I just can't do well in precalc.

<p>The material isn't hard. I get everything in class. I feel good after the test, but when I get the test back i get like a 80 on it. </p>

<p>The way the grading system works is that tests are worth 90% and homework is only 10%. If you screw up on one test in a quarter, then you're average is shot. What makes it worse is that our teacher takes off a minimum of two points for any error. </p>

<p>I'm putting effort into the class and studying before tests and I just can't get above a 90 on these stupid tests. Idk if its because i can't use a calculator, but this class is completely killing me, my gpa, and any chance i have at an ivy. </p>

<p>Anyone want to give me some tips (that don't involve me talking to the teacher)? I need to do well in this class (like at least a 93 as my final grade). If I don't get this fixed then I can kiss any chance of getting into Dartmouth goodbye.</p>

<p>In college, homework is not even counted for most professors. The homework is assigned and recommended, but not even checked or collected. So, you must be motivated and keep doing your homework even when it does not count as your grade. You are lucky that your teacher even gives you 10 percent for homework. Of course, in high school i have never had a teacher who did not count homework as part of the grade. In fact, 10 percent is very little for a high school teacher. But just keep in mind that it will only get harder from here.</p>

<p>Maybe it is the formulas you getting wrong. Try making flashcards of the formulas and reviewing them before the test. Also, math is something that you must keep doing to master. All math textbooks have a review section. Do the review section of the chapters your teacher will test you on. Practice makes perfect. Math, chemistry, and physics are the classes you have to just pick up your pencil and push it around on a piece of paper to improve.</p>

<p>Do you have Ms. D? Like legit this sounds like her class but…personally I am successful in her class mainly because if you focus to the lectures and when I say focus I mean go along with the teacher and if you don’t understand something then tell them and apply what you learned in class to your homework.</p>

<p>Try looking at material on Brightstorm and Khan Academy. They are websites.</p>

<p>By doing that I’m able to have a 93 average and doing prolly 80% of the homework each night (usually before school starts). For the tests you really need to grasp the main concepts and try to apply it to new situations.</p>

<p>What kind of errors are you making on your tests?</p>