Devastated

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I failed my microbiology exam. I am at a loss for words because this was not expected. I have NEVER failed an exam I've studied for and I felt confident when I took it. I was expecting a grade of at least 84 the lowest. Since finding out I've been crying. I feel if I can't even pass a simple micro exam how will I manage in nursing school? The sad thing is out of my group I was the only one who failed. What makes that worse is I was the one helping them. I knew the material, they didn't. I tutored, gave examples, answered questions. Yet, I failed. I've emailed my instructor, twice, and asked to meet with him before class to review the exam and ask for tips on how to better improve my results. I think what messed me up on this was the multiple choice. He gives questions like "A,B,C, D, A & C, B & D, all of the above, none of the above. This is a bit new to me. Having so many at once that is. I just feel horrible about it. I still can't believe this has happened. Has anyone else failed an exam, felt horrible, then gone on to be successful?

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Specializes in ICU.

There are strategies for taking tests like that. I would them up. I also wouldn't worry a whole lot about failing 1 exam. It happens to the best of us. I was really upset because I failed an A&P exam last semester but I still pulled an A in the class. You now know what to expect for exams in this class and I would apply what you have learned to the next test.

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Don't beat yourself up too much! I consider myself a very good test taker, and those kinds of questions throw me off all the time. Now that you know the style of his tests, you can concentrate on improving your strategy.

A quick google gave me this link which has some great tips: http://umaine.edu/tutorprogram/files/2011/11/tutor_program_tip-taking_multiple_choice_exams.pdf

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, chernandez3841:

The tip PDF file MissCris posted should help you a lot. It's basically the strategy I've been using on tests. I would recommend circling or underlining key words such as NOT, EXCEPT, BUT, INCLUDING, and the like so that you don't miss key areas.

Thank you.

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Specializes in Hoping for NICU!.

I just took my first exam in Microbiology yesterday, I had questions like that too! What I did was read the question a few times, then looking at the answers..I put "x" next to ones I knew wouldn't be it, and a "-" next to the possible ones that way I narrowed it down and it didn't look so scary. Then when it was down to two "-" I reasoned it out in my head and picked the best one. Those kinds of questions are to test your critical thinking in a way. Good luck, don't give up, you have the rest of the semester! What helped me yesterday was the fact that I read the chapters 3-4 times each, no joke. That helped with small detail questions:) You got it, don't worry!!!

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Hi there, it looks like a lot of us having micro exams at the same time ) xoxo

Don't worry too much about failing one exam, life is made of ups and downs. This is the first exam and now you know how to improve in the future. I would try to ask a teacher if there is something else you could do for an extra credit. Is 100% of your final grade composed of test scores? In our class we have 75% of the grade based on the tests (6 of them) and 25% for labs and practical. Anyway, I am sure you will be fine. If the teacher sees that you are trying and are really dedicated, he will not ruin your grade and will try to help you; at the end, they want their students to succeed. Good luck!

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Don't worry! It's not easy being successful, everyone has bumps. I honestly believe anyone with enough motivation and discipline can pass nursing school. Now that you know how he sets up the exam, you will be more prepared for the next exam. Just keep studying and maybe change the way you take exams because honestly, in nursing school the exams are much harder because all the answers are correct but you have to choose the BEST one. You still have lots of time to improve. It's not the end of the world. Don't give up yet!!!! :)

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Is it possible that you messed up your bubbling? Like maybe you started to mark #20's answer on 21, 21's on 22, etc? Can you go in and ask to compare your scantron to your test sheet?

I know it sucks but it's one exam. You can still pull through.

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Specializes in Multiple.

I was in this position last semester in Microbiology. I felt not terribly confident, but enough to pull a mid-B. However, I got a very, very low C. Maybe that's not entirely relatable, but I was in tears over it. I made note of how the teacher structures the test and changed my study habits to reflect that. I got an overall A in the class.

Success in school, in my opinion, has less to do with how smart you are and more to do with how well you read your teacher and know what they're looking for.

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