The Study Environment

I used to think that the best study environment was the quietest with the least amount of distractions.  However, after many years, I have come to believe that a mix of different study environments is the best.  Let me explain.  When I was in college I used to seek out the most remote, secluded, and quiet places on campus to study.  There were times that it was so quiet that I actually started to become distracted by the incredibly loud sounds of my breath and even my own heart beating! (I know...funny. Right?) Overall, having a really quiet place to study is beneficial but the downside is that one becomes habituated to needing a quiet environment to concentrate.  In daily life it is almost never quiet.  The person next to you might be continually talking to himself, coughing, or foot tapping while you are taking a test.  You don't want these little things to affect your grades or your ability to focus.  So, what I suggest is to condition yourself gradually to different levels of cacophony and distractions to hone your ability to concentrate.  This is an invaluable skill that will not only improve your math scores but is something that will yield benefits your entire life.  Happy studying!