Should I drop AP calc AB as a senior?

Nmolly
Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:55:27 +0000

Hi, I’m currently a senior in high school right now and will be applying to some schools ED (Virginia Tech)/EA, Nov 1st.

Currently, I’m having a lot of difficulties with AP calculus AB, which I thought wasn’t going to be too hard. Last year I took pre-calc and got an A-, which wasn’t easy but not hard either. Currently, in calc AB I have a D+. I’ve 4 major assessments (quizzes and tests) and all of them I got below a 70. I’m not sure what to do, as I’m putting in the effort, studying the notes he gives me, doing all the homework but still dong poorly. I think I understand everything, but I always mess up on the tests he gives, which are really difficult. It doesn’t help that I don’t understand my teacher half the time he’s teaching; even when I ask him questions it just confuses me even further.

I’ve been turning to my friends to teach me as they are honestly better at explaining the topics than my math teacher. This has helped a little but still, I haven’t improved. Tutoring is more of a short term option since tutors, where I live, are very expensive, and there wouldn’t be a way to get consistent tutoring throughout the year. I’ve also looked at some online videos that have helped me although they don’t go quite in-depth. Since I’ve been doing poorly on every assessment I am considering dropping AP calc and moving to applied calc, but I am worried that it wouldn’t look good to colleges; especially if im applying for a science major (like neuroscience or biology).

I’ve heard the AP calc is very important when applying for science majors in college, and I’m going to be applying for many early action. My current schedule is AP Bio, AP mac/mic econ, AP French, English HN, Gov, Accounting, and if I drop AP calc I would move into applied calculus. Do you think this would impact my chances of getting into places like Virginia Tech, Purdue or JMU, or William and Mary as a hypothetical science major?

Thank you, I appreciate all Responses