Expert: Socrates - 1/22/2008

Question
Hi, I am a sophomore and am in an Algebra II Honors class. I took Algebra I as a freshmen, and got an A. I took Geometry in summer school, and got an A. I am now averaging a low C in my current class. My freshmen algebra teacher was terrible! I need to get an A in my honors class in order to get into a good college! So I ask you, how do I get better at ALGEBRA II! Please tell me what I can do to get better at solving problems faster, and just tips on getting better at math. Am I just stupid at math? P.S. My worst problem in my class is test-taking.

Answer
I doubt you are just stupid at math. You need a good textbook and a good teacher. If you have neither one for Algebra II , you are in a very difficult spot. Find a tutor for algebra , maybe one of your friends knows someone who is good. Your school should be able to recommend someone.  Also , you might try looking at other textbooks , maybe even look at one of the study guides for the math part of the SATs. You can practice test taking by doing the practice exams in the SAT math Alg II preparation books, but you must use the time limits given in the guide. Unfortunately, dealing with time pressure and stress is part of the misery of taking exams , no one can make that go away.