"I'm going to study really hard so I get a better grade this time." I say that sentence at least once a week. Test taking is my ultimate downfall in school. I get very frustrated the majority of the time getting tests grades back. It's not that I fail them, I just tend not to get high grades. Super annoying things.

I've never been a strong test taker, and it used to make me feel really stupid. Sometimes it still does, but I'm learning tests don't determine your intelligence because everyone's intellect is different. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you're an idiot and should just not reach for higher test scores. I've made the deans list a couple times, and school isn't my strong point. You just have to put in that extra work that some people don't. You know... those people that don't study and get A's.

For me, I do great when it comes to hands on work. I have a lab for all my classes I'm in currently, and I always excel in the competencies we have for labs. Competencies are performing duties I'll have to actually be doing when I graduate from college. These literally determine if you pass a class. You must score an 85% or higher within 2 attempts.

My peers that get straight A's on tests, don't always get as high of a grade as me in lab work.

But I'm learning more and more, even with 1 quarter of school remaining that I can't compare my skills to anyone else's. Not tests grades, not lab grades, or any skill for that matter.

If everyone was suppose to have the same exact skill and intellect, we simply would. What matters most is being confident in whatever you do. I've come up with 5 ways to be more confident in your test taking if you struggle in that department like myself.

1. Start studying the first day you're told about a test.
2. Re-write certain points from your teachers lectures that they tell you will be on the test, or you simply feel would benefit you.
3. Explain to someone else out loud what you need to know. Sometimes reading a PowerPoint over and over in your head just simply doesn't do justice. -- trust me, I get it.
4. Have other people quiz you on the material you've written down.
5. DON'T over study. Don't over think. I've found that when I stress a lot about a test, I don't do as well. Where as, when I study and go into the test relaxed and confident I do better. Don't go back and change answers if you can't seriously justify changing it. Also, try taking a few deep breaths before your test. Lastly, don't compare your grades to your peers' grades!

I hope this has encouraged you to stick it out. Don't let test grades stray you away from being great. Besides, we're 2 weeks away from Christmas break! Happy studying!