Overcoming Academic Challenges and Navigating Emotions as a Student
As students, it’s common to experience setbacks and emotional moments related to academics. Recently, I found myself overwhelmed by a disappointing grade, and I want to share my perspective and encourage others facing similar struggles.
Having moved from India last year, I encountered significant differences in the math curriculum, which initially made the subject feel inaccessible. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive the support I needed—my teacher was unwilling to offer additional help or tutoring, and my school counselor was unable to provide assistance. As a result, my math grades suffered greatly; I failed the first quarter and only managed to earn consistent Cs afterward. Ultimately, my final math grade was a C.
While it’s easy to focus on shortcomings, my other subjects tell a different story. All my grades in those areas have been As, which I find reassuring. However, English was a tough subject for me as well. Due to missed days caused by AP classes and other commitments, some of my assignments were marked as zeros. I thought I could make up the work before the final exam, but despite feeling confident about my efforts, I received an 86 on the End-of-Course exam. This score significantly impacted my final grade, bringing it down to a B, and impacting my overall weighted GPA, which is now around 3.5.
It’s natural to feel discouraged and even embarrassed when grades don’t meet expectations, especially when aiming for highly selective colleges. I recognize how emotional and stressful this experience can be—crying over a grade might seem silly, but it reflects the effort, frustration, and hopes we invest in our education.
To anyone facing similar hurdles: remember that setbacks do not define your worth or your future. Your hard work counts, and there are always opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Keep pushing forward and believe in your potential beyond the numbers.