Should I drop BC Calc?? :/

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I just took my first test of the year last week and I think I did poorly on it. I need to get all As this semester in order to raise my UWGPA to a 3.90. I’m also taking 4 other APs and I have no free periods.

Two things are holding me back from dropping it, though: my pride (math isn’t my strong suit but I worked my ass off for the past 3 years to stay in the honors lane (though I did get some Bs), so it feels like a waste of my effort if I drop now) and course rigor (not sure what colleges would think if I dropped a lane in my senior year, especially since most people don’t—BC Calc is a very popular AP at my school, too).

Also, I plan on majoring in biology or chemistry.

Any thoughts/advice? Many thanks!

2

Can you take Calc AB?

What other AP classes are you taking?

Can you get a tutor?
Have you gone to teacher office hours?
Can you form a study group?

3

@bopper
I think I can only drop down to AB if my grade is a C or below in the class. I’m currently taking AP Bio, AP Physics C, AP Lit, and AP Psych.

My friends are struggling in the class as well, and we all have generally conflicting schedules. As for a tutor, the ones near my area are pretty expensive. And I have been to my teacher’s office hours, though the way he explains concepts/problems is confusing.

4

Is there another teacher in your school that teaches Calc BC? Or did you have a math teacher at your school another year that you liked/understood? They might be able to help you. Also, if you like your physics teacher, they might be able to help - physics does involve a lot of math. If your area has some kind of online homework help place or online tutoring it might cost less, just an idea. Good luck!

5

@hsstudent13 thanks! Yes, there are other teachers but they aren’t very good either (or so I’ve heard).

6

Does the NHS have tutors?

7

@bopper we have student tutors

8

How poorly did you do? Did you fail? or just get a C? Is the whole class is struggling? or just your friends?

Give the student tutors a chance.

9

@nw2this just got the test back today and I barely scraped by with an 80. Everyone thought the test was difficult, especially since we had 1 quiz and it was fairly straight-forward. Some people did well, I imagine. As for the tutors, I don’t know if there are any since it’s the highest math class offered at my school. I also don’t have any free periods where I can study with one.

10

An 80 is respectable! Don’t drop. Go see your teacher for extra help. I suspect the teacher would be impressed with your desire to improve.

11

@nw2this thank you! I was kind of surprised (in both a good and bad way? Though my parents were both appalled.).I plan on going to his office hours whenever I can, so hopefully he’ll be able to help or give me some test-taking tips.

Speaking of, does anyone have any tips for taking tests? Sometimes, I find myself getting anxious during the test, and blanking out.