Standardized tests dilemma

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Basically, I've failed the Math portion of the HSAP four times. This year is the last time I can take it. I'll most likely fail, even with the sheer amount of studying that my parents are cramming me with, and they insist that I parade myself on the stage with a bona fide diploma in my hands, so that I can go to college and take another four years of them guilt-tripping and harrassing me about grades and assignments. If I fail in their eyes, that means I'm another piece of "black trash" that my mother works with (I'm white), doomed to a life of abusing kids, selling drugs and gangbanging.

Okay, maybe have a brief, matter-of-fact statement prepared for your parents, perhaps something like

'Dad or Mom, not everyone is good at math'

Then be very strategic with your choices, and don't drift into a situation where your parents are your primary source of information about college, which is hard when they keep harping on it.

Yes, to some extent they are right, that the main path to college is the single path of the "well-rounded" student. But there are other openings.

Maybe something as simple as seeing if you visit the admissions department of a nearby college, whether 4-year or community.

And maybe see if you can hire a tutor for a single session ('just need to brush up') maybe something like that. That way if the tutor is merely mediocre, you're not stuck and can go lateral and try someone else.

Especially in college, I really think pre-studying a course is the coin of the realm. I mean, it's so effective, it's almost cheating, just an entirely legal form of cheating.

Sometimes with subjects which don't come naturally for you, it actually helps to try less hard, just try in a different direction. Of course this only sometimes work.

And I'm kind of in favor of the triple play, or at least intrigued by the idea. Of getting school, a job, and a business going all at the same time. Now, the standard statistic for businesses is that 80% of new businesses fail (yes, eight out of ten) typically because the fixed expenses eat them alive before they can really get rolling with a customer base. So, I like the idea of a service business based out of a person's home or car where the fixed expense just aren't that big. And with jobs, it's always been a numbers game, even more so in an economy like today's.

Gift, I posted to your other recent thread about your parents badgering you about your grades.

It sounds like what they are really after is prestiege. They want other people to look at them and say, "Wow! look at the grades your kid got! You must be wonderful parents!" Try telling people how rude they are instead. Maybe they'll be embarassed!

You have the perspective to see that you did nothing wrong--whereas they did (and continue to do so).

If all else fails, hang in there!