<p>I don't exect my daughter to get straight A's however, I do expect her to do her best work in her classes, take advantage of the resources available to her and to ask for help (tutoring, study groups, speaking with the professor) if she needs it. </p>
<p>while I don't agree with the concept of paying for grades, my child knows that I am making sacrifices to send her to the college of her choice and that she should not disrespect the money given to her for her education (whether it is mine, scholarship money or loans). while I may have a moral and social obligation to provide her with an education, it does not have to be a $40,000/yr private school education.</p>
<p>Based on some of your other posts if your mother has indeed convinced your stepfather to help pay for your education you know that this was probably not an easy task. In the end you your your situation better than anyone as what she had to go through to make this happen for you. </p>
<p>You also know that there are probably a lot of other underlying issues associated with her request. You stated on another thread that you got very little need based aid from Bucknell as a result of your stepfather being well off. You said that he is very controlling toward your mother and did not want to pay for your education. Your parents did not have the money to pay for college and you believe that you have worked too hard to attend a cheaper state school. </p>
<p>All of this compounded I think makes her feel that she has to place stipulations just to make your stepfather happy. I don't think your mother is looking for straight A's as much as she is hoping that you are not a C student or worse, getting a letter of concern based on academics and taking flack by hearing that you could have gotten C's at home. </p>
<p>As sad as it may seem you may have to buckle down because your stepfather is controlling the purse strings and if you don't do well , he probably won't pay for another semester.</p>
<p>Go in with the mindset you are going to do the best you can because in the end that is all you can do.</p>