HS sophomore decision that may affect college acceptance
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Anonymous
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DS facing a tough decision. Great student, great ECs, service and awards so far. He decided to double up on math this year. Taking Geo/Alg 2 so he can get to Calc by senior year. Grades in all classes 92+. He is tanking in Alg 2. Not failing but he'll be lucky to finish this quarter with an 80.
His teacher and counselor suggested withdrawing even though it's way past the deadline. They explained that he can finish the year just for continued exposure and repeat Alg 2 in junior year. Or, stick it out and take a GPA hit. He's a really easy going and diligent student. But he's so deflated tonight. I supported his decision mid year to keep at it, hired a tutor and I let him manage it. But here we are...feels like he wasted a year and unfortunately Alg 2 isn't offered at his school this summer. What would you advise if it were your kid? He is planning to major in CS with a minor with an applicable minor (taking AP computer science and AP physics next year). He needs pre calc, but without a solid proficiency in Alg 2, it could be a disaster. |
Anonymous
| I would advise him to chill out and taking double math is ridiculous. |
Anonymous
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What would his transcript look like with the withdrawal?
Would it show one less class than it should for 10th? That would raise eyebrows as much as a B or B-. And tell your kid to chill out. He’s only a sophomore, and his choice of major will change 2 or 3 more times before he finishes high school. |
Anonymous
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You should consider couple of things.
1. Can he take PreCalc next year if he drops AlgII now? Isn't AlgII a prerequisite? 2. There are two kinds of AP Physics - one is Algebra based (called AP Physics) and the other is Calculus based (It is called AP Physics C). I suppose your DC is planning to take AP Physics that is Algebra based (Physical concepts explained by Algebraic expressions and equations. The problems are solved by formulating Algebraic equations and solving them). If he isn't strong in AlgebraII class and is being advised to drop the course, will he be able to apply principles covered in AlgebraII to formulate equations and solve problems in AP Physics? You and your DC should discuss this with the teachers (AlgebraII and AP Physics) and the counselor. You could ask the Math teachers and the counselor if they know of any area schools that offer Summer course in AlgebraII and if your DC's school will accept the grade in it. I know Walt Whitman High School will offer that course in the Summer. Summer is the best time to work from basic principles and get the hang of the concepts. Practicing solving problems on a regular basis is very important to build a strong foundation. All the best to your DC. |
Anonymous
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I sympathize. DD was in a similar boat and an advisor in a program she was in suggested that she switch schools to get a better high school GPA. DD decided that would feel like running away, ended up taking calf twice because she failed it when she took it first (in 10th at her school). I have very mixed feelings about it all. I am proud of her perseverance but aware it came at a high cost (she has completed high school but still feels anger thinking about the program). Confidence is built with success... and she now feels very confident she will get back up after failures. She did not get admitted to Washington University (Seattle) into their Computer Science program but she did get admitted to a school she feels lucky to attend. GPA felt pretty important in college admissions time yet she still managed to be admitted to “reaches” and to be awarded merit. And she had a pretty low GPA.
If I could do it again this time I might recommend she choose the easier route. I tried to make it her choice but who knows how I colored her perceptions. If I could do it again I would let her know there is no shame in deciding this is something to try again later. It is not running away to regroup and strategize. Then again, she came through alright. Best wishes to you and your son. |
Anonymous
| ^^calc twice |
Anonymous
A single B is not the end of the world and not going to be the reason he doesn't get into college.  Finish the course and spend some time in summer with Khan Academy or a tutor to review Algebra 2 concepts and make sure he's solid for next year and move on.
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Anonymous
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The issue is whether your kid has a strong foundation to move to the next level of math, if that is a goal. First, you are way too involved with it. This should be your kid working it through with the head of the math program at the school.
Second, very few people know what they want to major in when they apply to college, much less, when they are a sophomore in high school. It is all too much for a 15-16 year old to bear and if they are taking double math because you as a parent suggested it, you are likely doing more harm than good. |
Anonymous
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I wouldn't have my kid repeat Algebra 2 over a B unless he/she did it over the summer.
Is there a summer school class that he could take at the local community college that would help to review/reinforce/build on the Algebra 2 course that he just took? The other option would be to hire a tutor over the summer to review his areas of weaknesses in Algebra 2. |
Anonymous
It's OP. This is so helpful, thank you. Did her second try at Calc override the failing grade in 10th? Counselor told DS that retake if he remakes in 11th the withdraw from 10th will not show on his transcript. Your DD was still able to get Calc in by senior year. DS will not if he withdraws, he'll only be able to get to pre calc. Like your DD, he is certain that CS is his path. This is the problem since Calc and physics are the courses he should have in HS. He understands that he would likely have to retake Calc 1 and 2 in college anyway. It's more about showing rigor of Calc in HS to be considered for acceptance to most colleges. |
Anonymous
| I don’t consider an 80 “tanking” I think your perception of his “failure” his running off on him and putting unnecessary pressure. |
Anonymous
+1. Jeezus, when I saw the subject line I thought oh dear, what did this kid do? Commit a crime? DUI? All of this stressing and worrying over a B? Granted it's not the most solid B, but if you're truly worried about DS's foundation for further math, you can hire a tutor over the summer to reinforce Algebra 2. Me thinks it's the (gasp!) B that's riling you more. |
Anonymous
| Not making it to Calc doesn’t look good for any major, but especially for CS/Physics. Stay the course this year and rethink his course load for next year. |
Anonymous
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An 80 means that 20 percent of the material has not been mastered. On a 20 question test that would mean 4 missed problems. For an A he could miss up to 2 problems.
Is your son in the habit of going over the tests and figuring out the problems that he got wrong? If so, from a foundational standpoint, he might understand Algebra 2 better than you realize. |
Anonymous
It's OP - 1. Yes Alg 2 is pre req for pre calc. His teacher said he will not fail Alg 2 but she doesn't feel he'll succeed in pre calc without a stronger Alg 2 foundation. 2. His school does not offer a standard physics course. Only AP physics 1 and AP physics 2 are offered. Alg 2 is a pre req for AP physics 1 so therein lies the problem. He has a tutor but she started working with him too late in the year. We are looking for an option for summer. Thank you for printing it out. To the other pp's thank you ... he is chill and I did not get involved early on. I should have stepped in earlier to avoid this. He's not distraught just very disheartened because it definitely affects many course selections for the next two years. I realize that kids will change paths many times. DS, however, is absolutely sure that CS, info/data systems, business systems and security are his path. He has shown talent in these areas (except for Alg 2). All other math, science course are high grades. He built a computer in 11 hours and is in Advanced business courses. |