~~Malcolm's studying tips~~
HOW TO CRAM FOR MATH:
• Take into account that you're eventually going to have to take the test. Missing it isn't a good option. You can ditch class for a month, but you'll be caught and have to take it. Plus, you'll be in more trouble than you would have been in the first place. So you might as well be present that day and try it. Face it.
• If you're nervous, take some deep breaths. Calm down and think happy thoughts. Like family (yeah right) and living to your twenties (As a demigod? No way!). Try to relax yourself. The pressure and stress on your shoulders is clouding your judgement and you won't be able to concentrate as well.
• DO NOT CRAM. Yes, I am serious. I never kid. Cramming means that you'll work your butt off last minute and then by the next morning, you're not going to remember anything. Relax yourself. Think positive.
• Make sure you clearly understand the concept. You can copy down the answers and jot down the notes during class. You can do all that. But you can't ace the assessment if you don't understand how to do it.
• Do extra problems. Open up your textbook, find online worksheets, anything! Just do problems. As long as it takes to finally get all of them right. And check the answers. Don't do them incorrectly and then fail the next day.
• Try to make songs. This sounds like first grade techniques but the Apollo cabin recommended it. I refused and BAM! They got As and I got a D+. If you're sure that you'll fail this assessment and need to do something to fix something before you completely fail, make a song out of your notes and memorize the lyrics. You might not completely fail. You might even pass!
• if you need help, go before or after school starts. Ask the teacher for help and he/she will help you. It's not embarrassing to ask for help. Who will care when you get a passing grade?
• Review your notes. This is always always always good to do.
• Make note of the essentials. Make yourself a study guide if it isn't just plain equations. Remember the stuff on there.
• the night before the exam, get a good night's sleep. Don't stay up until midnight observing your textbook. Sleep is healthier and you'll be ready to go for the test.
• Focus while studying. Put the shades down and put sound-proof earplugs on to block out noise. Put the lights on to your preferred brightness level and maybe get yourself in a comfy position.
• If there isn't much time focus on the big picture not the tiny details.
• If you study in advance, you can avoid this ever happening again.
