Junior Year of High School

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Sun Jul 03, 2016 10:05 pm

After choosing my classes for next school year (I'll be a junior) I choose:

English 11
Honours Physics
Foundations of Calculus
AP Macroeconomics/U.S government
Jazz Band
Wind Ensemble

I'm hoping to recover from my rough sophomore year with my GPA droping over .20 I'm now in the 2.40 range. While I am advanced in maths and science I did struggled in Honours Chemistry and did decent in Accelerated Algebra 2. My U.S History class suffered the worst out of all my classes which the second worst being English 10. Due to my dropped GPA, I don't think I could apply for MSU (Michigan State University).

Is there more time for me to apply and to get my GPA back up at a certain amount?

ttf_harrison.t.reed · Sun Jul 03, 2016 10:19 pm

Of course you can apply. That GPA is low, but you can always push your other attributes and accomplishments, whatever those may be. Doing well in high school is really important though, regardless of what happens in college.

I learned a ton in high school. I learned how to think, I learned about history, money, languages and grammar through latin, girls, what good literature is ... the list goes on and on.

Nearly everything I did in college was a massive waste of time and money. Most of my classes were just left leaning teachers pushing a political agenda. The only thing I learned was how to speak Japanese (my minor) and how to play the trombone (one elective studio class).

Do well in High School brother.

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Sun Jul 03, 2016 10:19 pm

Quote from: EWadie99 on Jul 03, 2016, 10:05PMIs there more time for me to apply and to get my GPA back up at a certain amount?

Well... I'm just a simple commercial artist who never took calculus but the math tells me that if you got 2.4 over the first two years of high school and somehow got a 4.0 over the last two years you would have a 3.2

Right? Am I overlooking something?

ttf_thetuningslide · Post by **ttf_thetuningslide** » Sun Jul 03, 2016 11:16 pm

Getting a high score on the SAT (or any other college placement tests) will help you out drastically. As long as MSU doesn't want prodigies, I'd say getting a great score on that test will get you in. If you're a good test taker, you have a good chance of getting in. I'm also going into my Junior year. For me, Honors English gave me the most trouble, with H. Bio. in 2nd with grades (I WILL blame Bio. on the teacher, he was bad). My grades did also suffer in Sophomore year, but I'm still confident that I'll get into the college I'm looking at because I do really well with tests.

ttf_Cubes · Post by **ttf_Cubes** » Sun Jul 03, 2016 11:47 pm

Get a high SAT/ACT Score and you'd be surprised how low the minimum GPA can be with a score that is high

ttf_Matt K · Post by **ttf_Matt K** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 4:02 am

You can go to a community college in the summer and/or for your first year or two of college and transfer. Just make sure where you want to go accepts those credits. You'd save a bunch of cash that way and probably be done with electives if you did that.

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 4:22 am

You have taken a bunch of honors courses. These usually count "higher" in evaluating your GPA. A B in regular Chemistry is not really better than a C+ om Honors Chemistry. This should be reflected in your SAT scores. Do they still give the Achievement Tests? These were supplemental exams covering specific areas -- we used to take them in 3s (1 fee, 3 different exams).

What are you planning to study in College? A science related field? Pre-Med? Pre-Law? Trombone Performance? Make sure your studies in High School lean that way.

Note that your playing an instrument can be a plus for MSU. They need lots of players for the Band and usually it's harder to find trombones than many other instruments.

Good luck.

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 2:57 pm

The next PSAT is in October. Take that and get an early clue of how you'll do on the SAT.

Idea: You have rest of the Summer... buy a PSAT test prep book and work through it.

What do you think were the reasons you didn't do well last year in the courses you didn't do well in?

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 3:10 pm

Quote from: robcat2075 on Jul 04, 2016, 02:57PMThe next PSAT is in October. Take that and get an early clue of how you'll do on the SAT.

Idea: You have rest of the Summer... buy a PSAT test prep book and work through it.

What do you think were the reasons you didn't do well last year in the courses you didn't do well in?
Speaking of PSAT, they didn't even give me a chance to finish the PSAT in my school. I missed a lot of questions.

As for what happened, it's pretty much organisation and having a hard time comprehending what's being taught.

So hopefully there's a retake date for PSAT. And also hope next year goes well.

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 3:21 pm

If you managed to finish all the questions on the PSAT or SAT you are either some kind of freak or are simply filling in random spots on the answer sheet hoping for a good guess.

The trick for these tests is answer what you know first, then go back and try to catch some of the other questions.

As I understand it, you will take the PSAT in October and a first try at the SAT in late winter. The SAT for "the money" will be a year from October.

Read the SAT prep book (PSAT and SAT are ellentially the same test). If you are having trouble with the test, see if you can get a tutor to help.

ttf_Dan Hine · Post by **ttf_Dan Hine** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 3:50 pm

Quote from: EWadie99 on Jul 04, 2016, 03:10PMSpeaking of PSAT, they didn't even give me a chance to finish the PSAT in my school. I missed a lot of questions.

Were you given less time than anyone else taking the test?

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 3:57 pm

QuoteSpeaking of PSAT, they didn't even give me a chance to finish the PSAT in my school. I missed a lot of questions.

They are indeed timed tests, and that is among the ways those tests assess someone's ability to do college level work. You won't have infinite time in college, right?

Get a Prep book and seriously follow the program it sets out.

QuoteAs for what happened, it's pretty much organisation and having a hard time comprehending what's being taught.
Organization? At least that won't be expensive to fix. It's about planning and priorities.

Not comprehending? That's what asking questions is for. As soon as something stops making sense you go, "Hey wait a sec..."

ttf_harrison.t.reed · Post by **ttf_harrison.t.reed** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 5:14 pm

Quote from: EWadie99 on Jul 04, 2016, 01:43PMAlso to add on, maybe with the Corporation Bach 50B2, I'll modify it with dependent thayer valves. For the Duo Gravis, I'll leave as it is because it looks cool that way.

Then with the Elkhart Conn 62H, I'll might have M&W valves put on it. Then I'll sell the Bach and Conn to any serious bass trombone player. How's that for a plan?

I think you probably could understand whatever material is being taught. Most kids in your school would likewise not understand a word of what I quoted above, so it's not your ability to learn.

I guess you'll just have to give up bass trombone and study more. You should only have time for tenor now...

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 5:31 pm

Quote from: harrison.t.reed on Jul 04, 2016, 05:14PMI think you probably could understand whatever material is being taught. Most kids in your school would likewise not understand a word of what I quoted above, so it's not your ability to learn.

I guess you'll just have to give up bass trombone and study more. You should only have time for tenor now...

Yeah, I really need to get in shape education wise. As for giving up, I'll actually give up tenor instead of bass.

ttf_bubbachet · Post by **ttf_bubbachet** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 6:56 pm

One of the biggest problems I've seen for students -- regardless of level of school -- is budgeting time and prioritizing. I instruct in a professional school, and the students we work with all have bachelor's degrees at a minimum. You'd be shocked at the number of students who still haven't figured out how to budget their time and say no to leisure activities when they should be studying. In high school, you've got lots of things competing for your time, and you have to determine which are the most important. Looking at all the band activities in your signature, it's clear that's where your time is spent. That's great, and you should enjoy music, but focusing on that one thing is clearly robbing necessary study time from your other subjects.

Start getting organized immediately. Learn to use a planner and a calendar, as well as make lists for yourself of things you need to accomplish. It will help you tremendously as a college student and into adulthood. My wife is the most organized person I know, and that's a skill she developed over time by working on it constantly.

Additionally, and this may suck to hear, but it's true -- most high school students who excel in music don't actually major in it at school, or start out as a music major and then switch to something else. The attrition rate is very high for all arts majors. If you're planning on majoring in music when you're at whatever college you decide to go to, the constraints on your time will be enormous -- budgeting it out and learning to buckle down when you need to are the two most important skills you can possess as an arts major. Be disciplined, it will pay dividends.

ttf_harrison.t.reed · Post by **ttf_harrison.t.reed** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 7:35 pm

What are you hoping to study in college?

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Mon Jul 04, 2016 7:38 pm

Quote from: harrison.t.reed on Jul 04, 2016, 07:35PMWhat are you hoping to study in college?
Not sure but I am interested in music and mathematics. Also I would like to modify horns to improve performance like putting on new valves on bass trombones, refurbishing, restoring, etc.

ttf_Cubes · Post by **ttf_Cubes** » Tue Jul 05, 2016 3:01 pm

Quote from: EWadie99 on Jul 04, 2016, 07:38PMAlso I would like to modify horns to improve performance like putting on new valves on bass trombones, refurbishing, restoring, etc.
Skip college, go work in a factory or apprentice at a repair shop

Alternatively, try out for military bands, play for a living and THEN have them teach you how to do all that stuff... Just a suggestion before you spend 4 years wasting cash away at a college to go do that

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Tue Jul 05, 2016 4:01 pm

Quote from: Cubes on Jul 05, 2016, 03:01PMAlternatively, try out for military bands, play for a living and THEN have them teach you how to do all that stuff... Just a suggestion before you spend 4 years wasting cash away at a college to go do that
That's actually what I'm leaning towards after thinking about it. After I finish high school, how do I apply?

ttf_harrison.t.reed · Post by **ttf_harrison.t.reed** » Tue Jul 05, 2016 4:15 pm

Quote from: EWadie99 on Jul 05, 2016, 04:01PMThat's actually what I'm leaning towards after thinking about it. After I finish high school, how do I apply?

Whoa!

Don't get ahead of yourself yet. There are many reasons to join the military and the military bands, but there are just as many not to, especially before you get a degree.

Before you make any decisions about the military, consider:

1. It seems like the military bands are under extreme scrutiny right now. Hopefully it blows over but don't pidgeonhole yourself into a vanishing career field.

2. Joining military bands, particularly Army bands, without a completed degree (major does not matter) is like shooting yourself in the foot -- nearly 100% of your peers will have degrees that count towards promotion. You won't get promoted in the current climate unless every peer gets promoted and they still somehow need more NCOs.

3. If you just join to do instrument repair, just know that the Army does not have a repair ASI. You won't be able to repair in the Army unless someone in your unit randomly knows how to do it. Even then, no Army bands have repair equipment. I think the Marines and Navy do their own repairs.

I really think that you should focus on your high school and female classmate studies. You are on the forum a lot, but school and your classmates are a lot more important right now.

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Tue Jul 05, 2016 4:25 pm

Okay I'll focus on school for now. I'm on summer break and don't come back aftet the day after labour day. And yes, I'll study some female classmates ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) And my studies too!

ttf_Dan Hine · Post by **ttf_Dan Hine** » Tue Jul 05, 2016 5:10 pm

Quote from: harrison.t.reed on Jul 05, 2016, 04:15PM
2. Joining military bands, particularly Army bands, without a completed degree (major does not matter) is like shooting yourself in the foot -- nearly 100% of your peers will have degrees that count towards promotion. You won't get promoted in the current climate unless every peer gets promoted and they still somehow need more NCOs.
The USMC promotion system hardly factors in degrees at all. In fact, the promotion point system only counts courses you take while in the service so a degree you already have would count for 0 points. Your actual work performance is more important than (potentially dubious) education.

Quote 3. If you just join to do instrument repair, just know that the Army does not have a repair ASI. You won't be able to repair in the Army unless someone in your unit randomly knows how to do it. Even then, no Army bands have repair equipment. I think the Marines and Navy do their own repairs.
The USMC does have their own repair technicians but the possibility of going to the repair school in Red Wing in your first enlistment is a nice 0%. Plan on a minimum of one reenlistment.

QuoteI really think that you should focus on your high school and female classmate studies. You are on the forum a lot, but school and your classmates are a lot more important right now.

Absolutely! Don't rule out the military (music or otherwise) as an option but focus on where you are and what you're doing now.

ttf_anonymous · Post by **ttf_anonymous** » Fri Jul 08, 2016 10:17 am

You should definitely still apply to Michigan State. They seem to view applications on a very holistic level, and if you are a good fit with Professor Ordman, she may be able to pull some strings. My grades were much less than stellar going into my junior year, and because I made a turn around, I was able to get into my top choice colleges. Don't worry about necessarily getting a 4.0. Just do the absolute best work that you can, and the rest will fall into place. Feel free to shoot me an email if you need any guidance, and I would be happy to give it my best shot, or connect you with someone who can help more than me.

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 12:21 pm

Well, here's what I decided to do, I will improve my organisation and will learn how to use binders, folders, etc correctly. In some classes they are co-taught (English 11 and U.S Government) I'll ask the teachers questions about topics I don't fully understand. Also, I'll focus more on my studies and homework and will do some during lunch dependening the hour the class is in. And finally, I will go over the PSAT to see how I can improve and do well on the ACT or SAT. I will also try to apply for MSU and try my best to get that GPA up. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

ttf_djdekok · Post by **ttf_djdekok** » Tue Jul 19, 2016 2:10 pm

I'm speaking from the perspective of having two teenagers and a college student (rising junior) in the house.
Based on what you've said thus far, I would recommend against college at this point, especially if

1) You haven't narrowed down your major to 1st choice/2nd choice

2) Your GPA is actually 2.40/4.0

3) You're considering a technical field (Instrument building/repair) that would severely limit your choices of schools

Joe_Guarr, who hasn't been on Forum in a while but who graduated from MSU, may be able to steer you in the right direction.

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 6:57 pm

UPDATE: I've got a call from my school saying that they will put me in a IEP (Individual Education Programme) English class its basically a special ed class. And instead of U.S Government and AP Macroeconomics, the decided that I take a life skills class to help with my socialising, speech, taking care of oneself, etc. So I will take U.S Government and AP Macroeconomics my senior year. I also still have Foundations of Calculus and Honours Physics and the two band classes I signed up for. I will start my junior year of high school September 6th and the only classes I will have a lot of homework in will be my science and math class.

ttf_kfdz277 · Post by **ttf_kfdz277** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:03 pm

Quote from: EWadie99 on Aug 27, 2016, 06:57PMSo I will take U.S Government and AP Macroeconomics my senior year.

Makes sense, Government and Economics is a senior year course in my area. I'm a sophomore and right now I'm trying to get my required courses out of the way (currently doing my second foreign language credit) so I can do all of my AP, dual enrollment (leaving school for engineering classes at a university), and like 1,478 band classes junior and senior year. It's a bit too late for you to do that, but I suggest getting your necessary credits to graduate (PE, foreign languages, etc.) senior year and try and do some easy Honors or AP classes.

Apologies if my terminology makes no sense to you, I'm from South Florida.

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Sun Aug 28, 2016 4:19 pm

No its cool, every school district is different. I do have my foreign language credits complete along with my science. This year will be my last credit for math since I'm in the Accelerated pathway along with science. Normally U.S Government and Economics is taken in junior year where I'm at. So hopefully things will go well for me this year.

ttf_lip_flapper · Post by **ttf_lip_flapper** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 5:55 am

To gauge where you stand academically, and to assess your chances of getting into MSU or elsewhere, take the ACT exam as soon as you can. It appears the average ACT score composite at MSU is 26, and the 75th percentile score is 28. Universities look heavily at your activities (student council, volunteer work, sports, yes music, etc.) but an ACT or SAT score that is not "in range" can be a deal killer. I move my youngest into UW-Madison tomorrow to start her freshman year. Madison has 28 for average, 30 for 75th percentile score. One of her friends scored 25 but was student council president, a Certified Nursing Assistant who did about 10 hours of volunteer work at a hospital per week, graduated in the top 20% of her class, and active in virtually everything. The principal raved about her contributions to the school and her maturity and leadership skills. She could not get in despite some direct appeals from the principal to the head of admissions. She was deemed "not likely to be academically successful" based a middling ACT score. There are a lot of ACT/SAT prep programs available, some scams, some legit, to help you perform your best on the exams. Good luck this school year, and don't waste too much time on this forum!

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 7:35 am

When I was in college I looked down on rote memorization and valued learning concepts.

and that's correct, sort of, but I had not realized how much of an efficiency advantage better memory would have been.

In hindsight I would have worked hard at one of those memory courses the summer before. Those tricks really work, and save huge amounts of time. It's actually part of the general idea of getting more organized.

Also, get Shopcraft is Soul Craft at your local library. Not everybody is made for college.

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 11:29 am

Just got my schedule from the school, I have a feeling that this year I will improve and try to raise my a GPA!

ttf_Graham Martin · Post by **ttf_Graham Martin** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 1:59 pm

Good luck Ethan. I hope you have a terrific year!

Remember to take advantage of the resources available at your school -- counselors and subject teachers, especially. Make sure that you get off on the right foot by seeking out your teachers one-on-one to introduce yourself, talk about your goals and start building a relationship. That will help you when it comes time to talk about grades, homework challenges, etc.

Even if you think you know each other, re-introduce yourself especially to your academic (non-band) teachers so they get to know a new more focused Ethan. Make sure that you do your work consistently, as completely as possible and on time. You holding up your end of the deal will help your teachers understand where you need help or are excelling, and make it easier for them to help you.

I imagine that fall football season running into holiday concert season is going to take up a lot of band time. Make sure you maintain a healthy balance with your musical life while having a great academic year.

Finally, remember that a numerical GPA as your school counts it is less important than the raw grade and course load on your transcript. Most colleges don't use the High School's computation of GPA since different places can compute and weight differently. Colleges will generally look at the level of the courses for weighting (AP/IB/Honors), will select the courses that are important to their admission criteria (usually English, Math, Science, History, Language - usually omitting Gym, Religious studies at religious schools, and maybe even band). They then cut off all the +'s and -'s (as those are also inconsistently used in grading systems) and compute their own version of GPA to compare you on an even basis to other applicants.

Why is that important? If your school uses +/- grading, don't be happy with a B+. Build a relationship with your teacher to talk about your grades as they evolve -- find out what you need to do to shade that to an A or A-; an A- is an A when they cut the (-) off, and a B+ becomes a B. Same with C+ vs B-. If you go and see your teacher only when grades are published you will have less impact than if you are working at it all semester. Get on it soon and consistently. And don't rely on A's in band to boost your GPA -- the grade may not be as important a factor in assessing GPA depending on the school.

I hope you have fun and are tremendously successful -- its an important year and you are heading in the right direction to make the most of it!

(and boy I am glad my kids are done with HS!!!)

Good luck!!

Peter

ttf_W/SBTRB · Post by **ttf_W/SBTRB** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 7:24 am

Things to think about

You can get accepted by the School of Music but turned down by the University and vice vera

ACT and SAT scores are very important for financial aid

Potential college students need to realize the importance of English/grammar and math skills for financial aid.and acceptance

Military bands are in trouble. Read the current issue of The Instrumentalist and then google it. It is not a democratic republican issue.

Get a tutor for math and grammar .

Have at least three schools to apply to. When I was searching I ended up applying to Marshall yUniversity, WVU, Cinncinati. Marshall was my first choice because I was already studying with their trombone, Dr. John Mead. I worked hard to get my GPA up and graduated high school with honors. Marshall offered a full ride scholarship and I took it. I was able to live at home and save money for grad school . The savings allowed me to go Ithaca College who offered an assistantship and to study with Allen Ostrander. Hard work pays off. Best wishes and study hard!!

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 11:36 am

I finished my first week of school and in Honours Physics, I already have a 110% and doing well in it as well. As for Calculus, I find it pretty easy so far and the class offers study sessions before school every Monday at 6:30 - 7:15. And my English class is smaller than a normal class. Overall, I can say that I'm off to a great start. More updates to come.

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 11:58 am

Good. More time with the books and less time here, please.

ttf_Cubes · Post by **ttf_Cubes** » Sat Sep 17, 2016 11:35 am

I hadn't intended to abandon this thread

but

Since the Army is out of the question for instrument repair(I didn't know that either) the next options would be the Marines or the Navy and while it doesn't hurt to audition for these bands, if you are one of those people who just barely got the minimum score required you may want to reconsider joining out of high school as the Naval music program is brutal to those who barely pass

You won't be doing instrument repair for at least the first 4 years as you must reach the rank of E-5 to apply for the repair division

Do contact recruiters and take the auditions out of high school, its a good experience. I took the auditions twice, once out of high school and once in my 4th year of college

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 4:34 pm

UPDATE: First quarter has ended and here are my grades:
1st Hour: Personal/Social Skills A-
2nd Hour: English 11 A
3rd Hour: Honors Physics D-
4th Hour: Varsity Band A
5th Hour: Jazz Band A
6th Hour: Foundations of Calculus B+
I had a hard time with physics that quarter and I know how to do the math but reading the story problems gave my the most struggle. Since I did really good in FOC, my teacher said that I could do well in AP Calculus BC and AP Computer Science A. After calculating my current GPA (2.42) I got a result that I have a 2.96 GPA now! I will say that things are really going smoothly!

ttf_Peter Eiden · Post by **ttf_Peter Eiden** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 11:16 am

Hi Ethan -

Glad you are feeling more confident as the semester is moving along. I don't want to rain on your parade, but here are a couple of things you should think about to balance priorities and make things as smooth as you think they are. Simply, those As in the Band classes are not going to help you nearly as much as the current Physics grade will hurt.

I'm not sure how your school computes your GPA (i.e., how they weight things), but please remember this -- As I said in an earlier post, most colleges will assess your GPA independently; they will not rely on your school's computation. They will lop off the (+) and (-) and just look at the raw letter grade, and then weight using their scale. That way they can compare all applicants using the same rules, and not worry about different schools doing things differently. So the B+ will be viewed as a B.

Then they will look at the courses, and will almost always use academic classes only in their review. Math, Science, History, Language, etc. will be counted in their calculation. Grades in band, religion, phys ed, etc. won't be counted, or will be discounted heavily. So, that's two of your A's that are great to have, but probably won't count for as much, if anything, in the admissions process. I am not sure how they would classify the Personal/Social Skills class -- a lot will depend on how your school describes it. If it is fulfilling an English or other language requirement, it could count. Your guidance counselor will know.

Physics, on the other hand will most definitely be counted. In fact, it will have a higher weighting because its an honors course. What does your physics teacher say about your grade? How often are you seeking help and guidance from him/her? As a rule, if its your worst grade, you should be making that teacher your best friend. From my experience, success with word problems is being careful, paying attention to the details and not reading into the facts presented. But ask your teacher for help. That D-, if sustained, will hurt you far more than the A's in band will help you. You need to be aggressive and fix it as best you can.

Finally, please fix your signature block ....... it's Adlai Stevenson (not Adali). A prominent name in American politics -- you might as well fix it in honor of Election Day! Also potential colleges will expect that you know how to spell the name of your school and proofread your work (and I know that someone else here has pointed it out before as well)!

Good luck.

~pme

ttf_greenbean · Post by **ttf_greenbean** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 11:53 am

The D- will keep you out of a lot of good schools, unfortunately.

Can you repeat the course? I don't know how high schools work (my memory doesn't extend that far back) but most colleges will let students retake courses that they did poorly in. At UC Berkeley, where I work, if you received a D, F, or NP, the course can be retaken (once). Only the higher grade will be used to calculate GPA and for graduation/program unit requirements. Check with your counselor.

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 2:16 pm

Quote from: greenbean on Nov 08, 2016, 11:53AMThe D- will keep you out of a lot of good schools, unfortunately.

Can you repeat the course? I don't know how high schools work (my memory doesn't extend that far back) but most colleges will let students retake courses that they did poorly in. At UC Berkeley, where I work, if you received a D, F, or NP, the course can be retaken (once). Only the higher grade will be used to calculate GPA and for graduation/program unit requirements. Check with your counselor.
Yesterday when I turned my homework for physics, I just got a notification from Powerschool saying that my, 2nd quarter grade is an A with a 100% and the overall semester grade is an B- with an 80%. I will definitely try to improve this quarter and try my best if I can get an advantage to try to earn extra credit points for extra credit projects, less hall pass, etc.

Also, I got a message saying that my grade in FOC for 1st quarter is now an A- at 90%!

I always got confused on how the GPA scale and hour credits work. Since Honours Physics and Foundations of Calculus are advanced classes, I honestly don't know if the GPA is added in a way. I'll definitely try to get a hold of my counsellor to ask for further advice.

Thanks all,

Ethan

ttf_Peter Eiden · Post by **ttf_Peter Eiden** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 3:55 pm

Nice, Ethan. I'm glad the turn is beginning. Now, remember that things were great out of the gate last term in physics, so don't get complacent! Keep on it Since this class has some risk to it, I still think you should become best friends with the teacher.

Best of luck! (And I dig the signature!)

~pme

ttf_Bimmerman · Post by **ttf_Bimmerman** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 4:28 pm

Nice work, keep it up! Do whatever you have to do to get the fundamental courses up, even if that means letting electives slide down in priority/time. If/when things get tough again and you need to hit the books hard, talk with your band director and explain the situation. Given your enthusiasm for music I'd be surprised if they would say anything other than 'focus on physics for now and practice the horn less, you've got an A in band assured so focus on getting into college'

Not to throw a monkey wrench in the works, but have you checked for foreign language requirements at the schools you are considering for college? That's the one thing I don't see on your class list, and some schools do expect you to have studied a foreign language at least a little.

ttf_anonymous · Post by **ttf_anonymous** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 4:42 pm

Bimmerman - great reminder!

My son took 3 years of Latin in high school. Hated every minute, pulled it out and fulfilled his high school graduation requirement. Took basic Spanish his senior year for grins. Hindsight being 20/20, he should have sucked up one more year of Latin.

He's now a senior at the College of William & Mary, which requires 4 years of language in HS, or you need to take two years in college. So, with no affinity for language, he had to slog through two more years of Spanish. Not the end if the world, but far from his forte.

So, it's great advice. If you can complete a four year equivalent or otherwise meet some target school's' language requirements while still in HS, get them over with now!!!

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 5:11 pm

Quote from: Bimmerman on Nov 08, 2016, 04:28PMNice work, keep it up! Do whatever you have to do to get the fundamental courses up, even if that means letting electives slide down in priority/time. If/when things get tough again and you need to hit the books hard, talk with your band director and explain the situation. Given your enthusiasm for music I'd be surprised if they would say anything other than 'focus on physics for now and practice the horn less, you've got an A in band assured so focus on getting into college'

Not to throw a monkey wrench in the works, but have you checked for foreign language requirements at the schools you are considering for college? That's the one thing I don't see on your class list, and some schools do expect you to have studied a foreign language at least a little.
I got my credits for foreign language covered!

I'll definitely do my best in Physics!

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Sun Nov 20, 2016 10:55 am

Well, I had conferences on Thursday, and my Foundations teacher said that since I have strong math skills, they recommended that I take AP Computer Science A and AP Calculus BC next year which is senior year and they know that in Physics I have a hard time with the story problems and have a hard time with comprehension. Now I'm thinking of pursing Computer Science and Programming and have music on the side. Also, I decided to continue in college to play bass trombone and most likely do jazz but I'm still not sure yet.

ttf_SilverBone · Post by **ttf_SilverBone** » Sun Nov 20, 2016 4:37 pm

I was in a similar position to you (40+ years ago), deciding between a computer science degree and a music degree.

You have to do what you love, because that's the only way to be happy. I loved both computers and music, and it came down to the realization that the market for highly paid trombone players is restricted to the very top players, while mediocre computer programmers make a pretty good living.

I was a topnotch computer programmer and had a great career. Kept music as my hobby. It all worked out.

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Sun Nov 20, 2016 4:52 pm

Nothing wrong with Computer Science. If you decide to take more Math, concentrate on Statistics. It's becoming a lingua franca throughout industry. In the insurance industry, you could become an Actuary and make a really good living. Actuaries are the folks who figure out expected lifespans, and expected payouts from insurance policies so you make sure you take in enough to cover the money going out and have some left to pay salaries of the folks administering the policies.

Word problems can get tricky. I don't know if you had to deal with them in Algebra (I had more word problem questions than simple calculations or solves when I took it back in the Late Pre-Cambrian Era).

Calculus is the backbone on which most sciences are now based. Without facility in Calculus you will not be able to understand some of the more advanced Math.

Good luck. We're all pulling for you.

ttf_EWadie99 · Post by **ttf_EWadie99** » Sun Nov 20, 2016 6:44 pm

Okay, I'll definitely see what I can do.

I'll see if I can take AP Statistics and do bass trombone as a hobby and see if I can still be a part of jazz band and marching band. Personal/Social Skills is a class where the students on the Autistic Spectrum take which is my case. So, I'm not sure what to do since my school has 6 hours.

Again, I'll see what I can do.

ttf_Peter Eiden · Post by **ttf_Peter Eiden** » Mon Nov 21, 2016 9:11 am

My daughter is a Sophomore at Caltech. She plays varsity basketball, and last year only managed to squeeze in band (she plays trumpet) in the spring after basketball season ended.

This year, now that she has the 'routine' down, she has managed to play both basketball and band. I'm really happy for her; the band is community style, made up of students, grad students, alumni faculty and staff from Caltech, some students from other nearby schools, employees of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and community members. Its a great opportunity to step away from the studies for a couple of hours a week, make some good music, and also meet interesting people and learn about some life beyond school.

Depending on the type and size of school you head to, and your level of interest, you may be able to exploit a similar opportunity.

We were able to visit a week or so ago, and see a couple of their concerts which were very nice!

Good luck, and to echo Bruce's comment - yes, we are pulling for you!

ttf_BillO · Post by **ttf_BillO** » Mon Nov 21, 2016 10:48 am

Quote from: BGuttman on Nov 20, 2016, 04:52PMIn the insurance industry, you could become an Actuary and make a really good living.

My cousin is an actuary. He says they do all sorts of calculations and produce all sorts of results, however, if the results do not support rate hikes, they are ignored by the company. According to him that happens way more often than not. He makes a good living, but he's also okay with having 80% of his efforts thrown out. Personally, I might not be okay with that, so it depends on your personality whether being an actuary is a good fit. If your in it for the pay

, if your in it to use your skills to make a difference

.