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Student Life

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

"C's get degrees," they say.

Well, I am here to tell you that C's don't you get you every degree.

They are OK to get on a transcript though, and it may take some adjusting when you are normally a 4.0 honor roll student.

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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