So in short, taking AP Physics 1 was a huge mistake. I thought I could handle it but I really can’t. It’s stressing me out to the point that I think it’s seriously affecting my health. I got A’s on the first two tests but the third one was a complete disaster and despite my hours upon hours of studying, I got a 57%. I took the retake which I felt way better about but still only got a 68%. Finals is two weeks away and I am considering dropping for next semester. I just feel like I can’t do this anymore. This class consumes ten times more of my time than any other class. I’m fairly sure I’m going to get a B this semester (though I will fight for an A) and next semester will be even harder so I could even get a C. I know a W looks bad, but I don’t want to screw up my GPA. What should I do?
You need to start by taking a HUGE breath! You should first ask what is going wrong – is the math too advanced? Are you experiencing test anxiety? Do you have too little time to devote to it? Why don’t you consider getting a tutor? You need some efficient learning, especially as you ramp up to the final in two weeks, which will clearly impact your grade.
In my opinion, should not make the decision until after the final exam, so you can make the decision with a little more calm and self-awareness. Spend the next two weeks thinking ONLY about meeting the challenge of the material you’re struggling with. Earning a B in a very challenging class is not the worst thing that can happen, and neither is the W. If you are still this anxious after you spend 2 weeks with a tutor and meeting your teacher/studying with other students/reading the test, etc., then you should drop. Nothing is worth your mental health. But it sounds like you are freaking out because you stumbled on part of the material. You need help with learning the material - efficiently-- and you should seek that out actively.
Read the textbook
Do the "easy" problems, even if they aren't assigned
Talk to your friends, help out someone who understands it less than you (explaining it to someone else is a good thing)
Meet with the teacher. Don't worry what he/she thinks of you. Just go -- lunch time, after school, before school, whenever you can. Ask for extra help and tips. They will often share what they think is most important, or how they conceptualize something.
Get a (paid) tutor who is really good at teaching, preferably a HS physics teacher.
Don’t wait to get a tutor, because the earlier they can put you on track, the better! Yes, it’s a lot of time, but you are truly learning what college will ask of you. And you WILL be successful. Your first two As demonstrate the class is not too hard for you – you just need a little more time to absorb the particular topics you’re covering.
Thank you SymGol. I definitely think the issue is a lack of time. Unfortunately, I can’t spend these two weeks thinking only about physics because I have four other finals to prepare for as well, but I’ll devote as much time as possible. I also already have I tutor that I meet with once or twice before every test, but maybe I should start meeting with him more frequently. Again, thanks for your advice
