<p>I took honors chemistry last year, so I figured I'd take AP chemistry this year and honors bio next year in order to only have four AP classes senior year. I did fairly well (got an A) in chem last year, so I figured I'd be well-prepared for AP.</p>
<p>Now, over a month into the school year, I've definitely figured out that my learning style does not mesh with the class. I'm an auditory learner...I need to watch a teacher work out a problem in front of me while explaining it. Instead, we receive extensive book work assignments every night that are not gone over/graded in class. Class time, which includes two "early mornings" (meaning I have to leave for school at 6:25am) a week, consists almost entirely of labs, which eventually become lab reports, which translates into more homework for me.</p>
<p>I am barely getting by (by my standards) in the class...hopefully I can hang onto an A- until the end of the quarter. But before you gasp and tell me I'm crazy, let me explain: I don't feel like I'm learning anything. It gets to the point where I read the textbook pages, make a (usually failed) attempt to complete the questions, and spend hours on lab reports. When we have tests (they take upwards of two and a half hours) I spend an entire week freaking out about them, trying to understand the material, and end up getting low Bs. The generally high grades on lab reports usually balance these out...but I know that if this keeps up, there is no way I'll be able to get an A (- or otherwise) in the course, let alone do well on the AP exam and SAT subject test.</p>
<p>I'm seriously considering getting a tutor of some kind. I am also in two other AP classes and two honors classes, along with a full plate of extracurriculars (just like everyone else here). Last time I checked, I was ranked second in my class, and I'd really rather not see that drop. For the most part, though, I'm just insanely frustrated with myself because I'm used to understanding classes so easily. I have tried repeatedly to get help from the teacher, but he also teaches regular chemistry and there are always dozens of kids vying for his time after school. What's more, I rarely have specific questions, and it seems rude to just show up with my textbook and go, "Teach me this," doesn't it?</p>
<p>How does one go about getting a tutor? I don't know any seniors who have taken the course. My friends are in the same boat as I am. I'd rather not ask my teacher about it, because I don't want to insult his teaching abilities or anything. How much does a professional tutor cost? How do sessions work?</p>
<p>Other suggestions for my situation would be great, as well.</p>