with one B in a sea of A’s. But a C stands out.</p>
<p>Good luck and don’t despair, you’ll be fine if you take charge.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the replies! As previously stated, this whole thing has really stressed me out.</p>
<p>The theory of hitting “the wall” makes sense, I believe that’s what I’ve done. I’m coming from a math background where the tests are extremely easy. In this honors math course though, the teacher puts in the most challenging material (what a test should be) and that’s what screws me up. I feel I have a good understanding of the material (besides a few things), but then the test comes and I’m stuck.</p>
<p>As for how much drive I have for the class, I just don’t know. I find myself spending hours on homework a night, plus hours for this class. I’m losing any drive to compete for a better grade. I’ve heard that a C in honors is worse than a B in regulars. My teacher told me directly, “You probably wont fail, but you’ll probably get a C if you work hard.” This concerns me.</p>
<p>I’m honestly scared to drop down into a regular class and potentially receive a D or C. I’m getting a lot of the material, but some of it just doesn’t click with me. I have been offered to get tutored by a good friend who has the highest grade in the class. If I stay in, I will definitely get tutored by her. </p>
<p>Just so you know, you need Calculus for economics and business. If I were you I would do whatever that is needed in order to take higher level math courses in your Junior and Senior years. If you can achieve that by taking regular Algebra II, then great. Though I personally would prefer that you work hard in H Algebra II.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input Ryan, I did know that Calculus is needed for a business degree. That’s one thing that was in the back of my mind.</p>
<p>I’m definitely feeling inclined to stay in. I just looked online at my overall grade and I have a D based on three grades. This last test I’m expecting a C or so, so that will raise it to a mid to low C. With this I can definitely change my grade drastically if I apply myself.</p>