How to stop beating myself up...

Anne36, LPN · Apr 27, 2010

I just got home from my final exam in A&P 1. I know how you feel. I have had exams where its all I can do to not start crying. Its especially hard when you know you need a certain grade.

I always bring a bottle of water with me and sometimes I will just take a minute to relax and breathe between questions. Dont rush! I have straight A and am always near the end to turn in my exams. Sometimes I have been the last one to turn my exam in. I was so nervous today but just kept telling myself that I studied and I know a lot . I read questions two times and look at all the answers even if I think I know it.

happy2learn · Apr 27, 2010

Psychology will tell you that you need to set a realistic expectation for yourself. Not everyone's brain is capable of getting an "A." And there is nothing wrong with that! When I took my first A&P test, I was freaking out. I had just decided to do nursing. I told myself that if I pass(as in a C) that first test, then I know I made the right choice. I did not expect myself to get an A on the first test. I ended up getting a "B", so since I set a lower goal, I was very happy. Of course, I set higher goals now since I know what I am capable of.

The most successful way of studying is by answering questions(according to many psychological studies.) Meaning, instead of just reviewing notes and information, you should write down and answer a bunch of questions about your information, much like taking a practice test. This will challenge your brain to think about the answers, instead of just recalling memorized information. (I just learned that 2 days ago in Psychology class!)

Also, if you are having trouble just understanding the information, why not get a tutor? My schools offers free tutoring, not sure if yours does, but I know a lot of people don't take advantage of it because of pride. Sometimes we need to just admit that we are not good at something and need help. They may be able to help you with your test anxiety as well.

My A&P teacher tells us the same thing before every test "The patient is never going to ask you what grade you received in A&P. All they will care about is that you will do everything in your power to take care of them."

And if you get a B or C in this class and are concerned about your overall GPA, you can take on additional classes that you may think will be easier to get an A in to raise it. I need to keep a high GPA because I want to get my Master's eventually. So I feel that pressure. But I will just take some extra classes if one class lowers my gpa.

Good luck!

DaleenMarine · Apr 27, 2010

When the answer to a question doesn't come to me right away, I draw a big arrow next to the question and move on to the next so I don't miss out on the easier questions because I got flustered over a difficult one. At the end of the test I go back and find all my big arrows and now have a little more time to think through to the correct answer.

Hope this helps!

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Apr 27, 2010

I can so relate. In my undergraduate days I used to vomit before every chemistry exam. Once I got so uptight I passed out during the exam! I've learned since then that as long as I know I've given my best effort to my studying, what's going to be on the exam itself is beyond my control. I go in as confident as I can that I've put in the time and effort that I can. If that means I don't get an A, I don't get an A. The funny thing is, since I've been back in school- I've gotten A's in all four classes, and that's while working full time and having three young kids at home. Panic is completely counterproductive, I wish I could give you a magic solution, just try to relax as best you can.

Silas · Apr 27, 2010

No one is perfect! Stuff happens. I walk a lot because walking helps me realize that there is so much in the world. Once you get away from the libraries and textbooks and just take a good long stroll, it totally clears the head. Choosing B instead of C on a test sucks, but you won't be any less of a person if you get that question wrong. Your value is independent of your test scores.

Tara:) · Apr 28, 2010

I have the same problem, so then I talk myself down. After I do this, then I think it really doesn't matter and my grade reflects that thought! :eek: The best think I think to do is just try your best. Don't tell yourself it's not going to matter, because less face it, in your short term future it will matter. But your life doesn't depend on it also, so think about that to. I would try not to drive myself physically sick over school. (Not including sleep deprevation! )

This just made me giggle :brnfrt:

heatherhammy · Apr 28, 2010

I do something very similar to what DarineMarine suggested... I always go through and answer the questions I know first and then go back and attack the harder ones. Sometimes it seems like answering the easy ones puts my brain in the right frame of mind for testing and I start to loose my nervousness.

Another thing I do is to not study the day of the test. When I was in A&P I would always see the other students gathered around the classroom before a test and frantically studying. For me, it didn't help because I would start to freak myself out! I would sometimes skim through the book or something. Otherwise I would just hang out and relax. It helped so much with anxiety.

ChasingRain · Apr 28, 2010

The thing that works best for me(and calms me down) is to pretend that I'm explaining to a friend everthing that I have studied(yes, that means talking to myself :uhoh3: ). Rather than just repeating facts over and over I try to explain it so that I know I have a good understanding of everything I have just learned. You'll realize that if you can give a "mock" lecture of everything that you've read that all the little details come into place.

Always eat a good breakfast(multivitamin helps too) the morning of the test. Try a few good breathing exercises to calm your nerves, and tell yourself that you did all you could do to prepare and that if it's not perfect then it's okay b/c there wasn't much more you could have done. Oh, and if you're religious it never hurts to pray Good luck with future tests:redbeathe

marshpit23 · Apr 28, 2010

When the answer to a question doesn't come to me right away, I draw a big arrow next to the question and move on to the next so I don't miss out on the easier questions because I got flustered over a difficult one. At the end of the test I go back and find all my big arrows and now have a little more time to think through to the correct answer.
Hope this helps!

Me too! It is a decent strategy. I also find that the other 'easier' questions may reveal some insight into the more difficult questions.

Good luck