Pre-calculus is really challenging for me right now. I recently moved to the U.S. from another country where I followed the IGCSE curriculum, and honestly, that was so much simpler. I never did the traditional algebra 2 route, yet I managed to score well enough on my placement test to get into pre-calc. The problem is, I didn’t even know what the unit circle was and had barely touched on radians—only basic conversion questions. Last semester, I got a B- (B in the first marking period and a C in the second), and now pre-calc has impacted my confidence for calculus, so I’ve decided to take stats next year instead. Unfortunately, to be eligible for AP Stats, I need to finish pre-cal with at least a B+.
I’m really struggling with this class! My teacher is quite strict and deducts points for the smallest mistakes. I’ve never felt so lost in a math class before. As a junior, the pressure is already mounting, and pre-calc seems to be making everything worse. Right now, I’m sitting at a C, and I dread that my next quiz or test will drop my grade even further, putting me in a hole that I won’t be able to climb out of.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way—transitioning to a new curriculum can be incredibly tough, especially in a subject like math that builds on so many previous concepts. It’s clear that you’re putting in a lot of effort, and it’s perfectly normal to struggle when facing new material, especially when the teaching methods and expectations are different from what you’re used to.
Since you mentioned you’re not familiar with the unit circle and radians, it might be helpful to spend some extra time reviewing those concepts—they’re often foundational for understanding pre-calculus. There are plenty of resources online, like Khan Academy or YouTube, where you can find clear explanations and practice problems that might make it easier for you to grasp those ideas.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for help! Whether it’s your teacher during office hours, a classmate, or a tutor, sometimes a little extra guidance can make a big difference. And remember, it’s okay to ask questions; no one expects you to know everything right away.
Try to focus on small, manageable goals instead of the overall grade. Each quiz or test is just one step, and you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve when you break it down. You’ve already proven you can do well on your placement test, so don’t lose sight of that ability. Hang in there—you’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek support. Good luck!