How to Survive Math 7A

So, you’ve received your math placement for next year. You’re excited to go into 7A and dive deep into math for a year… and then you hear the horror stories. A constant flood of problem-solving tests, homework from completely different units than what you’re doing in class, and no more free time because you’ll always be retaking tests in the math room. Well then, this article is for you. As a successful survivor of not only 7A but most of 8A, I’m here to help all the future 7A kids not only make it through, but possibly even thrive and enjoy the class.

1. You’re going to have to retake your tests and do corrections, and that’s okay.

If you’re like me (or basically every Lakesider), you might be the kind of person who is really perfectionistic about your grades and wants to get 100% on everything (I might just be guilty of trying to retake a 98% XD). Your first test in 7A probably won’t meet your expectations, and you might feel like you’re lost and not doing well if you don’t finish every test and know how to do all the problems. However, that’s kind of the point of 7A. It’s meant to push you, and you shouldn’t be able to do everything easily on the first try. There are a lot more application-style problems than in sixth grade (where you use the core skills in new or unexpected ways), and those can be hard if you’re not used to those types of problems. However, the grading system is here to help you. All the skills quizzes (aka a regular math test) can be retaken, where you keep your highest score, and you can get up to half of your points back (rounded up) on a problem-solving test (a harder application and extension-focused test) by scheduling a meeting. 

2. Use your resources, like actually.

Seriously, there are so many ways for you to grasp new concepts and learn outside of class. Obviously, you can go back to homework problems or your notes to get ready for a test, and ask your friends or Ms. O’Neill for help. However, there are lots of other sources to help you with math. Khan Academy has so many great problems that are similar to what you’ve done in class, but maybe with a twist to help you get used to different styles and practice problem-solving. AoPS discussions and lessons are also your best friend, or whatever websites you like to use.

3. Don’t underestimate the course or the topic/unit titles.

If you’ve heard a lot about 7A, you might be expecting the first unit to be multivariable calculus or something you’ve never done before. You’ll be underwhelmed when you realise that the first unit is… counting? But trust me, it’s useful. You’ll do some number theory, talk about permutations and combinations, etc., and set notation. It can feel like the course was overhyped in terms of difficulty, but even you (yes, you) will probably need to study and will struggle with some concepts. Something that seems simple right now might come back later in a much harder form, so it’s worth it to just go over the things you know and don’t neglect brushing up on the basics.

4. One more point isn’t worth your time, but one more concept is.

Yes, everyone says this. Yes, I’m going to say this anyway. You’re taking 7A to learn math, not to get an A in the class. If everything makes sense to you but you just made a couple silly mistakes on the test, that’s a lot better than having no clue about the material but getting a really good grade because your teacher counted your points wrong. 7A is structured by motivating you with scores and then giving you learning opportunities while also increasing your grades. Everyone does dumb things on tests (1+0=0 right?), and a bad grade doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re not good at that subject. On the other hand, if you’re confused about something or don’t get an idea, you should definitely spend some time making sure you do. Don’t just meet with teachers to get your points back, meet to make sure that you actually understand the material. Sending the first email to a teacher can feel hard, but you’ll feel a lot better when you understand the concepts and are more confident in your math abilities.

5. When in doubt, drop a perpendicular. (Or if you’re Mr. Rona, throw a perpendicular.)

This one might not have been commissioned by the math department, but it’s solid advice nonetheless. If you’ve got a complicated geometric figure that you don’t know how to get information about, adding a perpendicular line can split it into right triangles that are easy to find side lengths or angles. You’ll talk a lot about right triangles in 7A but less about oblique triangles, so creating right triangles can really help you out on tests.

In the end, no matter what people say, you’ll survive 7A or any class that seems impossible. Take this guide with you, but remember that, honestly, it’s not too deep, and in the end, it’s a seventh-grade math class. No college admissions people are ever going to look at your grades from middle school, and as contradictory as it might seem, your grades really don’t determine your future. You’ve got this!