It was never my plan to take this class. I had signed up to take Pre-AP Physics, a level I would feel comfortable with but still challenged at the same time. However, just weeks before the beginning of the school year I was informed by my counselor that I could only either take on-level Physics, or AP Physics. I of course just had to take AP. The very first day I was overwhelmed with mathematical concepts I had yet to learn and I had no idea how I would make it. Everyone in my class all seemed to be in calculus, while I hadn’t even taken Algebra 2 yet. The first few tests were a tragedy. I had never received such a low grade before as a 45 on test. Every night as I did my homework I could only sit there staring at the screen, ransacking my mind to try to answer the questions.
I was still determined to pass this class, and I decided to figure out how it would be possible. I started with asking my peers more questions. When we did labs and I was confused about something, I would ask them how they answered it so I could learn their problem solving strategies. I also took advantage of the practice tests my teacher provided for us. I would take the test upwards of 20 times until I knew every possible type of question on there. I was a different student now, with the discipline to work as much as I needed to make it through that class with flying colors. With that little extra work I saw my test grades skyrocket from low 50s to eventually a 98. The gratification I felt was immense. I knew that with my hard work had let to me not only passing but with a comfortable grade of a B.
