In this exchange, Percy expresses his disdain for studying despite having secured a full scholarship to New Rome University. He reveals that he still has to complete all his high school courses and perform well on the SAT, which frustrates him. Meg, curious about Percy's academic obligations, learns that he also needs to pass a special exam called the DSTOMP, designed for Roman demigods.

Percy's reaction to the DSTOMP's full name, the Demigod Standard Test of Mad Powers, shows his dismay, especially since he contributed to its music and poetry analysis sections. This light-hearted banter emphasizes the struggles of being a demigod while juggling academic pressures, blending humor with the challenges they face.