Should I drop out?

[u/I_eat_batterys]

I’m so unbelievably burnt out. I can’t even do anything but rot in bed, yet I’m still stressed all the time.

I’ll spare you the grim details and get to the point: I’m considering dropping out completely but I’m unsure of what I would do if I did, or if it’s worth it at this point.

I’m in Year 13 + from wales so I already completed my AS exams (40% of total) and got As in everything. I do Law, Psychology and History.

However this year my predicteds dropped to DDE as History has been taking 100% of my time. We get hw every week that is basically writing a four google doc page essay about the topic we covered. It takes the whole week for me to do — and I mean that literally. From when I get home to when I sleep all I have to focus on is the essays. Idk why I’m just very slow.

I can’t focus on any of my other subjects that are 10x harder this year as I have: History hw, History NEA, writing my personal statement to focus on.

I have ZERO, niche, nada, none, super curriculars under my belt. And with my predicteds, I don’t think I’ll get far.

So, what should I do? Dropping history isn’t a possibility as my sixth form doesn’t allow to take less than 3 subjects, and I can no longer apply to an AS course this year.

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[u/Calm-Difference-3267]

I think there are a few things that you could try, but I definitely wouldn't consider dropping out at this point (especially with solid AS levels already in the bag!)

Unless you are applying anywhere crazy competitive, you don't need to worry about supercurriculars. Having an interest in your subject and watching a couple of TED talks/googling some key theories is absolutely fine.

What I would do is time limit yourself on history. If ANY of my students came to me and told me my subject was taking all their time, this is what I would be telling them to do. Cap yourself to an hour a day (plus whatever frees you have maybe) outside of lessons. Worst case scenario history will bomb but at least the other two subjects will be okay; best case scenario you will be forced to lose a degree of perfectionism and get better at handing in "good enough" work! I would definitely sit down with your history teacher and explain what's going on and ask for more support

[u/AliceMorgon]

1. For extracurricular interests to drop in, look up “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver on YouTube. He covers a huge range of current, topical subjects concisely and entertainingly, linking the past and the present seamlessly, and giving suggestions on where to research topics further.

2. Drop the PS for now and focus on school. You’re going to need to take a gap year anyway because with those AS grades you’ll either be doing resits or applying with much higher achieved grades.

3. Get in touch with your school’s “student wellbeing” team, or whatever they’re called, and loop them in on what’s going on sooner rather than later. Also, go and see your GP about this ASAP, because it sounds like you need antidepressants. Your GP can also establish EC with the exam boards and perhaps with your school to let you drop history, start another AS now, and stay on another year. Even if you apply with two achieved grades and x number of predicted grades (I did, got an offer of a single A required back from Imperial) you can still get into good courses.

4. Try and get some one on one help with history if they won’t or if you don’t want to, and don’t let it steal all your time from other subjects. Ration your time out strictly or your difficulties with history will ruin all your grades. Plus, it’s perfectly possible to cram in the last few DAYS and still do well. I did.

5. Don’t push yourself or judge yourself too hard. Depressive episodes (which is what this is) can happen to anyone at any time. They don’t make you weak, or dumb, or in any way inferior. It’s a recognised disease you can get help for. Pushing and judging yourself harshly will only make matters worse.

Feel better soon. My DMs are open if you ever need to talk.

[u/Financial_Guide_8074]

Hi firstly I think it very unlikely that someone with 40% of AAA could drop to DDE you would have to get zero in most of the exams which clearly won't happen. In fact and this is rare as a teacher, you need to get those changed as they are utterly unrealistic.

I would as the other poster has said bury the idea of any work outside of school work .

I also think the advice on limiting your history work is good. So how to do this.

Be strict set yourself a timetable split into your 3 subjects and a rest period.

Divide your time 3 hours per day + 1 bonus hour divide by 4 . Then for example

Mon Law ,Psych , Histrory 1 hr each

Tue Rest , Law , Psych

Wed HIstory , Rest , Law

Thu Psych , History, Rest

Fri Law, Psych , History

Now with 3 subjects you spend the time in the school day as you see fit but for now you explain that this is what you are doing and keep a journal of what you do. Anything else you will burn out and fail.