Do you have a class this semester that you are struggling with? If so, this is the place for you. In this column, I will share some helpful tricks as well as tips I’ve picked up from personal experience and from the student body that aim to make challenging classes easier. 

When talking to my fellow classmates about what classes they found most challenging, one response became very frequent, and I eventually started to expect it: Pre-calc. There are a few reasons, I soon found out, as to why Pre-Calc is such an unenjoyable experience for many of the students here, whether it was how “the [EXPLETIVE] review packet is nothing like the test,” or the fact that the class is “so stupid [and] the others are easier.” Aside from the emotional response (hatred) that Pre-Calc elicits in its participants, it can be academically challenging at times as well. One student commented that it is “fast paced so [you] can’t fall behind, and if you do, it’s hard to get back on track.”

After conducting these interviews, I went to the drawing board and came up with a few ideas to make the class go smoother for students. Here’s what I have heard and come up with. 

1. The notes packet given at the beginning of class doesn’t cover all the subjects and steps taken in the lesson, so be prepared to write in the margins.
2. Sit with people you feel comfortable talking to (to vent anger towards the teacher together or bounce questions off of).
3. Check out the Brian McLogan YouTube channel for clarification on tough topics. 
4. The tests are usually easier than the last handout given, so don’t psych yourself out. 
5. Don’t put all your trust into the review packet when preparing for assessments. Most of the time, it doesn’t cover all the subjects shown on the tests. Be sure to review old homework as well as the packet, and directly ask your teacher what will be on the test. 

That’s all for now! Keep an eye out for the next issue, where I’ll cover APUSH, the most time-consuming of the AP classes.