Impulsestorm :: :: 05 - Advice for Specific Classes

Here is some invaluable pointers for specific classes - for the aspiring slacker. Remember - every point garnered by using these great techniques is one less point you have to gain by studying a long time.

Physics:

- Remember Conservation of Energy. This is a simple concept to understand, and it is key. Always remember that the energy has to go somewhere. In your high school physics class, you probably won't be relating matter to energy. Therefore, remember that energy does not disappear. It must become some other form of energy - whether it be gravatational potential, kinetic, thermal, or whatever. I cannot emphasize this enough - and how much this concept has saved my ass on tests.

- Use Dimensional Analysis. This has saved my ass on many a test as well. Countless tests. This was the most important thing Mr. Szakacsy taught me in Chemistry. He has the best explanation. But here are other explanations:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&safe=off&q=dimensional+analysis&spell=1

- Don't waste time brute-force memorizing equations. If you understand the concepts behind the equations, it will be easier for you.

Calculus:

- Visualize the problems and draw a picture. I didn't understand what integration and differentiation really was until I saw it in a picture.

- Relate these problems to Physics. The development of Calculus was driven by a need for mathematics to describe change. This need was provided by Physics. Calculus has many appilcations for Physics. In fact, even if you are taking Physics B (the non-Calculus one), your intuition will guide you and you'll think "Calculus could be used here. In fact, the calculus version of this formula is probably this."

- Really understand what integration and differentiation are. Don't just bullshit past it by learning how to manipulate the numbers to get the derivative or integral. Actually understand what they are. I learned what they were through pictures. Find your own method.

English:

- Use the word "poignant". I don't know why this word has the strange effect it does - but just adding "John Doe's Necrowombicon is a poignant tale of social strife and class tensions." causes essay points to go way up. I absolutely detest the fact that English teachers seem to be in love with this word. Nor do I know the cause of this fact. It is now overused to the point of cliche, but will still make a desperate last-minute job seem less desperate.

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