Difficult Class

[serviceacademyg]

I am currently taking AP Physics 2 and I did very poorly on the first test despite hours of studying. I know that at this rate, I will end the semester with a C. Should I withdraw from this class and take a study hall to prevent my 4.0 UW, 4.52 Weighted GPA from significantly dropping? Or should I take the C (expecting it for both semesters)?

 

[THParent]

I think the obvious answer (an it is just my opinion) is that you should stick with the class and get tutoring to improve your grade.
Talk to the teacher?

You may very well get a "C" this semester, but to expect that you won't improve next semester represents a lack of commitment on your part.
Taking study hall would be the easy way out. That's not really what the Navy is looking for. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Running from a tough class is not going to help you in the long run, and would likely hurt you. First, the effect of one class on your GPA is minimal. The C in AP Physics on your transcript won't help at all, but a gaping hole in you transcript showing no science class is probably worse. If Admissions saw that, I would expect them to inquire about your schedule, and the disclosure that you dropped a class because it was too hard wouldn't sit well at all. So, IMHO -- in the hierarchy...dropping the class is worse than a C.

Get tutoring, figure out what you are doing wrong. (Work smarter, not harder ..). If you get a C this semester, work on getting an A next.

Finally, keep in mind, you will not have the opportunity to drop a class because its too hard or impacts your GPA if you are admitted to USNA.

 

[bopper]

Are you taking any other science classes?

Otherwise here are tips:

0) GO TO CLASS, READ THE CHAPTERS, AND DO THE HOMEWORK!

1) Go to Teacher's office hours early in the semester and Ask this question: "I know this is a really difficult class-- what are some of the common mistakes students make and how can I avoid them?"

2) If you have problems with the homework, go to Teacher's office hours. If they have any "help sessions" or "study sessions" or any thing extra, go to them.

3) Form a study group with other kids in your class.

4) Don't do the minimum...for STEM classes do extra problems. You can buy books that just have problems for calculus or physics or chemistry whatever. Watch online videos (e.g., Khan Academy) about the topic you are studying.

5) If things still are not going well, get a tutor. Your National Honor Society will have some. Or ask a teacher for a referral.

6) Read this book: How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less by Cal Newport. It helps you with things like time management and how to figure out what to write about for a paper, etc.

7) For tests that you didn't do well on, can you evaluate what went wrong? Did you never read that topic? Did you not do the homework for it? Do you kind of remember it but forgot what to do? Then next time change the way you study...there may be a study skill center at your guidance office.

8) How much time outside of class do you spend studying/doing homework? Is it enough?

9) If you run into any social/health/family troubles (you are sick, your parents are sick, someone died, broke up with boy/girlfriend, suddenly depressed/anxiety etcetc) then immediately go to the guidance counselor and talk to them.

10) At the beginning of the semester, read the syllabus for each class. It tells you what you will be doing and when tests/HW/papers are due. Put all of that in your calendar. The teacher may remind you of things, but it is all there for you to see so take initiative and look at it.

11) Make sure you understand how to use your online class system...Login to it, read what there is for your classes, know how to upload assignments (if that is what the teacher wants).

12) If you get an assignment...make sure to read the instructions and do all the tasks on the assignment. Look at the rubric and make sure you have covered everything.

13) If you are not sure what to do, go EARLY to the teacher's office hours...not the day before the assignment is due.

14) Take advantage of any "re-do" tests you may be able to take..your teacher wants you to learn the material. Future material depends on it so you need to have the foundation. By explaining what went wrong you really understand it. Take advantage of this

 

[MidCakePa]

There have been a few recent posts from candidates wondering if they should drop or take a certain class to protect their GPA. For prospective USNA candidates, know that USNA is less interested in your GPA and more interested in whether you did well in the hardest classes your school has to offer, especially in STEM.

In other words, a 4.0 that’s light on STEM is not necessarily better than a 3.7 that’s heavy on STEM. And an A in Honors is not necessarily better than a B in AP.

If you’re like @serviceacademyg and struggling in physics, you must press on. Lean in, persevere and overcome. Because if you win appointment to USNA, there’ll be no escaping STEM. The first semester of calculus, chemistry and physics will go more deeply and move more quickly than the high-school AP version. So cut your teeth in high school while you can.

 

[GGPatton]

I started high school in .4 Geometry, and the struggle to maintain a B in that class was immense, keeping in mind that the previous year, my math grade was a high A both semesters. While a lot of others dropped out either in the first semester, or at the end of the year, with a bit of guidance from my parents, I decided to stay on the .4 math track, ending the class with a B. I currently have an A- in my math this year, and my study habits have improved greatly. I'm obviously not an expert in this department, but I'm just giving my two cents from my experiences.

 

[NROTCdad]

I am currently taking AP Physics 2 and I did very poorly on the first test despite hours of studying. I know that at this rate, I will end the semester with a C. Should I withdraw from this class and take a study hall to prevent my 4.0 UW, 4.52 Weighted GPA from significantly dropping? Or should I take the C (expecting it for both semesters)?

You’re gonna have to take physics at the USNA anyway. Stay in your class and gut it out.

 

[Capt MJ]

Do a ruthless inventory of how you spend your time, and whether it’s must-do or wanna-do. Eat, sleep, exercise, do academics, necessary chores and activities. Social media? Gaming? Napping? All wanna-do’s. Budget them and stick to it. Bring every tool to bear as has been suggested above. Believe in yourself and commit to the harder path. Office hours, study groups, online resources, peer tutors.

 

[serviceacademyg]

After another unit, another test, and much studying on my part, I am back to an A! Hopefully, I will continue this work ethic and give it my all, whether or not I maintain my borderline A.

Another question however: This isn't academically driven in the way that my original question was. I want to drop my Language class for several reasons. 1, my new teacher is a racist and a sexist and has made mysogynistic comments as well as comments about Pearl Harbor and the Japanese. I feel uncomfortable in this environment. 2, my teacher grades my class with unreasonable difficulty. 3, My language class doesn't seem like a very helpful class, and next semester I'll have an open slot to take AP Macroeconomics, which I believe is 100x more beneficial to me than my language class would ever be (it's not Spanish or French). Will having a W on my transcript potentially lead to an offer of appointment/LOA being rescinded? Does USNA require 7th semester transcripts? Can I explain my situation to admissions, and if so, who would I have to tell? Thank you.

 

[THParent]

If you receive an Offer of Appointment, it will be based usually on those first six (6) semesters of High School. I italicize usually there, because if it was touch-and-go as to whether you were going to receive an offer based on academics, they may look at your Senior Year grades. That's a big may, and you should know that they will see those 7th and 8th semester grades (if you receive an offer) after your offered is tendered, anyway.
With that said, I don't think that a withdrawal from a class is going to amount to anything in the big picture of things. From an academic standpoint, they look at your GPA, class standing, AP test scores, etc. to get a feel for whether or not you can handle the USNA coursework once you get there. They want to make sure that everyone who gets an appointment has the ability to succeed and to flourish, there. They seldom "take chances" on anyone, because in the end, they want an officer in 4 years.

 

[usna1985]

1, my new teacher is a racist and a sexist and has made mysogynistic comments as well as comments about Pearl Harbor and the Japanese. I feel uncomfortable in this environment. 2, my teacher grades my class with unreasonable difficulty. 3, My language class doesn't seem like a very helpful class, and next semester I'll have an open slot to take AP Macroeconomics, which I believe is 100x more beneficial to me than my language class would ever be

Obviously, can't speak to item 1, although I'm not sure why a teacher would need to discuss Pearl Harbor in any language class. As for item 2, over the course of your academic career, you'll come across many teachers and professors who are "hard graders." It goes with the territory and is rarely a good reason to drop a course. As for item 3, if you are in an advanced language class, USNA at least would probably find that more valuable than macroecon. If it's an introductory language course, it's a wash. In any event, a h.s. econ class isn't going to be a pivotal moment in your life or academic career.

Finally, you seem intent on dropping classes. In 19 years of education, I never dropped a class. Sometimes people need to do so, but it should be the rare exception. Choose wisely to start and stick with things; a better approach in the long run.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

my new teacher is a racist and a sexist and has made mysogynistic comments as well as comments about Pearl Harbor and the Japanese.

. If this is true, talk to your school administration. Are you actually impacted by the comments, or just being sensitive to others feelings ? If you drop a class with a W , you may be asked to explain - and your second statement about difficult grading is not going to go over well, and comment about the teacher may come off as trying to justify your decision to drop a class.

Finally, you seem intent on dropping classes.

Echo '85's comment . You are going to have good and bad teachers in your academic career. Sometimes you simply have to suck it up, and put in the effort to overcome the teachers' shortcomings.

 

[serviceacademyg]

This isn’t just me being sensitive. Our new teacher was transferred from another high school in our district afternoon having only taught for one year there due to numerous complaints given by the students there. Several of my classmates have also complained about this situation to administration as well. Our class started with 14 students in August, and will drop to 7 by January. His manner of teaching is unprofessional and is almost the direct cause for the withdrawal of half the class. I believe that this explanation is valid. I will not drop classes because they’re difficult (such as with AP Physics 2, which is probably the most difficult class I’ve taken to date) (that, or AP Chem), because I know that backing out isn’t something I can do at USNA or in life in general. However, this is another level, and is completely inappropriate

 

[MidCakePa]

1, my new teacher is a racist and a sexist and has made mysogynistic comments as well as comments about Pearl Harbor and the Japanese. I feel uncomfortable in this environment. 2, my teacher grades my class with unreasonable difficulty. 3, My language class doesn't seem like a very helpful class, and next semester I'll have an open slot to take AP Macroeconomics, which I believe is 100x more beneficial to me than my language class would ever be (it's not Spanish or French).

@serviceacademyg, to address your three reasons for wanting to drop the language class:

1) If this is truly the case, you have a responsibility (as a budding and aspiring leader) to address this directly to the teacher and/or administration. That said, sadly, you will encounter people like this in your career. It’s not right, but it happens, and running from it is not always an option.

2) Deal with it! At USNA, you’ll run into teachers who are notoriously hard graders, and you won’t be able to opt out. In your career, you’ll have a very difficult boss at some point, and quitting won’t be an easy option.

3) You chose language over econ before the year started, presumably knowing the pros and cons. Sounds more like you’re trying to rationalize your desire to drop language.

With all due respect, and based on painfully little knowledge about you, my impression is of someone who’s usually more inclined to flee than to fight. I could be terribly wrong — that’s just how you come off.

Just know this: USNA, like all SAs, is a notoriously difficult place to be. Just spoke with my DD yesterday and, even though she’s generally doing well, she also struggles at times. A few shipmates are doing better than she is, quite a few are doing worse. And yet they carry on, knowing it’ll all be worth it in the end.

 

[THParent]

I used to tell my DS in High School that a score of 98 on a test represented a total lack of commitment on his part, so I didn't think I would comment on the "quitter aspect" of dropping a class because you don't like the teacher.

I can see that our other esteemed members haven't dropped the ball though!

 

[usna1985]

To the OP . . . no one here is trying to dump on you. Rather, we are trying to lend years of experience -- with USNA and in life. High school is challenging. USNA will be even more so. Life even more.

One thing you learn along the way . . . there are always challenges and life isn't always fair. It should be, but it isn't.

Women and minorities faced huge challenges during their early days at the SAs. Lots of "mean" things were said. It wasn't right, but it was what it was and we learned to deal with it. Hard teachers/profs, difficult/boring classes, hurtful words, unfairness . . . it all happens. How you deal with it is how you will be defined.

If your teacher has an irrational racial/gender stereotype, dispel it. Show him through your greatness how wrong he is. If he's a hard grader, be the one to do so well that he has to give you an A. It's not always the easy path and, at times, you'll fee like you're banging your head against the wall until it hurts. But in the end, you'll be better/stronger for it.

 

[bopper]

On the other hand, sometimes there are unacceptable teachers. I remember one from my DD's middle school ...when asked questions, he would say "that's your problem" or "ask me later" and then would never answer. He would also lock the classroom. He got fired later for being too fraternal with students outside of school.

I would suggest at this point taking notes on what he says. Maybe even surreptitiously record him on your cell phone.
Talk to your parents about what is going on and have them go up the chain about this teacher.

I think the thing to learn is not "shut up and take it" but "speak up to authorities" when you see something unacceptable happening.
In the context of the armed forces, yes, you can't just leave when things aren't great....but in the civilian world you sure can!

 

[Packerfan12]

After another unit, another test, and much studying on my part, I am back to an A! Hopefully, I will continue this work ethic and give it my all, whether or not I maintain my borderline A.

Another question however: This isn't academically driven in the way that my original question was. I want to drop my Language class for several reasons. 1, my new teacher is a racist and a sexist and has made mysogynistic comments as well as comments about Pearl Harbor and the Japanese. I feel uncomfortable in this environment. 2, my teacher grades my class with unreasonable difficulty. 3, My language class doesn't seem like a very helpful class, and next semester I'll have an open slot to take AP Macroeconomics, which I believe is 100x more beneficial to me than my language class would ever be (it's not Spanish or French). Will having a W on my transcript potentially lead to an offer of appointment/LOA being rescinded? Does USNA require 7th semester transcripts? Can I explain my situation to admissions, and if so, who would I have to tell? Thank you.

Don't focus on dropping classes. Stop that type of thought. You need to step up and be a leader. Do what you need to do. Talk to your counselor, have your parents intervene if necessary. But DO NOT run from your issues/problems.

Like others have said, life is hard. Grow up. Do what you need to do...no excuses. That said, if you feel you are in an unsafe environment you need to report it. If it is just teacher being a jerk or he may be too racist/misogynistic/liberal-progressive for your taste too bad. Whether you attend USNA or a regular college you will be dealing with these types of people all your life. Sad, yes. But it is reality.

If I were your father and you came to me with these issues I would simply ask you "How are you dealing with it?". I would help you but I would expect you to take some leadership responsibility. If your answer to me was "Dad, I don't know what to do." we would sit down together and map things out. I would help you to understand how to work with people like this person and how to respond to his tactics. Of course if it was very bad or dangerous I would step in to help. But if it is just a teacher practicing bad verbal behavior and poor cultural intellect there isn't much a parent can do.

All of that said... Stay focused and do your best to overcome. There is a question on the USNA application that asks about "Adverse Circumstances" that you have had to overcome. Also, your BGO will ask you about adverse events and what you did to succeed. Lastly, you will likely need to say something about that in your nomination interviews or, additionally, in your NROTC application. Fight through it and make sure you have a good answer for those questions. BTW - "I dropped the class" is NOT a good answer.