[foobarbazqux]

I think maybe it depends on what "without really studying for it" means? If you show up alert to each class, take notes, ask questions, and do a thorough job on your homework, the amount of specific exam studying that you need to do to ace an exam goes way down compared to if you slack up until the exam. If you've been doing this since first grade, the cumulative advantage by senior year high school is immense.

[AtlanteanTec]

Agreed! If you pay attention in class and do your homework, you shouldnt have trouble with tests because tests are just a measure of how much you pay attention to the work you've been doing. At least thats the way I saw it.