AP Stat is a very easy class for me. I understand everything very quickly and can complete my homework and classwork without any problem. But for some reason, on quizzes and tests, I keep doing very poorly. I think it’s because I’m TOO overconfident in AP Stat, and as a result I get sloppy with my work. I got a B on my last quiz and a C on my unit test, which, even with sloppy mistakes, seems incredibly low. I haven’t yet gotten my test back but I am beginning to worry that I will actually get a B in this class, because it is going to take a lot to balance out my very poor test grades.
So do you guys have any advice about trying to be less overconfident? I feel like even with my low grades, I will continue to mess around in that class. How do I give myself a cold awakening and begin working hard?
@loease don’t make assumptions like “I’ll ace this test without studying” - review all the tested concepts, and if you have practice tests, take them under timed conditions without referencing material you wouldn’t see on the test.
Of course, generic tips like “show your work neatly and logically” apply here.
i have the exact same problem with AP Stat–it’s almost like we’re the same person! I understand everything being taught so I don’t feel the need to ask questions, and then the test comes and I always make stupid mistakes! I would suggest talking to your teacher and maybe having them go over some concepts with you–that’s what I’m planning on doing at least. And if you come up with a solution, please let me know–it looks like I’m gonna need all the help I can get in that class!
As MITer94 said, make sure you prepare properly for your tests. Also, during the test take your time. It seems like you know the material but are rushing to finish. Check your work, and try and avoid silly mistakes.
It might be that the homework is easier than the tests. So you think you know the material, but you don’t.
Get an AP Stats review book and do extra problems. Go to your teacher’s office hours and explain what is happening.
Is it possible that you know specific aspects of stats because each idea is presented individually in class and on homework, but the test combines and integrates what you learned in class? Your difficulty could be easily learning wind ideal steps to a dance, but having difficulty combining steps into a routine. Stars on dancing with the stars often have this kind of problem. When studying integrate what you are learning so that basic concepts are learned individually as well as understanding when and how some concepts extend information and at other times restrict
Interpretation of data.
The other thing that teachers often do is to give you problems on the test that test the limits of the topic…so you did an everyday division problem and all works well…but what if you get something where you are dividing by 0? That is so much different! so doing many problems helps you learn this type of case.
Ah, AP Stats. Yes, trust me, many students are currently in, and have been in your position. AP Statistics is a class where you need to develop strategies to answer those vague, “describe” type questions. Have you gone over acronyms such as SOCS, or FODS? These are generally proven to be very effective, since students know what to actually write down to get full points. Another point is, ALWAYS put your descriptions in context. These have allowed me to get 100’s on all the tests, and a 5 on the exam
