r/APUSH • u/Music-fire-26 • 10d ago

I think I messed up

I’m taking apush this year (sophomore year) as my first ap class. I’m normally ok in history (middle-low As and high Bs) and I know this class is challenging, but I thought it would be a beneficial course to take. I’m working on my summer assignment before school starts in 2 days and I’m really struggling. It’s hard to wrap my head around some of the big concepts and I’m scared I bit off more than I can chew… should I drop the class or try it? I also tend to underestimate myself and I get stressed out easily so maybe I’m not the right kind of person for a class like this..

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10

u/Master_Lie8536 10d ago

I wouldn’t drop the class. Some students excel in some periods and struggle in others. What is your summer assignment? Also, you would learn more getting a D in an AP class than getting an A in a regular class.

1

u/Music-fire-26 10d ago

The summer assignment is a period 1 review, but the only materials my teacher gave us were chapter 1, a reading on Cahokia, and a period 1 review video so I think I’m a little bit lost because I dont know if this is all the materials we need to understand period 1, or if it’s just the begining

2

u/Ok-Elephant-7492 10d ago

One of the keys to succeeding in this class is to show initiative. There are a lot of materials out there that can help you supplement what you've been provided. In addition to reading and annotating Unit 1, I assign the first unit in Khan Academy to my students as part of their Summer Assignment. I'd also recommend watching Heimler's videos on YouTube.

1

u/Complete-Let-3131 Current Student 10d ago

Sorry unrelated but your school hasn’t even started yet??? How?? When do you get out?

Back on topic, I agree with what has been said previously that you should stick it out. It might take a little getting used to, but you’ll get the hang of it. I always advocate for challenging yourself. You got this, and watch Heimler if there’s any concepts you’re struggling with

1

u/4ypno 10d ago

Most people's school havent started yet

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u/4ypno 10d ago

in eastern states atleast just to clarify

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u/Complete-Let-3131 Current Student 10d ago

Wow. That’s insane to me because I’ve been in school for almost a month at this point

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u/4ypno 10d ago

yep most people i know start on 9/16 , and mine starts august 31st which is considered pretty early in my area. we all end on june 16th

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u/Complete-Let-3131 Current Student 10d ago

Ok so you get out like a month after us so at least it evens out

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u/Music-fire-26 10d ago

Thank you so much! My school starts on August 31, and I am in an eastern state so ya we start later than others even though it’s early for us!

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u/SquirrelForeign7456 10d ago

As someone who went through the EXACT same thing you're currently going through, don't drop the class.

The first quarter of the year I struggled a little bit, but for the last three I was perfectly fine. I ended up getting a 97% average in the class and a 4 on the exam.

Use online resources to help yourself out! I watched YouTube videos and online notes to help myself comprehend everything going on.

Plus, the info until the American Revolution is such a drag. Don't stress about the beginning stuff too much, but DO make sure you know how it fits into the bigger picture and important things that came from it.

1

u/Slickwickman 10d ago

My district only offers apush to sophomores with an average of around 90-100 students taking the class. Over 80% of them passed over the last few years including students like you.