Two points.
1) This teacher you dread sounds like a very good teacher, actually. He is testing whether you understand the subject, not whether you memorized key points. This kind of testing emphasizes learning, not rote memorization. It's more sophisticated, harder to teach, and better preparation for college. (And trust me, there aren't study guides in college). Teaching isn't giving out the answers, it is helping you develop the skills to find those answers yourself. Coincidentally, there is a
discussion of this very issue in today's NYT.
2) This question would probably get more responses if you posted it on the "college admissions" forum.