Should I drop General? (detailed) (1 Viewer)

[didier91]

Hey guys I know you get this alot but was just hoping to get some feedback on my particular circumstances.

You can see my other subjects listed in my signature and I have done alright in all of them (range 70-95%). I'm going into Yr 12 in 2009 and am doing 12 units and my school rather emphasises how important it is to have the 2 backup units. Although alot of people in my year are doing 10 or 11.

I got 55% in my first internal test for General which literally made me puke... it was worth 20% of our internal assessments and the top mark was 80%, but I don't think I'm even in the top half of the rankings. Should I bother keeping it? My teacher is very positive and thinks I can still do well but I'm really doubtful of that.

On another note I'm aiming to get into the USA for University and am also debating whether or not dropping would look bad on my Report in which I have already chopped and changed my subjects alot. I dropped Drama for Mathematics in T2 of Y11,dropped Modern History last term so I could do Extension 2 English and obviously dropped down from Mathematics to General for last term.

The other question is whether or not General might actually help me with my SAT exams which I'm doing over the course of this Year (already done one and awaiting results).

Thanks guys.

 

[youngminii]

Drop.

 

[wendybird]

Actually, if you are thinking of applying to american universities, then i'm afraid some units of Mathematics (general/2U/whatever) is necessary.

I discussed this with my director of cirriculum, and american universities are very much against specialisation (unlike UK and Aus academic systems) and practice liberal education (ie. emphasising well roundedness, taking range of subjects).

I was advised that Maths and English was definately necessary, and it was highly recommended (but not necessary) to also have a science and a history.

My advice is to keep maths, do your best but don't stress if it doesn't count. US universities only care that you have done maths, you don't have to have done brilliantly. Focus on your other 10 units to make them count and to maximise your UAI.

Also consult widely, speak to career's advisors, heads of subject and director of studies. Then weigh up your options.