u/mr_curious_scientist

Hi. This is on an alt account. I won’t give all details but I really need help. I am sorry if this is not allowed but I need to post this somewhere.

I would prefer that you read the whole post if you can. It may take 2-3 minutes, but I promise that you would understand me so much more.

I’m a former gifted kid. I have always been a little unnaturally curious about everything, especially science/math related. I found elementary school too easy, to the point where I got in trouble a few times. I was usually bored during class but had a few friends, some of which were even brighter than me.

Once I hit middle school, a lot changed. I had to study more, and I never really developed good study habits. Combine this with heavy procrastination, and I would usually fail even when I “should’ve” succeeded.

Fast forward to now. I’m currently a sophomore at a high school that sends 0-2% every year to Ivys or T20s, so not a feeder or magnet school. Not many people are in each grade level, I think my school is the smallest school within 10 miles of me. I don’t have any study partners. I get lazy a lot, and my classes middle school and even freshman year were not very difficult. This year, I wanted to challenge myself, but thanks to me just being not the most stable mentally when and other things, I do not know ANYTHING about Calculus right now. Well, basically nothing. I’d wager that I’m 3-5% of the way done with Calculus. This is probably a horrible prediction so take it with a grain of salt.

I have 36 days left until the exam. I really do not think that I’ll make it. I need about 10 days to do practice exams (this could be wrong. I’m just guessing everything frankly.) It takes me several tries to learn anything, and I cannot bring myself to do anything difficult. I used to learn everything first try, especially in math. I could multiply numbers by Kindergarten and sometimes got “special” math privileges in classes when I was younger. Now, I’m under total panic that I’m getting a 1. Genuinely. I cannot score a 2 right now to save my life. I don’t think I have any math abilities anymore.

Now for the real question, how can I learn Calculus in 36 days? I barely even started learning until recently, and pick up on concepts at a snail’s pace. I get frustrated very easily. I don’t even know everything about limits and derivatives yet, which are apparently the easiest units. Any study advice? How should I study better and learn things quickly, while simultaneously not being overwhelmed with everything and giving up when something doesn’t work right away? If I can get a 4, I’ll be happy in a way that I don’t know if everyone will understand, despite it being what I’m “supposed” to do.

I’m praying that I don’t become another gifted kid that burns out and gets nowhere in life. This will affect me in future math and non-math classes too. I don’t feel so curious anymore either.

If you think I posted this in the wrong place, please let me know where to post it.

Thank you.

• A stressed student that has big dreams but horrible work ethic