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| PLEBE YEAR GRADES the first grading period: Parents are often shocked about their Mid's grades when they hear the results of the postings of the first grading period in October. E-mails such as the following are frequently exchanged by concerned parents. "...Our son was an AP high school student and graduated with highest honors, etc. He told his dad and I on a recent phone call that he was having a difficult time in calculus and chemistry. He asked if we would bring his notes, previous tests, etc. that he kept from high school to him, which we're taking on our visit this weekend. He said when grades came out he had a C but now he has a D in these courses. ... Since I only got bits and pieces of mail from other parents about the grades situation, is this normal? Do grades pick up, do the courses get more comfortable for them or are we looking at grades such as C's and D's for the entire year or two or forever?" |
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| 3. The Mids are constantly given more requirements to do than they can possibly accomplish, forcing them to prioritize. Some of the Mids have never known failure. The Academy needs to know how they will deal with failure and teach them techniques for handling failure. Since the Mids cannot do everything, they must determine what the consequences will be if they fail to accomplish certain tasks and then decide where they they will choose to fail. 4. The Academy is very good about providing assistance to students having difficulty. Professors will offer extra instruction (EI) opportunities, there are Study Groups, and the Writing Center. Students should take advantage of these opportunities. 5. The transition from HS to Plebe Summer and then to the Academic Year is difficult for many. With so much going on and the non academic demands placed upon them, many find it hard to realize that they are actually in college. The focus on academics can slip somewhat into the background. The first grading period helps to draw the student's attention back to academics and allows them to see where their weaknesses are. The grading period provides a stimulus to help them adjust their priorities and to seek help where needed. 6. Considering all of the above, don't panic. Discuss the above with your Mid, offer support, and tell them that you don't expect them to obtain the same grades that they did in High School but that you simply expect them to try to do their best. This is a new environment, not just High School extended. High School extended is the open enrollment college just down the street. Anyone can go there. Only the finest go to the Academies. |
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TIPS FOR SURVIVING PLEBE YEAR Although Plebe Year is challenging - take heart. Many young people have passed through Plebe Year before your young person. It is a difficult ten months, but your Plebe is up to the challenge. The class has been carefully screened before selection. The Academy has confidence that they have chosen the right individuals to become Midshipmen. "Your Plebe would not have been chosen if the Academy did not think your Plebe could succeed! The Academy staff's goal is to help your Plebe accomplish his/her goal and graduate!" The pride, confidence and education that these Mids acquire are well worth the ups and downs of Academy Life. The best advice from other Midshipmen and Academy graduates to Plebes and "Shipmates": 1. Don't be a "wise guy" or a "know it all." |
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