A&p

Have you gotten your test back? Did you know when you were taking it that you weren't going to do well or were you surprised? Try not to beat yourself up. This was your first test and you have time to improve your grade and your study skills. I'd take a look at your test and see what kinds of questions you got wrong. Did you have difficulty identifying things in lab? If so, spend more time with unlabeled anatomic pictures to practice pointing things out. Or see if your school has open lab time where you can go and do hands-on study. If you're having trouble memorizing the actions, etc., make flashcards and carry them with you to study in small chunks whenever you get a chance. If your textbook has either a CD-ROM or a website with questions, study tools, etc. they can be useful to help you learn concepts and get used to test questions. Finally, I'd recommend asking the professor if you can sit down with him/her to go over your test and find out what you did wrong and where you need to focus your studying.

Good luck.

A 'C' is not bad, considering it is your first test for this class. A lot of the time, you don't know what to expect for the first test, and it can be nerve-wrecking. Most college professors, only give test, and that is your grade period. They want to know what you've learned and how you can apply it. DO NOT GET discouraged!!!! This is only the beginning, and if you give up now, you may regret it in the long run. I understand you have high expectations, but in reality, you did not FAIL the first test, which is what many of my classmates did for the first A&P test of the semester. So smile.... do not get down on yourself because that will only make it worse. If I were you I would seek some tutoring fromn someone who got an 'A' in A&P. Most of the time professors don't have time to go over everything with you like a personal class session, but tutors do, and I get tutoring every week, and it TRULY helps me. If there is an online study tool, use that to your benefit also. As the poster before me stated use flash cards, go over them anytime you have free time, and that will help you retain memory f the concepts better. Good luck! Your going to do well, I'm sure of it.

Cassyandra,

This sounds like a normal adjustment to college. Try not to worry.

As far as study tips, are you reading each chapter in your textbook? Are you going through the questions textbooks usually have after every few paragraphs to check your understanding? Are you using items such as flash cards to learn new vocabulary and basic definitions, etc?

What about using an A&P coloring book? I laughed at the idea at first, thinking coloring books are for children. They aren't! They are good for students sometimes, too.

Are you aware of your best way of learning? I mean auditory, visual, or kinesthetic methods of learning. If so, you may target your study methods better.

Also, the thirty pages of notes your prof gives you is a gift. Pay close attention to those notes. At least you have some guidance rather than looking at 200 pages of your textbook and wondering where to begin.

Many freshman going directly into A&P before taking other college classes to adjust first would fail. Good luck to you. I bet you'll do just great. Keep at it. Intensify your efforts keeping in mind how you learn best, and I bet you'll do just great and improve your grade.

When we took our first tests, I was studying between 6-7 hours a day and I figured that it may have been too much time focusing on it THAT much. We had our 2nd tests last week when I studied 2-4 hours a days and I do feel better about those two tests. During the first tests, I was sitting there in shock because I couldn't remember seeing any of that material so I knew that it wasn't a good sign and I left like 20 blank throughout the tests and I had to go back and pretty much guess.

Thank you so much for the advice!

Thank you so much! Depending on how I did on my last two tests [i took them last week], I will seek a tutor.

I would study through the book, but he doesn't go by the book at all and when I try to find the information he has given us..I cannot find it in the book! I am going to start using flash cards because it seems that's what most people do and it works. I do use the coloring book because he requires us to use it.

Thank you so much for your advice.

I was a straight A student through high school and I graduated last year. I'm taking A&P this year and on my first lab&lecture test I made a C. He only gives four lab & lecture tests. I am becoming very discouraged and thinking about changing my major. I study for 2-3 hours a day and he gives us over 30 pages of notes for one test. I really don't know what I'm doing wrong. If anyone has any studying tips or help, it would be greatly apperciated. Thank you!

Make sure you pay attention to key notes. My professor will always clue us in on things that will be on the test. I put an asterik so I do not forget. It is by no means an easy class so if there is tutoring on campus take advantage of it. Do not get discouraged this was your first test and now you know alittle more about your professor and how he makes up the tests. I would recommend studying one or two hours every night, if possible, so you are not overwhelmed by all the information. Do not stress yourself over an A remember a B is ok too.

GOOD LUCK.