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To The Students Who Study The Longest But Their Grades Say Otherwise, Here Are 6 Tips To Turn It Around

I'm that student that cries when she gets her test score back because with the amount I studied, you'd think I would have aced it.

Emily Berdan

Jun 12, 2018

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University of North Dakota

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To The Students Who Study The Longest But Their Grades Say Otherwise, Here Are 6 Tips To Turn It Around

Emily Berdan

If there is one thing I have learned after struggling with tests for four+ years in a row, it's that it will be okay to get a D or C on a test you studied hard for. Sometimes, there are people who can get 100% in class work but when it comes to tests, no matter how hard you study, things might not always go your way.

And I know I am not the only one. During my free time, I don't watch Netflix or go hang with friends, you can look for me at the library studying for a test I have in two weeks.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard,

"You study all the time."

Yes I know, leave me be.

"Come out, it's a Friday night."

No, sorry, finals are in three weeks, got to start looking over notes.

"Have you tried switching your study habits?"

I have tried everything, thank you very much.

"How did you only get a C?!"

Please shut up.

Another aspect of a person like me is that you have a secret HATRED towards people that are naturally smart, study a few hours before and get an A. Like don't get me wrong, I have many friends that are like that and I am always proud, but also EXTREMELY jealous. Go, you guys, I wish I had your skills.

Here I am, I get to a test and I completely overthink questions, I feel sick to my stomach before finals, and I just set such low expectations so I can actually surprise myself if I get a B.

It took me an extra $600 and a retaken class later to realize it is OK to fail a test or get a C in a class. My end goal for education is to become a nurse. Because nursing is something I am so endlessly passionate about, I will do whatever it takes to get there. I need to stop beating myself up and calling myself stupid because testing is not my strong suit. One test, one score, and one grade will not define the career path you want to take. Even if you have to retake it or it's the only C on your transcript, you'll be OK.

As my college courses progress and now that I have finished my generals, I know that I have a hard road and couple semesters ahead of me. Here are a few pointers that have helped me focus when studying and helped improved (not fix) my test scores.

1. Delete social media from your phone a few days prior to the test

I personally downloaded the Quizlet app, and when I would lay in bed before falling asleep, I would review a Quizlet I made, vocab or diagrams.

2. Make that long trek or drive across town to the library

You'd be surprised how nice it is to study somewhere so quiet yet so comfortable.

3. Go study outside when possible

Find a table in the park or a patio of a coffee shop. Free wifi, fresh air, and you can treat yourself when you need a break.

4. Set your expectations low

I know it sounds dumb, but when you aren't expecting to do well on a test/quiz and an A gets thrown back in your face, it's a good feeling. Surprise yourself.

5. Write things down

Don't only use your computer for studying/taking notes. I went from doing math on my computer to writing all steps down in a notebook and improved my score dramatically.

6. Know that there are many other students just like you

Don't be so hard on yourself. Remember, it is OK to actually fail sometimes. It does not define who you are, your work ethic, and should not affect your future career choice.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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To The Students Who Study The Longest But Their Grades Say Otherwise, Here Are 6 Tips To Turn It Around

I'm that student that cries when she gets her test score back because with the amount I studied, you'd think I would have aced it.

In This Article:

1. Delete social media from your phone a few days prior to the test

2. Make that long trek or drive across town to the library

3. Go study outside when possible

4. Set your expectations low

5. Write things down

6. Know that there are many other students just like you

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No one best represents the struggle like our favorite 90s squad.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

2. When there is only one section of a popular course.

3. Receiving the 18,000 emails reminding you to register ASAP.

4. When you need to see an advisor, but they are too busy/unresponsive.

5. Trying not to dress like a bum for your appointments with your advisors/department heads.

6. When you have a perfectly planned out schedule, and one class ruins it.

7. Carefully moving things around to accommodate a different class/section.

8. Waking up at 6:00 a.m. for your enrollment time.

9. Concocting a new schedule at your enrollment time after your original plan gets changed.

10. Getting into a class and filling the last available seat.

11. When all of your classes finally go through.

12. Realizing that you forgot a class that was a pre-requisite for everything else.

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

"Nobody living in one of the most influential nations in the world should be worried about making ends meet."

What is the current minimum wage at the federal level?

What are the benefits of raising the minimum wage?

What are the states that have set a $15/hour minimum wage?

Told through Parks & Recreation GIFs

Because who understands your bitterness better than April?

1. When you have to provide an "interesting fact" for your first day ice-breaker.

2. When your professor is babbling on and on in his lecture.

3. When you edit your friend's paper and they get an A.

4. When it's 2 AM and you remember you have a test tomorrow.

5. When you finish taking the test and you're pretty sure you failed...

6. ...but then you get the test back and somehow passed.

7. When you've been up for 12 hours straight writing a paper.

8. And then you manage to stay awake in class the next day.

9. When you have to butter up your professor for an extra credit opportunity.

10. When you're assigned a group project.

11. And your group-mates are trying to chat about life instead of the assignment.

12. When it's your last class of the day and you're about to go home.

13. But then you remember rent is due tonight and the anger comes back.

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