Finding Success: Overcoming the Challenges of AP Pre-Calculus by Aaliyah

Finding Success: Overcoming the Challenges of AP Pre-Calculus by Aaliyah - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

In my junior year of high school, I took AP Pre-Calculus as a zero period class. I did not end up performing as well as I wanted in the class as I ended with a C+ both semesters (with 79% both times). I had always been pretty good at math, especially after being put on the advanced track going into middle school. The subject had always been one of my favorites because it always came naturally to me.

However, going into this school year I quickly realized this was not the case. I struggled to comprehend the information throughout the course, especially when the concepts and work began to compile on one another. It would no longer just take doing the homework as a method of studying.

I began going to tutoring every week for two hours to make sure I mastered concepts, especially after a quiz or test score didn’t reflect my knowledge. I’d never had to go before, so I had to find time to schedule and plan what I was going to go over thoroughly. I also found myself participating even more in class, asking questions even when I did get the right answers to check my understanding. Although these proactive steps didn’t result in a higher grade in my course, I believe they were reflected heavily in my AP exam score at the end of the year where I earned a 5. I am very proud of myself for being able to complete this course and go on to take AP Calculus AB my senior year.

I still continue going to tutoring to ensure I am comprehending the information correctly and feel better about my study habits. I was able to overcome this challenge and become a better student and I am now prepared for more challenging courses for my future academic career going into college.