How to survive school?

Question

I'm currently a junior in high school, and like I have heard, this year is going to be hell. It's hard to believe how bad this year is, considering that my freshman and sophomore years were amazing. I am taking three AP's (Bio, American History, BC Calculus). They are incredibly difficult, and my grades are suffering considerably. I work very, very hard, but nothing seems to work to bring my grades up. I am very used to being straight-A student, but I am not anymore. I am not okay with that. The problem is that I don't know what I am doing wrong, and my grades are not improving no matter how hard I try. I am consistently stressed. What should I do to bring those bad grades up?

To answer some of your questions:
I did buy AP books for all three subjects, and I have gone to all of my teachers multiple times for what we needed to know for tests/questions/such. So basically I have done all that I can really think of, yet my grades aren't good. Do junior year grades have a tendency to drop? Or am I still doing something wrong that I have not yet thought of?

Answer 1

Ah, I remember junior year. I took AP Spanish, History, and honors chem. So I guess mine wasn't as bad as yours. First, is it too late to switch to AB calculus? It's easier and u still get credit for it in college (depending on the college). In fact, u prolly have to take the class again anyways. I have a friend who took the AP Calculus (AB) test and passed it, but still had to take the class at Berkeley again. Think of it as a class that will help u get ahead so in college u won't get lost. If ur having difficulty, have u tried talking to the teacher (I know that seems like the obvious thing)? Have u got review books for the AP?

American History is not that bad. I had to do like 10 pages of notes a week and read 30+ pages of stuff. I always finished it on the weekends though. U just need 7 hours a week for history. Just do like 3 hours a night on Fri-Sun. Get a review book for that and look up AP history questions online. I passed with a 3 b/c I made a HUGE error on 2 of the essay questions even tho I studied hecka hard. I completely forgot about the French-Indian war and mixed up some facts about the Vietnam and Chinese war. The best thing to do is look at the essay exams in the past 5 years. They will not likely test u stuff in the past 3 years. It ended up being true for my year. Practice answering those questions. Just do like one essay question a week for the chapter ur doin.

I don't know what to say about AP Bio. I almost took that class. ALMOST. I would say, find good friends willing to tutor u or talk to ur teacher. Again, review books are the best way to go.

Also, u have to remember to have fun. Are u well rounded? Colleges like that. Join a sport. I did for junior year. I thought it would get in the way of my studying, but it really allowed me to relax. Make sure u are getting enough sleep. It's best to reveiw material when ur trying to sleep and first thing in the morning. Also, do it at odd moments like when ur brushing ur teeth or eating breakfast. MOST IMPORTANTLY, remember that high school is about enjoying the time with ur friends too. When u graduate, don't regret that u worried too much over tests and not enough over ur friendships. When I graduated, I would say 100% of my smart friends agreed that they wished they hadn't stressed so much over tests. High school is about having fun and having good friends too. Don't ever forget that. Things eventually work out in life. Just study hard, even if it's not helping, but pleeeeeeeeease remember to hang out with ur friends or go out often. Damn I miss them.

Answer 2

It has to do with the fact that it is the year before college applications are sent out along with the pressure of taking the SATs. College is around the corner too which bears down on the mind. Is this your first year of taking AP courses? If so, they tend to be more difficult than the average high school course, and very well worth taking because it is less college credits you have to take in college. Have you tried talking to your teachers to see how you can improve your grades or seen a tutor? Both can help a lot. I have added some free resources on the internet that should help with calculus and biology.

Answer 3

Wow, that's tough! Are you sure you aren't in over your head?

I'm not trying to be funny, but you do have time to take those classes in college. Why kill yourself now? Drop one or two of the tougher classes and focus on getting a solid GPA.

I'm pushing 30 now, and I will tell you looking back that one or two extra classes in college will NOT ruin your life. You will be pushing HARD through college. If you think it's tough now, just wait four years!

This really isn't very encouraging and I'm sorry it isn't. But it's my advice for you; ease off a little bit and work on quality. You can do it!

Answer 4

if only i was wasnt english, then id maybe understand ur education system lol

just try doing a little extra revision for half hour or so when you can. put some music on in the background and relax. i find that helps with me

Answer 5

Here is some help:
http://www.flashcardexchange.com
http://www.mathworld.wolfram.com
http://www.khake.com/page47 links to all subjects at
end
http://members.aol.com/TeacherNet/Study.html
http://www.newbedford.k12.ma.us/srhigh/oliveira/apbiologypage.html
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/9120/
Use Wikipedia:
http://www.en.wikipedia.org for everything!!
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html
Start with the geocities/heartland site to evaluate your situation and get organized! Form study groups, and ask teachers and friends for help! It takes 50 people to publish a successful book, not 1 or 2!
Study is the same! Don't wait to ask for help...you asked me! Form a study group, they do in Med school!
If I helped and you want more...
[e-mail]
Only homework help.
Never, never, never give up!!!!