I actually faced the exact problem as you throughout all four years of HS math! Geometry, Alg 2/Trig (no honors lel), PCH, and then AP Calc BC. I psychoanalyzed myself and my own habits as to why my quiz average was super fire but my test grades were basically garbage. Here’s what I found:
Quizzes:
- less work, bursts of energy and you just spit rapid fire answers onto a sheet of paper
- either very general/very specific, so you basically know what to study either way.
- MUCH MORE straightforward than any test. don’t try to trick you, just asks a question.
- for some reason I actually stress less over quizzes
Tests:
- lots of arduous work, very tippy toe trying not to screw yourself over
- all about time management
- don’t know what the degree of specification is, and there’s more material to cover (and with so little problems, you don’t know what will be covered)
- involve application type problems that you have to think through (wasting your time, etc, increases your stress you get it)
My advice to you is: keep doing what you’re doing on quizzes, but adjust your study habits for tests. I’ve found doing practice tests, sleeping more, reviewing HW, and GOING OVER OLD TESTS really helps! When I was in A2T/PCH, I used to review the corresponding quizzes before my chapter test (since the quizzes covered half the material of the chapter any way). I’d then identify my weaknesses on my quiz, while also studying the latter half of the chapter, and go from there. Also, rest and food are both very important! In the days leading up to a test, try to get more sleep than usual, even 30 minutes a night helps. If you’re still having problems, identify what’s wrong. Are you making stupid mistakes from rushing/not finishing the test at all? Work on time management, don’t get stuck, and leave enough time to check. Are you for some reason just very stressed out during the test? Talk to your teacher to see if you can take the test earlier/later so you can take it in a stress free environment without your peers around you. But above all else, just go talk to your teacher. They know what you’ve been doing wrong, and if you work with them, then you’re bound to improve.