First Test

Everyone's heard of the superstition that you will always flunk your first test. New classes means new teachers, and therefore, a new test format. Some people may just sit back and let it happen, believing that there is not much they can do to change their fate. But you are different, and the fact that you are reading this proves that you are willing to put in the effort for a good grade. So here is some advice to help you ace your first test:

1. Notes: reviewing your notes is always a good way to figure out what you know and don't know. If you find yourself struggling to understand your notes, make sure to remember that you need to change your note-taking system in the future. As of right now, just try to go through your notes and refresh your memory on all of the concepts in the chapter. If you feel that it is necessary, you can rewrite everything in order to better understand and memorize the content. It may seem like a lot of work, but I promise that it will help you out in the future.

2. Memorization: if you know that your test is based off of vocab and memorization, make sure to prepare for it. Quizlet will always be your friend if you are willing to take the time to set it up. Classic flashcards work just as well. We recommend your average 3 x 5 Index Card and some Felt Tips to add some color and keep you engaged. You can also flip the script and get some Colored Index Cards and Black Pens if need a little bit more pizazz. I like to review my flashcards the day before, on the ride to school, and right before the test in order to be as prepared as possible.

3. Solving Problems: if you know that your test is based off of analytically solving problems, make sure to prepare for it. Go over the problems you did in class and make sure you know how and why you do every single step. Then go online and find some practice problems and do those. It's always helpful to buy some review books in the beginning of the year, especially for AP Classes so you know what type of problems to expect. We'll be posting some course specific blogs in the future with helpful review books for each one, so stay tuned.

4. Day Of: on the day of the test, try to review with your friends before you go and take it. If you don't understand some concepts, your friends will explain them to you in a different way than you were initially taught it, so it may make more sense. And if another friend does not understand some concepts, you teaching them not only helps them, but it makes you understand the content on a more deeper level.

   
   

In the end, try not to stress out too much. What happens happens and you always have the rest of the quarter to bring your grade up. However that is not an excuse to slack off, especially since the content builds off of each other in high school classes. In the end, all that matters is that you understand the concepts. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to us if you need any help at all, we got you. Good luck, and make sure to come back to learn more tips and tricks on how to survive your high school years.