<p>You have to remember that "many" students do not repeat. The vast majority of all students at the Academy pass their coursework. Yes, many struggle; however, there are any number of reasons for this. 1) Poor preparation prior to matriculation. 2) Difficult Instructor 3) Poor study habits 4) Poor study habits 5) Poor study habits.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is that the Academy would not be "the Academy" without difficult course work. The added requirements of the regiment, the sea year, and any extracurriculars make life even more difficult. As a plebe you are for the first time away from home and taking courses that are probably more difficult than your most difficult high school class. You also have a computer sitting on your desk right next to where you probably study. Said computer has email, IM, and any number of websites available for which one can "take a break from studying."</p>
<p>The key as said above is time/risk management. One needs to figure out a schedule that works for them. Is it study right after classes end, or do you study better after taking a short break. Do you study better in groups or alone? All of these are trial and error answers and unfortunately for most plebes they have never really had to study before they don't know the answers yet.</p>
<p>Alot of people advocate studying in groups, but I hated it and did poorly when I tried it. I studied better on the weekends and after taking a short break to work out. I studied better away from my room where my computer couldn't tempt me. </p>
<p>The courses are not there as "gotcha" courses, but they are there to get the midshipmen to learn the material needed. Unfortunately midshipmen don't have alot of options such as changing majors or dropping courses so you have to suck it up and deal with it.</p>
<p>Take advantage of all the opportunities available and as mentioned above, do the homework, even the ungraded.</p>
<p>I worry that F.B is taking up too much time. My S is doing o.k. but reports that he doesnt get tutoring as much as he should because of F.B practice.I'm encouraging him to make tutoring a priority. He said that the calc prof only gives 2 or 3 tests and that's the grade. Doesnt leave much wiggle room.</p>
<p>Unfortunately this is how most of the courses in college are these days. Unlike high school there is rarely graded homework or other things to help bring subpar exam grades up. In some of the courses there will be a project or two in addition to a few tests.</p>
<p>I agree with KP2001--Poor study habits, poor study habits, poor study habits! My S breezed through AP classes in high school. Rarely got home before 10 pm each night doing: football, drama, dance, etc. and still came out of HS the top 10 %. He needed a crash course in study habits--he even admits it. </p>
<p>That said, he told some friends of mine this year that there is NO WAY to complete all the tasks required--therefore, I would only add to what kp2001 said is TIME MANAGEMENT!</p>
<p>After all, these mids are here to go to school--dump football if there isn't enough time--right?</p>
<p>
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T and F so is my son...but he is still lost with the math...he can barely add one plus one
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</p>
<p>Haha...does your son know you pick on him like this? lol Im not to good with math either but I am pretty sure I can manage one plus one....the answer's three right? (lol just kidding)</p>
<p>In addition to time management and good study habits it is also important for these students to learn to prioritize. There may come a time when they have to choose between shining their shoes and studying for a celestial navigation test. Hint: choose to study. I've never heard of anyone getting a setback because their shoes weren't shined. Of course, there will be consequences for unshined shoes but, sometimes you may have to "take a hit" in one area in order to save yourself somewhere else.</p>
<p>It may even mean prioritizing in terms of classes as well...I have a big engineering test tomorrow...I have to read three chapters for my history class...forget about the reading. Or I have a test in this deckie 4 credit class and I have a homework assignment/quiz for a 2 credit class...you work harder on the 4 credit class.</p>
<p>All very valid points in this thread and I think a healthy discussion regarding academics at KP.</p>
<p>As to athletics, yes, athletics takes up a HUGE chunk of time in a midshipman's day and can affect school grades. There are always a handful of people who start the year on a team and end up needing to leave the team in order to concentrate on their studies. If this needs to be done, it needs to be done; however, I would work very hard to not leave an athletic team. The team will add so much to the midshipman's time at the Academy and can be a big positive; however, if it means not being at the Academy due to failures it is not worth it.</p>
<p>For those who are on teams another option for academic problems is to talk to the coach. Sometimes they have other ideas to help out.</p>
<p>I agree with kp2001, go to the coach, they don't want you to fail. Also seek help in your section from other athletes having the same problem. They are not alone. My S had a lot a trouble his plebe year but what helped him out is that he knew how to seek out help. Many plebes who were at the top of their HS class always gave the help and when it comes to asking for help they are lost and seem overwelmed.</p>
<p>T and F take up government and you will be fine...they have an actual course called "Calculus for Government Majors and Other Low lifes." and yes he knows I clown him on a regular basis both on and off line.</p>
<p>Kathynp
The difference between time management and proritization is subtle.
Once you run out of time (and you will) then you have to establish priorities.
You will never get it all done, so you have to decide what to "throw under the bus."</p>
<p>Ha ha good one...you'll fit in with all the crazy coasties. Our cross country is superb, our indoor tracks rocks, and our spring teams usually rule. Great facilities too.
Jump right in!</p>