DS thinks he can teach himself to pass an exam in a week. AIBU to think he is wrong?

[user1494154933]

This is going to sound ridiculous and I wasn't going to post, as you'll probably call me stupid or irresponsible, etc.

My son is now 18. He isn't a 'genius' or anything like that. He did ok at GCSEs but didn't try hard at all. I used to try my best to get him to revise for him exams, he refused to and said it was pointless and exams don't help etc. which is ridiculous because as much as I do agree it's about memory, you clearly do need to know, anyway, he did ok and got accepted into sixth form, he decided not to go and got a part time job but did a part time photography course in the evening (he is still doing that).

I don't really know how it came about but I think I brought it up about how his exams were important and does he agree now he has matured and he was saying how he doesn't agree because exams aren't showing how intelligent you are, etc. and anyone can do them if they learn the exam technique. Last year (around december) he was telling me how he was going to prove it, he booked himself into the Maths AS exams for this summer (last year you can do these ones I believe). He hasn't learnt anything yet and I keep bringing it up (he spent £150 odd pounds for the exams (private candidate) and will sit them at his college he goes to part time) and he is telling me 'to wait and see'. He says when he has a week until the exam he will start learning the technique of it? I could slightly understand if a different subject, but he seems to think for Maths it works the best. I really don't understand his whole thinking behind this, but can't wait to be like WTF when he doesn't pass...

AIBU to think this is just stupid and not possible?

Actually maths is probably the easiest to pass as it is all about learning the various 'rules'
It's about learning them and knowing when and where to apply them. That requires some aptitude. Or an awful lot of studying.

Hello all,

Thought I'd come back and update. DS is doing the AS exams and A2 exams this exam period. His first exam is on the 16th I believe. He has been travelling this year/working abroad, so hasn't really been learning it again. He plans on doing similar to last year but doing better as he now knows it better.

If he gets a B he can do the degree he has now chosen, but will need to do the foundation year. He has picked civil engineering.

Just wanted to come back and update :)

Good Luck to him, user. I hope all goes according to plan.

Best of luck. I remember reading this thread last summer and I’m thrilled that your ds has stuck with his education. I hope he gets what he’s aiming for.

That's so bizarre, I was literally just thinking about your DS this morning.

(I've nced but followed your thread)

Best of luck to him