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Nearly peed myself laughing...

paul_in_utah's picture

For those of you who have followed my posts on here, you probably remember that my SD17 is not exactly what you would call a "model" student. She routinely fails to complete or turn in homework, doesn't put much time into long-term projects, and never studies for tests. She's pulling down about a 2.2. GPA. Good enough to pass, but barely so. She takes the "regular" version of classes, no honoros classes or anything.

Anyway, last night, SD announces to DW that she is going to take AP History. Apparently, her teacher told her that she would be a good fit for AP history, for some reason (maybe the teacher is having trouble drumming up interest in the class, who knows?). DW is of course very excited and supportive, and just knows that SD will do well if she "applies" herself.

Later on, I visit with DW about this. I point out that SD17 doesn't exactly have the best track record in school, and that she is lazy and doesn't do her homework. I question the wisdom of putting her in a college-level AP course. I don't even point out to DW that SD17's recent standardized test scores point to an intelligence level that is slightly below average, at best, so even if she did "apply" herself, she might not be intelligent enough to really do well. DW of course gets defensive, and lays a hum-dinger on me: "I think SD17 will do better in AP classes because there is less direction and memorization. It will be a chance for her to really use her brain in problem-solving."

Needless to say, I nearly lost my water when I heard that. SD17 is not a moron, but as I mentioned, she is around average in intelligence. I know for a fact, having taken AP courses back when I was in high school, that you have to be at least somewhat above average in intelligence, AND have a great work ethic, because AP courses are a lot of work. NEITHER of these criteria apply to SD17. It's going to be interesting watching her flame out in this class, and hearing what spin DW puts on it.

not2sureimsaneanymore's picture

Lol, but hey, at least it gets weighted 10 more points than regular classes. So if she regularly maintained a 55 in her classes, she might get a 65 this time around.

Took 3 AP classes senior year, absolutely killed me--and AP history was my worst subject. It actually involves a LOT more memorization. Yes, problem solving, but that's only after you've soaked up the knowledge required for the foundations of it.

Kes's picture

Oh dear, Paul - as you know, I have the same problem exactly with SD nearly 17. She is failing in physics, chemistry and biology currently, having been over ambitious about her subject choices because she wanted to be a doctor. I seem to remember your SD did too.

Indeed it will be interesting for you to see what spin DW puts on it when she bombs in this latest subject. My SD is talking about taking a year out after her current exams to redo History, which she got a very low grade in at her Yr 11 exams. She mentioned a correspondence course. Now I did a distance learning course, and I know how hard it is to keep on track on your own. I said to DH I thought this was a terrible idea. Unfortunately, your DW and my DH do not listen to the voice of reason very much.

Tartsy's picture

I have heard this, but I heard it more applied to boys? Due to research supporting the idea that intelligence comes in the X chromosome (or the gene for intelligence or whatever...I am not a doctor). Still, I guess then girls would get it too from mom's but dad's as well.

I do not see my own husband as being that smart when it comes to raising children, so I can go for this! It still supports.

paul_in_utah's picture

Not sure about that one! DW is very intelligent, but has a "blind spot" when it comes to her children. If we were talking about anyone else's kids, I think that she would be agreeing with me....

Disneyfan's picture

Which class is she taking, AP American history or world history? Does she even like history? What about reading? If she hates to read, she'll be begging to drop or switch classes in a week.

If she manages to limp through the class, will her mom pay for her to fail the exam at the end of the year?

Jsmom's picture

Good luck with this. AP classes are more independent learning than the regular classes. If you are not disciplined she won't make it. BS16 has two this year, one last year and 4 next year as a Senior. He is constantly studying to maintain his GPA. Not just that but she also has to have a 3-5 for college to accept it. Also, quite frankly at that GPA this is a waste of time and money for the AP test. She is destined for community college.

Although, of all the AP classes APUSH is the easiest...

Elizabeth's picture

Oh boy. That should be fun. Just sit back and enjoy.

SD18 was never very good in high school (junior high either). She routinely did not turn in homework. But she did manage to get a whopping four college credit hours during high school (courtesy of DH paying the bill for her to take the two classes). BM's mom was playing it up how SD18 had four college credits before she even started college. Um, my niece had an entire semester worth of credits when she graduated college. Four is not that great.

She just finished her first semester of college and got Bs and Cs. Not terrible, but no Einstein either.

PeanutandSons's picture

I'm suprised that the school would even allow her into an AP class with grades that low.

Jsmom's picture

I know...My son has to get two references from teachers for each AP class and he has to have a 90 or above in the preceding class in that subject. 95 or above and he automatically is put in. The AP classes here are in high demand and the average student has a full semester of college done when they graduate HS. The paperwork we had to do for the three classes he wants next year was amazing. We applied for four and will turn down one. It is insane...

Do not understand how this kid is getting into an AP class.

paul_in_utah's picture

Yeah, I don't get it. I just checked her history grade - she has a 75! What is that teacher thinking?

Jsmom's picture

I would sit back and wait. I truly bet this doesn't happens. Maybe that teacher was boosting her ego. Who knows...But, I doubt her counselor will approve it...Let us know...Very curious. Because honestly this is not fair to the kids that work very hard...

youngmama1b1g's picture

I know when I went to highschool, if you took an AP class, you HAD to take the AP exam-which is an additional cost.
I never shouldve taken it. As a senior, who wants extra work? Maybe you can talk your SD out of it...