Ever heard of removing a class because of circumstances?

Pre-College Topics High School Cafe
1

Hey everyone,

I was wondering…there is this class I took that has really been bringing down my GPA and ultimately my ranking in my school.

Let me preface this with the fact I was living in an abusive situation with my relative and my relative did not get help until the end of the year, but I had a lot of moving around to do and it was extremely hard on me, especially considering it was my freshman year of high school. I had a hard time adjusting, plus I was going through mental issues and the abusive situation was not helping me at all. I was a 4.0 student all through middle school, and freshman year really was a shock to me. I got a B first semester and a C second semester on the course, and ever since then, it has been ruining my ranking and GPA.

I am currently #48 in my school, which is in the top 10%, but my counselor showed me this thing and with some math if I had gotten an A, or if sophomore year was only counted, I would be in the top 10 students of my class. I was really wondering if there’s anything I could do, or if anyone’s heard of a class not being counted towards ranking. This year I have been working extremely hard and only got one B+ all the while juggling 8 classes (most typically take 6). I currently have straight A’s, and they are all relatively high, even with a month and a half into the semester. I am currently my league champion for my county for debate, and will be going to state next month.

My school doesn’t actually count rank towards colleges, but I’d like to win this award AT LEAST by senior year, where the top 5 students get chosen and presented an award. I know it’s dumb, but I really want to win it, to prove to the abusive relative that I’m not as stupid as they say. Honestly, I felt like I have been able to rise above the mental issues and abusive situation I was in, but my ranking really has been bumming me out lately, and I was wondering if I could fix it? OR do something in the least to not have it count towards my GPA (just for ranking wise, if it gets reported to colleges, so be it, I honestly want to get that award).

2

I’m sorry you had such a hard time.

I don’t think anyone here can really answer your question though. Your guidance counselor would have to take a look at the courses you’ve taken, what’s required by your school and district, and the district policies.

Why not make an appointment tomorrow morning?

And it sounds as though some counseling would be in order, to help you understand that the opinion of others-- particularly “others” who are low enough to abuse a child-- should have no bearing on your self worth.

Oh, and congrats on debate. I coached for 18 years, so I have a good idea of just how difficult that is. Best of luck at States… make sure you come back and tell us how it went!!!

3

@bjkmom thank you for your concern and your input :slight_smile: My guidance counselor, unfortunately, has a reputation for being horrendous. My schedule changed this semester and she couldn’t figure out how to arrange my schedule so I had to rearrange my schedule myself, for her, so she could input it in the computer. Plus, I have told her some of my personal problems and I asked if she could keep it quiet as I was getting personal counseling outside of school, but she brought a district psychologist the next day to have me evaluated, which was not my district’s policy, and told one of my teachers, whom hated me soon after (that teacher is one of the most ignorant people I have ever met, she told me I should stop faking my mental problems to gain sympathy…long long long story haha). The psychologist actually visited my home and talked to my old teachers without me knowing, and told them everything I was going through, and now most of my old teachers have been judging me and honestly some of my favorite teachers are wary to talk to me now and it was an upsetting shock.

All in all, my counselor isn’t the most reliable person. I was thinking of going to school psychologist maybe? I was hoping she would help me with a little more discrepancy haha or possibly another counselor?

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OK, for starters: once you mention “abuse” we fall into the category of “Mandated reporters.” Some things we’re not allowed to keep quiet, particularly when the well being of a minor comes into play.

As to all the rest, I won’t comment, since I have no first hand knowledge here.

For the academic concerns, consider going to the director of guidance, under the guise that your circumstances are so unusual. I’m not sure another guidance counselor has access to your records, though you could certainly try. You won’t be the first kid who didn’t see eye to eye with his guidance counselor.

For the rest, absolutely schedule an appointment with the school psychologist.