dukie123

I've had a very successful high school career until this point. I've had all As aside from two Bs, taken hard courses, done impressive extracurriculars, took the SAT once (1550 (two sections)/2280) and I've applied early decision to Duke (legacy). I'm in the top 3% of my class. This quarter I have been having trouble, however. The work isn't hard but I can't bring myself to focus in class or even do work at home. I've been getting upset easily and I can't sit down and do my work, and my grades have dropped a lot. I have two A minuses, two B+s, a C- and a D+. I know what I need to do to fix my academic performance but I'd rather just sleep and do nothing. My parents say they want to help but they haven't offered any real solutions. They point out what I'm doing wrong and it makes me so angry because I think about what I'm doing wrong every waking minute. I have emotional breakdowns at home multiple times a week and it embarrasses me because I'm a guy.

I feel so unsure about myself, and I don't feel like I have anything to look forward to. I don't even understand why I cared so much about college to begin with. I'm thinking that unless I can fix these grades within the next week I won't get into Duke or any top school.

ipodlover88909

I know exactly how you feel, and I know this isn't what you want to hear but you need to pull through and get it over with. Are you going to get your acceptance rescinded if you get a few B's? No. But you cannot (and I mean CANNOT) throw away 3+ years of hard work because of laziness.

You said yourself that the classes are not especially difficult. At least your parents want to help. I'm a senior too and my parents didn't go to college and have helped me with exactly 0 things since I started college apps. Your SAT is 20pts higher than mine and I'm in the same class rank. You're going to get into Duke as long as you stop being lazy! Colleges will see your senior grades and think you're someone who does the bare minimum in everything.

I probably sound like your parents now, but I know how debilitating senioritis can be. Misery loves company, and I'm sure every senior in America feels how you feel now. Try not to stress out so much; the anxiety will hurt you even more. Try reading a book or do whatever calms you for an hour or so after you come home from school, and then get to studying. I know it sounds impossible, but you will love yourself for it when you get that acceptance letter Good luck and stay strong!

SAT128

I know exactly how you're feeling as well. I myself am top 3% of my class, and my SAT is 20 lower than yours too (2260). While I'm actually doing well so far this year, I have found it extremely difficult to motivate myself. I've been procrastinating more than usual on my assignments and have gotten to be fairly lazy when it comes to homework.

I actually didn't go to school yesterday and today because I was too tired (lol I know that's bad). We've got to step up and not let all our hard work be for nothing though. There is plenty of time still left in the semester + sem exams, so you can definitely rectify your grades. Let's do this. No more senioritis

dukie123

It's not senioritis I'm not trying to be lazy, I mentally can't bring myself to do work. I just sort of space out when I'm trying to do my work and before I've realized it hours have gone by. I feel like I'm not in control of my actions in my short term memory, I can't explain it but my perception of the environment around me changes.

philantropist

omg i really suggest you see a doctor about this.

you're obviously obviously obviously (can't stress this enough) a really intelligent person, don't doubt yourself for one moment. if you feel like you really can't cope anymore, please let your parent or your school counsellor know about this.

keep us posted!

89wahoo

I agree with philantropist. You need to seek help. I would start with having a conversation with your guidance counselor, who will virtually certainly be contacted if your mid-year grades are far off the grades through the end of junior year. (You do have a few months to pick them up you know). Keep her informed. Meanwhile you also need to talk to your parents. Something is not right. Senior year is stressful; much of what you're going to present to colleges is already completed and senioritis is an issue, but your interest in sleeping, lack of motivation to participate in things (paying attention in class and studying after school), and general feeling that it does not matter ("I don't even understand why I cared so much about college to begin with") scream depression to me. Please talk to someone who can help you get help.

ChillyPenguin

Hey, me too, similar situation. D in Calc, wish you the best, know that I feel you. Hopefully we will all get through this! keep it up bro

Pootie

Please seek help now! I know of a couple intelligent, previously motivated seniors (both male) who went through something very similar. Depression makes it very hard to think clearly and take action--you can't do this alone. The school counselor is a great place to start, but if your parents are willing and financially able, a good private therapist might be even better.

Most parents will listen when their child says "Mom, dad, I think I'm depressed and I need to see a counselor." Senior year was perhaps the worst of DS' life. Counseling helped him handle the stress and get his focus back. Now he's a happy college student.