I failed my first quiz!

nursejoy1, ASN, RN · Sep 11, 2007

Don't worry! We all goof up once in a while.You are on the right path to doing better. One bad grade will not fail you. Good Luck to you!!

Music in My Heart · Sep 11, 2007

I think you should chalk this one up to "I didn't study until the night before the exam" and let it go at that. As I'm sure you probably realize, repeat preparation will probably result in repeat performances.

I know I'm being a bit hard on myself because I didn't study until the last minute so it's not like I was working up to my full potential, but I just feel really dumb.

If you didn't start studying 'til the night before, you really weren't working much at all, let alone to your potential. Don't feel dumb. You made a bad decision and suffered the consequences. I did similar things when I was 18. Now you understand what it feels like so use that as motivation to change your ways. You can probably do this...it's not that hard for most people (and there is help for people with math-related learning disabilities).

Definitely go get help. Definitely do your homework. Definitely study on a regular basis. And, definitely look for help here if you get hung up on stuff.

Let it go and regroup. It's only a quiz so it's not going to make your grade all by itself.

Best of luck to you.

LMRN10 · Sep 12, 2007

Well, all you can do is learn from your mistake and next time, you'll know to focus a little more to your studies!!! Don't be so down on yourself - you know what you need to do now and if you do it, I bet you'll be fine!!!

Good luck!

catzy5 · Sep 12, 2007

I failed my first quiz ever in College Algebra. Granted... I chose not to study until the night before which I will never EVER do again, especially not in a math class. I'm going to get help in the math help center in addition to using the links on this site to help me understand better.
HOWEVER, no matter what I do or how much I understand now I still feel like crap. I know that at least half the class failed with me... but still. I know I'm being a bit hard on myself because I didn't study until the last minute so it's not like I was working up to my full potential, but I just feel really dumb. I guess I thought I would pick it up naturally but I didn't and it makes me feel rather... dense. Anyone else struggling with me? Hopefully I'm not alone...

Sometimes it takes mistakes like these to help us learn. You know now you have to keep up with the work and give adequate study time, you'll catch on and do fine, just put the time in. Good luck

goldenngrrl · Sep 30, 2007

Don't worry, you are not the only one. I posted a similar thread in the Chemistry sticky...

Although I studied a decent amount for my quizzes, I didn't study nearly enough for my first Biochem test and I failed it. :uhoh3:

After freaking out about it for a while, I realize the best thing to do is move on and learn from the mistake. I was talking to an upperclass Nursing student and she said the worst thing you can possibly do is freak out...it will only cause you to do worse in that class and your others. Just be prepared for next time.

I'm trying to get out of my high school ways and learn the proper study habits...it's definitely a lot harder than I thought! I have gone from studying maybe 5-10 max hours a week in high school to studying 25+ hours a week in college (and I should probably still study more)!

Music in My Heart · Sep 30, 2007

After freaking out about it for a while, I realize the best thing to do is move on and learn from the mistake. I was talking to an upperclass Nursing student and she said the worst thing you can possibly do is freak out...it will only cause you to do worse in that class and your others.

This holds true in all facets of life. Freaking out is rarely a constructive response to challenge, failure, or crisis. Instead, relax, focus, evaluate, plan, and execute.

I'm trying to get out of my high school ways and learn the proper study habits...it's definitely a lot harder than I thought! I have gone from studying maybe 5-10 max hours a week in high school to studying 25+ hours a week in college (and I should probably still study more)!

I stumbled out of the gate, too. Unfortunately, it took me quite awhile to develop the will, habits, and techniques to study sufficiently. Once I did, the results have been worth it.

I'm an outstanding student (just being honest) and I probably average 3 hours out of class for every hour that I'm in class. As exams close in, it goes up from there. When I'm taking classes, I sacrifice most other parts of my life. Subject mastery and the grades that follow are very important to me.

justme1972 · Sep 30, 2007

Here is something that may suprise you...I have NEVER studied for a Math class in my life (other than reviewing formulas) and most other classmates that I know that did well didn't either, and here is why:

There is no studying to Math, math isn't about knowing anything except how to apply the formula and you CANNOT study that...you MUST do all assigned homework and any other math problems that you can get your hands on, in any form, that relates to the area studied.

If you don't practice, you can't do the problems. No way around it.

RunsWscissors · Sep 30, 2007

I don't know about you, but whenever I took College Algebra I felt like my mind was being squeezed dry. I did all the homework and was in class and at the math lab. I'm not going to tell you how many times I just sat there numbly staring at a failing score. I took and retook my tests and then one day I found this site that had a program for algebra. It was http://www.bagatrix.com/college_algebra.htm . Now, I'm not saying buy it, but all you had to do was enter the problem in and it would solve the problem, now that in itself is not helpful, BUT it also showed every step involved. I really liked that.

Another thing I used was a book I got at Barnes and Nobles called "No Fear College Algebra". Its a little skinny book and if I remember correctly it was about 8 bucks give or take and it was a math book with a sense of humor!!! I loved that book and I have loaned it to several of my friends and they loved it, too. Other than that my suggestion is to locate a reputable witch doctor... j/k.

Anyways, try not to stress out so much, I know that's easier said than done, but I'm suggesting it anyway. Good luck.[MOUSE]You can do it.[/MOUSE]

Wendi

albedo · Oct 1, 2007

Here is something that may suprise you...I have NEVER studied for a Math class in my life (other than reviewing formulas) and most other classmates that I know that did well didn't either, and here is why:
There is no studying to Math, math isn't about knowing anything except how to apply the formula and you CANNOT study that...you MUST do all assigned homework and any other math problems that you can get your hands on, in any form, that relates to the area studied.
If you don't practice, you can't do the problems. No way around it.

Totally agreed!!

You really need to do your Math exercise EVERYDAY. Especially for college algebra, there is nothing worth to memorize. Everything should be spontaneous. If it's not spontaneous to you, make it! By practicing alot... not like linear algebra and differential equations. Those you need to memorize theorems while practicing is only part of it.

And don't get too upset about it. Afterall, it's just your first quiz. Don't just sit here and regret. Make a change and start right now! Good luck with your 2nd quiz! :)