Read the textbook until your eyes bleed. Freemanpedia.com is your lord and savior. Get a prep book as it will be super helpful when cramming for tests. I took notes until my hand cramped and made them pretty and organized. I studied on my own and ignored him all the time and I DESTROYED the exam. Tip: If you need help writing essays, ask good old Herrick. Right before the test I asked him to evaluate my DBQ and he helped me a lot. I couldn't have done it without him. TL;DR- Ignore most of the stuff he says unless it relates to the exam and don't get on his bad side. Your grade will tank. I was also one of his favorites so I guess it helped me.