<p>I don't know what to do anymore in my honors physics class.
I put in all the effort, all the work. I spend anywhere from an hour all the way to five hours every night studying and practicing problems and reading and rereading the chapters. I know all the concepts cold, but when it comes to the quantitative part, it just doesn't work out. I usually do well on homeworks, but that's because I can reference the book. Everything in class makes sense, and I thought if I just practiced the problems I'd improve. I've certainly improved but it's still not enough. When it comes to tests and quizzes, it just doesn't... work. Gah, I really don't know anymore. I've talked to my teacher about it and my guidance counselor a few times, and we're all stuck. My teacher said to email him if I have trouble on the homework or something. Homework completely isn't my problem though.
Last quarter was the deadline to drop classes without any penalty,so basically I'm locked into this for the rest of the year now, unless I want colleges to see that I had to switch into normal physics.
I'm scraping by with a B in a class that I put A level effort into. All my other classes I've got A's. This is really hurting my average. </p>
<p>So do you guys have any advice for making it through this all and bringing up my grade? I don't have time for tutors; I was hoping some study advice or any recommendations of supplementary material.</p>
<p>If anyone replies to this saying physics is easy, maybe for you, but obviously not for me. There's no reason to make me feel worse about a class I'm already completely stressed about. It sucks because I want to go into medicine, but I can't even make it through this physics class. (as a reference for how hard it is though, AP Physics problems are easy as heck. I can get most all the AP practice exams right, but I can't get our physics tests)</p>
<p>calm down and clear your mind. Then look at a couple problems and read their solutions, and think about what the solutions are using. Look for patterns. You’ll find that there are only 3-4 types of problems you can give for each chapter. This strategy works well for math too.</p>
<p>I had the same problem last year. I took honors physics as well with an extremely hard courseload. At first I struggled in the same way you currently are. I got the homework, I sucked at quizzes and tests. My teacher gave the advice," don’t work for the equations, let the equations work for you…be the architect of the problem." It is safe to say that almost every problem is different…whether it be the wording or the formulas used, it is different. Recognize this, know the formulas, and draw out what you know, and what you do not know. For any mechanics, ALWAYS draw free body diagrams, for electrity just give up (honestly, thank the lord for mechanics). I had C+ and ended up with a B first semester, and then got an A- second semester, so it is possible my friend…and hey, now im in AP Physics C.</p>
<p>I took physics last year and I would highly not recommend doing what EastofEden said. Vectors and free body diagrams a *****, and they come back to haunt you. Getting extra credit just for the grade is not a good idea.</p>
<p>But srsly physics is irritating me right now. I have a lab due tomorrow and I’m just starting it now. Like I have all the data, I just need to type it up. And BS a conclusion, procedure, etc. Although I might need to double check some calculations.
But really, you’re freaking out too much. A B isn’t that bad. Just keep practicing.</p>
Maybe grab another textbook online and study from that too.</p>