How to get straight a's at a subject you aren't good at?

<p>For instance, algebra 2 is difficult and I work diligently and extremely hard, but I just can't get it. I would like to maintain my 4.0 gpa. Any advice?</p>

<p>The only thing I can think of suggesting is that you practically live in your math teacher’s classroom. Go before/after school often to review the concepts and do practice problems. Math is annoying because you could know what you are doing on classwork, but on tests you make a lot of dumb mistakes despite the fact you understand the concept. The only way to prevent stupid mistakes is to keep practicing!</p>

<p>2 Words : Self Study</p>

<p>dont take AP /honors math…</p>

<p>Thanks @asianas1- how do u self study a concept if you don’t understand it?</p>

<p>I am 59 and never conquered tough math, but I managed to have a happy life anyway. Thank God, I married a math genius and all 4 of our kids are brilliant in math.</p>

<p>Look it up, figure it out, understand.</p>

<p>Self study, practice until you mastered it.</p>

<p>Wash, rinse, repeat.</p>

<p>What @ilovediannaagron said. I was in Pre-Calc Honors for three days, realized I would have to work my ass for an 85, and currently have a mid-A in regular PreCalc. Best decision of my life (I’m taking another honors and 3 AP classes along with a gaggle of extracurriculars, it would’ve been Hell).</p>

<p>Pro tip: read books in the subject that aren’t assigned by your teacher. </p>

<p>Try browsing around at your public library for accessible math texts - something along the lines of a Martin Gardner book or a math-related bestseller like Goedel Escher Bach. Pick three that interest you, read one of them and skim the introduction and maybe the first chapter of the other two - don’t feel like you have to finish them all.</p>

<p>Cramming harder on the material you’re already cramming for class will only make you crazy. Engaging the subject on your own terms can help you build a feeling of mastery. You might or might not pick up anything directly applicable to class. But the main benefit is you’re spending more time in the cognitive zone of math, and the more time you spend in it, the easier it becomes to negotiate it and switch into it on demand, whichever specific topics you’re facing.</p>

<p>What do you mean by “extremely hard?” Do you work 30 minutes and bs homework?</p>

<p>Simple advice: do all your homework, listen in class, and take time to understand the material if you want that A.</p>

<p>You might be working hard, but on all the wrong areas. Hard work is fine, but you have to work intelligently- blindly doing problems will only confuse you if you don’t really understand the material. Have you ever asked your teacher for advice or help? Or if your teacher isn’t that helpful, you might want to look into getting a tutor. Everyone here on CC might find math easy, but sometimes a little extra help (and not just relying on yourself) can go a long way. Try working through your homework with someone who is doing well, and see what they do differently. Best of luck!</p>

<p>You don’t.</p>