LAST SEMESTER in high school and so STRESSED?

Question

I'm taking 2 APs (Gov't & Biology) right now and the tests are in 8 weeks. I'm also struggling in math and all I can think about is not having to suffer before college begins. What should I do? I get tired alot and the stress is really catching on to me with all the frustrations of grades, scores and studying marathons for the AP exams (BIOLOGY especially---painful) What am I to do?

Answer 1

Hey, it's alright, man. I'm going through the same exact thing (BIO really is a b**ch! interesting though). And many, MANY other people out there (probably the dude who sits across from you in Gov and in Bio too) are experiencing this. Here are some very helpful ways (in my opinion) of dealing with this stress:

1) B*tch about it: Yes, as strange as it may sound, complaining to someone about your problems really does help you let out some of that steam. it's like punching stuff when you're angry. You just feel a little better.

2) Don't worry about your scores so much: The scores you get are just there to test your knowledge of the subject. You don't want to focus solely on scores. Just stick to learning the concepts and stuff and forget about panicking for that 5 on the test. You just have to do your best and hope you knew your stuff (and study, obviously). Just don't fret about the scores.

3) Idk what bio book you're using, but for mine, what really helps me get the stuff are the activities on this site: http://www.whfreeman.com/thelifewire6e/

Really, all the books are pretty much the same though

NOTE: the end of chapter tests contain frequently contain some errors! don't rely on those tests!

4) Another studying tip: look at the pretty pictures. That's right, most of the essential and tough to understand stuff is in the diagrams in the book. Just try to understand the diagrams and the rest of the stuff should be pretty easy to get (and no, you won't get all the diagrams instantly either, but it's worth it. at least it's better than just drilling vocab into your head...)

5) Work out: or do whatever you want to do to get your mind off studying for a while. Sleep could work, except then you might dream of studying (which is what happens to me!). Just relax, basically


I doubt you'll find any of the above stuff new info, but hey, we all go through this type of stress, and it's a normal part of our teen-adult lives. We're all stressed out and it might just get worse as we get older, but try to appreciate the good times (like eating time, and social time) and then remember those times when you're stressing (not as a distraction though!! like sort of a, "dammit! I'm so tired of this... but i had my relaxation time a while ago when i at that cracker.. *sigh* so salty and crunchy... oh, right, back to work..."

Answer 2

I remember that. First of all, I would look at the college you're going to and see what the AP credit will do for you. One of my classes ended up hardly counting for anything even though it took tons out of me. If you find that, focus less on that test than on the ones that do count for something. One other thing I've found after college and high school. Often the AP exams are more difficult than the class in college! I'm serious about that, too. So if you fail (which it sounds like you won't with all you're going through), don't stress.

Also, you NEED to plan in some time for fun. Structure your study sessions, etc. Organize them and see if you can find out what is on the test. Organization will make study time more effective. Also, it's amazing what a little break will do. You can come back and actually learn faster than if you went through without a break. That being said, of course there is a ballance. Don't overdo it.

My other advise is to just hold on. Sometimes we need to wade through stressful times. College is super fun, especially the freshman year. That's the way life is---there are moments we are just happy we survived, there are moments we fondly remember. This is a survival time.

Answer 3

Well, I took AP Bio and Gov and got 4s on both. Last semester of high school is misery, so much for senioritis!!! I can tell you that you are going into college as well prepared as you could possibly be!

In retrospect I worried a lot more than I should have over grades. Chances are you already know (or will know soon) about where you'll go and how much money they decided to give you. Colleges do look at the last semester, but if there is a slight drop they don't hold it against you. Preparing for tests sucks. Get a study group together and go somewhere, include food, make it as fun as possible (and still productive). My friends and I always used Panera. Try to get as much sleep as possible! Be nice to your parents because I was a total jerk since I was so stressed out.

Don't worry it will be over soon! Good Luck!

Answer 4

Hi,
To regain the confidence in yourself you appear to have lost, I suggest making the following investment:
- find a tutor - this person can assist by identifying issues you have in math, ranking them, then working with you to strengthen those skills, while reasuring you of the progress you're making
- complete old exam tests/quizes in the required time on subjects you need to pass, and use them to prepare yourself mentally for exam technique
- take 20-30 min per day to jog/walk/exercise - it will reinvigorate you

Good luck