Dropping a 2nd Semester Course

Candidate17

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Feb 14, 2013
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After a few weeks of taking AP Calculus BC, I have decided to drop the course.

At my high school, we do block scheduling. AP Calculus AB is a 1st semester block class (meeting for an hour and a half daily) and for the 2nd semester, there's a Seminar that meets twice weekly for AB. A few students every year elect to continue on and take AP Calculus BC in addition. This course meets 3 days a week, on the days that AB is not held.

The course is very fast paced and I'm falling behind and struggling. It has taken my attention away from my other courses (AP Calc AB Seminar, AP Phyics C, and AP Gov) and I don't feel like I belong in the course. My teacher agrees that I should focus on AB instead of trying to take both.


So, my question is, should I let admissions know ASAP? Will this negatively affect my admissions decision if I am honest with them in why I chose to drop the course?


Any insight or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
After a few weeks of taking AP Calculus BC, I have decided to drop the course.

At my high school, we do block scheduling. AP Calculus AB is a 1st semester block class (meeting for an hour and a half daily) and for the 2nd semester, there's a Seminar that meets twice weekly for AB. A few students every year elect to continue on and take AP Calculus BC in addition. This course meets 3 days a week, on the days that AB is not held.

The course is very fast paced and I'm falling behind and struggling. It has taken my attention away from my other courses (AP Calc AB Seminar, AP Phyics C, and AP Gov) and I don't feel like I belong in the course. My teacher agrees that I should focus on AB instead of trying to take both.


So, my question is, should I let admissions know ASAP? Will this negatively affect my admissions decision if I am honest with them in why I chose to drop the course?


Any insight or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

First, sounds like dropping the BC and continuing with the AB Seminar is a wise choice. Sometimes you have to cut your losses. If you have informed the academy you were planning on taking BC you should probably let them know. I doubt they will look on it in a negative light but you never know. Others, more knowledgeable than I, may have differing opinions.
 
I agree with Kinnem. Maintaining your grades and wisely managing your time shows both maturity and decision making (which is part of leadership). I would inform the academy of your course change and be prepared to explain your reasoning to your RC as required. You are showing a proactive approach which is good. Get a good score on the AP Calc AB test and all may be well. By the way, what you are experiencing now in HS (3 days/wk; moving fast) is what you can expect to experience once you start college at the academy or any other university. Better to learn now than later.

One more thought: you certainly would not want an appointment to be revoked in June after the academy gets your final transcript that has a poor grade in your last semester. Better to bring it to light now than to risk unknown consequences later.
 
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You might even want to discuss it with admissions and see what they think/say prior to dropping it if time permits. I know there are deadlines for these things.

Just so you know, and it's not the academy, but my kid dropped a philosophy/math course in college after discussing it with his NROTC adviser (due to grades). The adviser was in support of his dropping. The discussion was required I believe, but DS would have done it in any case. These folks understand and want you to do well. Good luck. Let us know how it works out.
 
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