So I’ve been a good student the past years with majority A’s and about 5 B’s on my transcript. However, this semester my grades have gone down the toilet. 1st quarter I got my first C and D in 2 math related classes (something I am not strong in) and another D this semester. I’m failing quizzes and tests everywhere no matter how much I study. I am stressed beyond belief and I’m sure that my major mental breakdown is soon to come. I don’t want colleges to think that I’ve become lazy, it’s just that I am really struggling in my classes. I don’t know what to do at this point and my shot of possibly getting into an elite school at this point is 0. Help?
Talk to your parents. Talk to your teachers. Talk to your guidance counselor. What has changed this year? How are you studying? Get a handle on your stress, take a deep breath, and figure out what’s going wrong this year. College will be even harder so you need to get to the bottom of what’s happening and take good care of yourself. Big deep breath, it’s going to be OK!
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Share this with someone in your real life. Parents, Guidance Counselor, school psychologist…somebody.
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What do you think is the issue? Are you taking too many hard classes? Are you taking hard classes and trying to apply for college? Do you have other ECs you are spending too much time on? DO you have a family issue? do you have a health issue? Boy/Girlfriend issue?
Do you feel like maybe you have depression… like do not want to do anything anymore? -
If it is that your classes are harder, then you may need to change the way you study.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/2026961-what-to-do-when-you-arent-doing-well-in-a-hs-class-p1.html -
YOu may need to drop some ECs, or maybe even downgrade a class. Talking with your parents/GC will help you determine if this is the case.
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Good for you for recognizing that something isn’t going right and taking steps.
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Your parents/GC/teachers want you to do well and want to help you…just reach out!
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Don’ tworry about getting into an elite school…which makes me wonder if you are self-sabotaging…like “See, i am not good at school so I shouldn’t apply to an elite school so if I fail I won’t have to apply and not get accepted”.
THere are 2000+ 4 year colleges in the USA…there is one for you. Yes I am sure that is all everyone is talking about…but you will find what works for YOU and your family…don’t worry about other people and what they think.
Have you always had difficulty with math? Any chance that this is a math-specific learning difference (dyscalculia family) or a math-specific anxiety? Think that through too, and discuss it with your guidance counselors. There are strategies that you can learn that will help you cope.