I Messed Up, Big Time :( [Need help before my dreams go kaboom]

[nooblet9]

Well I really messed up. Here's the background story:

I'm in high school, and my final exams are just a week away. And I know absolutely nothing. Zero. At least by my standards. I know I'll probably pass (barely, should I add) if I do take the exams, but (here's the shocker) I've always gotten A's mostly, sometimes B's, but that was like once in a year. But this year I lost all motivation And sadly, this year I also wanted to graduate highschool [early] (I had actually told my parents my desire to do so).

Point is: I can't take the exams cause the result will mess up my records. If I do take them, I will get the lowest grade (if I pass). Now I study in the UK system and they have exams in May, and November. So, I can take the ones in November, its not like my whole year is wasted.

But the biggest thing that's getting me stressed out and panicky is 1) My parents will likely 'splode. Seriously, they get pissed even when I get the rare B. And 2) I've just begun looking into starting an online business and I feel I can do it. But the thing is my parents are funding it till it starts to run itself. My biggest concern is that my parents will cut the funding and all my dreams will get shattered.

So, the question is: How can I persuade them to let me take the exams in Nov., and also make sure they don't get pissed off (and continue to fund my online ventures)?

I know, it's a bit long, but I'm in a really sticky sitation here. I know, all my fault But I would be glad if you could hit the reply button and help

[JoeRad]

OK, here is the way I would approach it; let the parents see the upside to going with your plan. Explain that like all things in life, plans change and thye need be adjusted accordingly. Let them know that you ran into a snag and so you should take your exams in November, thus allowing you to get the highest possible grade. Having them change the business plans for you as a result is unrelated, and downright silly. (Don't even bring up your concern about the business plans being turned down as a result...only if it comes up point out that nothing productive can coe from them being reactionary jerks.)

I wish you the best,
JoeRad

[pauldickinson]

Be as honest and open as you can. Stand up for yourself and your dreams. If they don't support you and understand then try explaining it as best you can, but definitely don't feel that your dreams are over because of this one moment. You are very young and there if you want it enough, you'll succeed no matter what the outcome of this is!

[nooblet9]

Thanks guys, I'll be telling them tomorrow. Praying to God, it all goes well

@pauldickinson Yeah, I know I'm young and all, but if they do widthraw all support for my Internet cause, I can't do it for another year and a half (I'm not 18, yet)... That's the only reason I was (still am) worried. I know they can't take away my dreams if I look long-term, esp. after 18. But still, as I said, I'm not 18 yet.

Anyway, thanks to both of you for giving me some courage. I was hoping for more replies though, 150 views and only 2 replies lol

[James81]

Dude, the exams are a week away. Buckle down and study like a banshee and graduate. Seriously, this isn't a problem of "can't," this is a problem of "won't." Suck it up and study and take the exams and graduate. Who cares if the scores are a little lower than you usually get? Do you really think that anybody, beyond college, is going to care what your grades were in high school? No. They are going to look for a diploma.

And...you have an entire week to study. You're an honors student, I think a week of hardcore study time will be enough to prepare you.

[David Cain]

I agree with pauldickinson. Just lay it all out for them like you have for us here. Tell them why you think it's wiser to defer the exams, and what you have learned from this so far. Don't try to hide anything here; honesty is self-love.

If they explode, they explode, but this is probably the best thing for them and for you. If you make an honest and quick turnaround, I don't see how big a deal this will be long term.

Don't get too worried, everyone has found themselves in a situation like this at one time or another. You'll learn some things, and life will go on.

[dinc]

Originally Posted by James81

Dude, the exams are a week away. Buckle down and study like a banshee and graduate. Seriously, this isn't a problem of "can't," this is a problem of "won't." Suck it up and study and take the exams and graduate. Who cares if the scores are a little lower than you usually get? Do you really think that anybody, beyond college, is going to care what your grades were in high school? No. They are going to look for a diploma.

And...you have an entire week to study. You're an honors student, I think a week of hardcore study time will be enough to prepare you.

I really have to agree with James here. It is MUCH MORE than possible to cram study for something like this and pass with flying colors. If you put your all into it, you'll get a's. I did something similar to this once for taking the GED. A week of study can take you from nothing to genius.

[pjhaggerty]

Hey man, I hear you on this one.

I'm in high-school too. We have exams next week. If I was in your situation, I'd ask myself 'would I really study materials all summer long which I didn't study all of this semester?' The answer for me would be no. If it was me, I would buckle down, do my best to learn the stuff and take the exams right now. Rather you pass, fail, or do ok at least they'll be over. This will free you to focus on your internet business all summer instead of worrying about and studying for the finals on subjects you've already shown you don't care about. The other question is 'why do the exams really matter?' I mean, if the only reason they matter is because of your parents, then I would suggest you might want to talk to your parents and see how truly important it is to them (although you probably already know).

Probably the best way out of your predicament is to buckle down, lock yourself in your room, skip school (maybe) and study like crazy, only coming out for food and water. You'd be surprised what you could learn in that time frame . take a week long break from your business and then come back stronger than ever on it.

btw, after school's out, I would definitely suggest you check out a site called 'study hacks' to help insure that this doesn't happen again.

[Jim11]

Deferring until the time is right can become habitual. Stop it now and start studying!