im a 4.0 student, but...?

Question

im taking an advanced math class this year and i dont think i can make it, my mom freaks if i get a b+, any ideas on a) calming my mom down about perfection, or b) getting a brain transplant to help me with math

Answer 1

1. The odds of getting an A in every class are pretty low. Those who do it are either lucky or crazy.

2. If you wanna be crazy and do everything possible to sustain your 4.0 GPA go ahead, but in my opinion it's not worth it.

3. Do your best in the class and don't worry about what your mom says. She'll get over it.

Answer 2

I'm an A student myself, Dean's List and all, but math has never been my forte. I don't have to worry about my parents anymore, but I do have to answer to my own high expectations of myself. I took a summer online stats class and got a D.
Yes, a D.
As in Duuuuuhhhhhh, and DOWN goes my GPA to a 3.47.
I'd have been delighted with a B. Especially since I now have to repeat the class this fall. I know I can pull a B this time - it's in a classroom where I can ask questions until I "get" it. That said, I'm going to take it easy on myself. Stressing about math makes it harder to learn. Take your time, focus and ask as many questions as you need to in order to absorb the information. Get plenty of rest and have a meal at least an hour before your class. Maybe sit down with your mom and show her the work you have to do. I'm willing to bet it's material that would make the average Joe have an aneurysm. She will understand if you are calm and mature about it. Tell her that your goal is an A, of course, but that there is a possibilty that the material will be challenging enough to you to effect your final grade.
I wish you all the luck in the world - keep up the good work because there is no substitute for a good education.

Answer 3

Your mom isn't taking the class, you are...and she needs to know that. As long as you are trying your hardest, getting tutoring, extra help from the teacher, etc, your mom should relax.

If you feel comfortable telling your mom that, then fine. Otherwise you might want to talk to your teacher about your concern. He or she would likely schedule a visit with your mom so that she can get some perspective.

A brain transplant won't work, and your mom stressing you out over it won't help you succeed either.

I definately suggest sharing your concern with your teacher...we have seen it all, it would be no surprise to them, and they will be on your "side", so to speak.

PS: having a perfect 4.0 isn't a bad goal, but a 3.92 will still get you places. Don't sweat the small stuff. Question: was your mom a perfect A student in school? Ask to see her report cards or transcripts. Bet she won't show them to you!! Parents usually get wound up because they didn't succeed and they want to live their life through their kids now.

Answer 4

I think every semester of college I find a class that at first appears as though I'm going to fail miserably. I worry myself sick about how awful I'm going to do. I use this fear as motivation to work harder and study more. I'm sure that if you're a 4.0 student than an advanced math course isn't go to kill you- and if you don't get a perfect 4.0- who CARES! I know it seems really important now...but later in life NO ONE is going to ask you what your GPA is! So even if it isn't perfect don't worry- its not worth working yourself up about! I'm sure you're going to survive- hey you've found a way to make it this far! Now go tell your mom to stop freaking out- no one's perfect and its absolute ludacris to demand that of your children! Tell her you'll do your best and that's all you can do- if she has a problem with it then SHE can go take advanced math and try and ace it!

Good luck!

Answer 5

Maths require practice. Make sure you study a bit every day, don't procrastinate and don't think you will cram before a test and get away with it... If you pay attention in class and practice with a lot of exercises daily, you will do just fine! As for your mother: just talk to her! Tell her you are trying your best and that you are stressed because of her high expectations... I am sure she will understand and be more supportive instead of pushy! Good luck!

Answer 6

Tell your mom that you're doing the best you can. Then maybe find someone better at math than you and ask them if they can tutor you a little bit. Also, those books you can buy (cliffs notes, etc) really help to use alongside your textbook.

Answer 7

Explain to your mom, that you don't know if you're going to be able to make it through math. Tell her that it's hard for you, and ask for some tutoring sessions, that way your GPA doesn't drop. If it does, it will still be high, but in order to make your mom happy, at least le her know you'll try.

Answer 8

I'm kinda in the same boat as you, exept my parents just want me to do my best, you should tell your mom that advanced math is supposed to be challanging and im sure that if you do your best you'll be fine

Answer 9

It is important that you feel as if you are doing your best. The grade is less important than your feeling about yourself as a learner. As you progress in school things get harder and the level of difficulty (AP vs. regular, say) must be considered. Talk with your mother about your feelings about this course. Have the instructor talk with her and confirm you are trying hard.

Answer 10

Work hard but also let your mom know if you're having trouble with the class. Let her know that you're trying but you're still finding it challenging, also ask her not to be disappointed in you if you don't get an A, but that's still your goal.