Well mid-terms are done and the grades have come back. So, how’s that working out for you? I’m sorry, the timing just sounded right, perhaps inappropriate, but the timing was right. I do hope that everything was good.
But if not, it is no time for despair. Instead it is time to re-focus your energies. If the grades were not what you were hoping for, then the thing to do is to buckle down and do some reflection. Let me ask a few questions. Did you cram for that exam? Were you anxious the few days before the exam and primarily as you were walking into class that day? Was it so bad that you were still looking at your notes while the test was being handed out? Should have you been?
Right now, there are normally all types of emotions you are experiencing. There might be disappointment, elation, that it is over, and anxiety as to what grades are going to be required to finish out the term in good standing. There might even be some discouragement or even depression. You may be questioning yourself and your ability to even get through college. Let me tell you right now, this is all normal and blown way out of proportion. No matter what the class or what the level of class, a good grade is not out of reach. Even in the most difficult class, your ability is the difference between an A and a B. But to get to this point there are some things you must do.
First, you must get the test you just took and go through it question by question. Even if you got the question correct, did you really know the answer? Do you really understand why the answer is what it is? For the answers you got wrong, you need to go back to the book and find the answer, read and understand it. Does this sound like work? Well, it is. This is what you are getting paid for:). Don’t get lulled into complacency thinking that the test is over and we’ll just move on. This is wrong for two reasons. One, these questions represent the building blocks for the second half of the term and two, you will probably see some of the same questions on the final.
Don’t be depressed and don’t get discouraged. Look at these exams as a motivational tool to help you re-focus your energies toward reaching your goals.
What do you think? Am I way off base? Leave me your comments? Also, would you like to hear more on my thoughts on studying and improving your grades?
