Is it HORRIBLE to get C's on a test?

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I have taken 2 tests so far in my first semester of nursing school. I've studied, but obviously not enough. I've gotten two high C's. I would have gotten a really good grade if i hadn't second guessed myself and changed a lot of my original answers that were right! I'm used to getting all A's in previous courses and all of my classmates are SO competitive! I really wanted to get at least a B in fundamentals but now i'm scared. Does anyone have any advice for studying or taking tests? Do you always go with your first choice? Is getting a B in nursing bad?

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i tend to second guess myself a lot also but i’ve been dealing with it by not changing my answers unless i’m about 65% sure that my original answer was just wrong...anyhow, i think getting a "b" out of nursing isn’t bad at all. i'm also use to getting straight a's but i try to keep in mind that nursing is also a lot different from most other classes... as for studying tips, i normally read the books and notes from class as many times as i can before the test. sometimes i even rewrite my notes. i also make sure that i understand all the covered material and when it comes to sitting down and taking the test i take my time and read each question thoroughly….i think you should hard try to follow you first mind and again take your time and reread all the questions. good luck with everything! :wink2:

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I have no input because I'm also in my 1st semester. We took our 1st test last week....I seriously studied my butt off!! Had class yesterday expecting to get our test grade and the prof said that everyone did horrible! The highest grade in our class was an 80. She wouldn't give us our grades because they're currently going over a lot of the questions that everyone in the whole program got wrong....they're thinking that with some of the questions there really are 2 right answers. So we all might get more points added so we won't get our grades until next week. I was kinda shocked because I didn't think I did that horrible. Like I said, I studied my butt off, so I'm convinced I got the 80, lol. Anyway...I don't know....nursing tests are like no other! Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Ok kids listen and listen well. DONT GO BACK AND CHANGE ANSWERS!!!!!!!! Stop doing that, I see so many people who change their answers and it is never for the better. Ok not never, but almost always it doesnt help them out. Be confident you know your answer and dont change it.

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I always double check every question on the exam before I hand it in and I have caught a few errors because I miss read something. I would say you are probably better off keeping your original answer unless you realize you misread the question.

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Research shows that you should go with your first answer unless you suddenly remember a specific piece of information that you didn't before. Going back to double check is never a bad idea, but unless you missed something like "except for" or "not", don't change your answer.

My program actually has a policy that we can't go back on tests. (They're computerized). Their reasoning is that you only have one chance to get it right in the real world as a nurse, so they feel that tests should be the same way. At first I hated not being able to go back (when it was only for some classes), then I realized how much I second guess myself. The other day, something was messed up with the testing so they couldnt set the questions to 'one visit', so we were able to revisit, but i just knew if i even went there i would be tempted. haha.

As far as C's go, I certainly don't think they're "horrible" (i've had my few), but I might try to change your study plan a bit. Usually the classes only get harder as you go through, so it's important to look over your weak areas so you're not behind for later. Sometimes, testing strategy like second guessing yourself also play into that though. You'll get better at taking nursing tests as you go though. :)

Good luck!

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I too am in my first semester of NS and I too came in with a high GPA. I met with my advisor today and she told me my 82 on the first exam was "very good". It doesn't seem good to me, but I agree with her assessment that we've been trained for 2 years in pre-reqs to memorize and regurgitate information. Now we have to apply that information in a dynamic way rather than a static / rote memorization sort of way. It's a new way of thinking and learning that we're not used to. We now need to know why things happen and apply the information we've learned. For example, in A & P we studied the circulatory and respiratory system individually, now we have to know how they interact and influence each other (and then throw in 15 meds just to make it interesting). That's my $0.02...

P.S. Never change your answers unless your absolutely sure it's incorrect! : )

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Specializes in Trauma & Emergency.

If you get less than a C+ where I go to school (77.5%) you're out of the program. So are C's bad? I guess it depends on what your program requirements are.

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Specializes in RN.

Never change your answer what comes to you first is usualy what you remember from your studies and no C's get degrees just like B's. I have a friend that failed her test because she changed her answers she got a 67 and could have gotten an 84. So please DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ANSWERS!!! You also want to go over the test a 2nd time to make sure you answered all the questions. I have known people who have missed a few just because they did not answer the question. Make sure you understand the content and can apply i can't tell you how many times my teacher told the class that. I read first and go back and read again and take notes on index cards so when I'm waiting any where I go over my index cards. But you will be ok just keep trying...

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its alright i got a 70 on my first exam, and i thought i would have gotten lowest an 80 on it when i went to hand in the exam... and i studied for it too, so i can get a sense what its like. So dont worry, just score a higher score on the upcoming exams xD

ps. 69.9 and below is considered failing in my nursing program, so i was on border line.

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Specializes in OR Pre-op, Post-op.

Our minimum passing grade is 80! takes an 85 to get a "B" and a 92 to get an "A". We only had about 6 pass the first test out of 33 of us! But everyone said that is normal for the first exam. Once you get the hang of NCLEX style questions, grades will improve. Hang in there cause a ton of people are hanging in there right along side of you!

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Specializes in Float pool.

Always stick with your gut answer! More times than not its right, and I hate changing an answer and getting it wrong way more than just answering it incorrect in the first place!

It helps me to have a study group too!! Dont give up, you'll make it!

Good Luck,

Michelle~

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