I Need Help Really Bad!!!!!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Here is the problem. And if you think you can help me or encourage me....the karma will come back to you ten-fold.

1. Today is the first day of October and I failed my first Chemistry exam with a 49. My professor said that I scored below average and I should consider droping the course. I need this course so that I can get into a nursing program in the spring.

2. I have VERY POOR test taking skills. In front of an exam I go blank and I don't know what this is called, but it bothers me...considering the fact that I will be taking exams until I become a nurse. I have always had this problem. I think that it got much worst after I failed my G.E.D exam by 3 points on the math section.

3. I have 2 days to read 6 chapters and understand them.

4. I need at least a B-, in order for me to get into a nursing program. This is the only class that I am worried about because the professor is tough. :angryfireHe is already in chapter 6, while our lab professor is still in chapter 3.

5. He said that he would drop the lowest grade. This is the first exam which was only on one chapter.

6. Should I drop the course?

If you know of anyone who is in the New York City area, and is willing to make a little extra bread on the side, please let me know. This is in regards to Chemistry....nothing else.

I don't believe in God or anything...but please pray for me:uhoh3: :o

My bio instructor is like this too. Encouraging struggling students to drop... My advice is to ignore the instructor and get a tutor. Sometimes hearing something explained in a different fashion is a big help. I like the advice on reading with a highlighter too. Good luck!

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

You never know somebody's motivation but do keep in mind that more students mean more work for the teacher. Weaker students also mean more work for the teacher.

Their encouragement to drop may not be altruistic advice but rather self-serving manipulation. It's important to consider what they say but to recognize that their priorities may not coincide with your own.

On the other hand, you're better off to drop a class, spend a semester reviewing and preparing, and then doing well when you take the class than you are to stick with something that you're not ready for and either fail or just squeaking by.

I wish you well in whatever direction you choose and I wish for you wisdom in making the decision. I know it's not an easy choice.

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My mom is in school and has the same test taking block. She also cannot retain anything she reads. She finally began reading her text book out loud and recording it on micro disk. She then plays it everywhere she goes until it's stuck in her brain. The harder concepts she'll break down into her own words. Maybe this will help you to retain it. She has also said that the test block has gotten better because her knowledge of the material is so strong that she can't wait to get it onto paper. I don't know if this will work, but I hope it does. Hang in there.

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That's such a great idea!

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Specializes in CST for Open Heart and Neuro Surgery.

I wouldn't give up. I was in the same boat last semester. I took my chemistry class during summer term and had to do 17 weeks worth of work in 6 weeks. I failed my first test as well and was very discouraged.:o

I got focused. No TV. No phone. I just locked myself in a room and tried to understand the material. Then I memorized formulas and rules and worked problems over and over again until they made sense. I also used the disc and website that were provided by my Chemistry book and went to see a tutor.I found that some chapters are easier than others. I was not good with chemistry but managed to make a B in the class.:monkeydance:And that was after failing about 2 or 3 tests.

I would not drop the class. See a tutor and talk to the instructor after class for clarification on things you don't understand. You'll need them once you get to molar mass questions. Also the chemistry cliff notes book has lots of useful information. I wasted my time buying other chemistry "made easy" books, but the cliff notes book was closer to what was being covered in my chemistry book.

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Specializes in Medical-Oncology.
I wouldn't give up. I was in the same boat last semester. I took my chemistry class during summer term and had to do 17 weeks worth of work in 6 weeks. I failed my first test as well and was very discouraged.:o

I got focused. No TV. No phone. I just locked myself in a room and tried to understand the material. Then I memorized formulas and rules and worked problems over and over again until they made sense. I also used the disc and website that were provided by my Chemistry book and went to see a tutor.I found that some chapters are easier than others. I was not good with chemistry but managed to make a B in the class.:monkeydance:And that was after failing about 2 or 3 tests.

I would not drop the class. See a tutor and talk to the instructor after class for clarification on things you don't understand. You'll need them once you get to molar mass questions. Also the chemistry cliff notes book has lots of useful information. I wasted my time buying other chemistry "made easy" books, but the cliff notes book was closer to what was being covered in my chemistry book.

Your entire focus needs to be on passing the next test with a good grade. It was wrong for your professor to suggest dropping the class after only one test.

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I actually did drop Chemistry (college level) this semester and dropped back to the Intro Chem 2 credit class my CC offers. It messes up my schedule for applying to NS but I decided that this was for the long haul, this material is material I need to understand, and I was LOST. I never had Chemistry, even in high school 20 years ago. I am glad I had the chance to do that, because I might have passed but it would have brought down my other classes. This way, I can get my A's in A&P, Eng., and hopefully Chem too- when I get there next semester!

You know yourself best. Make your best decision, and then stay committed to it. Don't second guess yourself!

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

2. I have VERY POOR test taking skills. In front of an exam I go blank and I don't know what this is called, but it bothers me...considering the fact that I will be taking exams until I become a nurse. I have always had this problem. I think that it got much worst after I failed my G.E.D exam by 3 points on the math section.

This sounds like test anxiety which is actually quite common. For multiple choice exams, here's a tip: cover up the multiple choice answers for each question as you go.

Read only the question with the answers covered. Think to yourself what the answer is. Then uncover the multiple choice answers. You will see the answer among the A B C D choices. This confirms what you believed the answer to be without getting confused with all of the choices.

Also, at the beginning, if you get confused by a question and feel panicky, just jot a dash next to that number to remind you to come back and move on. Don't waste time getting all anxious about it.

As you answer more questions, you feel better and you can come back to the confusing question(s) later. This is also a way of gaming certain questions that may give hints as to the answers for the other questions.

Also, don't rush and get up and turn in the exam far ahead of when you have to. I'm always one of the last in class to turn my exam in - because I'm going slowly and methodically and double-checking. Why not use the time you are alloted? As long as other students are still sitting there working, I'm sitting there re-reading and double checking even though I'm done. I'm always surprised to see classmates get up in a rush and turn in their exams as if in a hurry.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Traveling.

You guys are like the air. I'm trying my best to be the best and all of this advice REALLY makes me feel better. Please don't take what I am saying lightly. I believe in KARMA....to a certain extent anyway.:balloons:

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Specializes in aged -adolescent.

Just a thought

Does your chem text have questions at the back relating to each chapter? I hated the questions but they made me think. When I first started nursing I bought some second hand books and the nclex one became my nursing bible. I swear by them and before when I used to get through I'd do all the n-clex questions during study time. Because it gives you the rationale, it makes it much easier. It really helped. Good luck

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A lot of times the book will have online material with practice questions and explanations. Sometimes you have to pay for it but it's been worth the extra cost for me. Practice practice practice!

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The original post is almost 4 years old, but I just have to post. Don't put your hope in karma. There is no such thing as karma, so why would you "believe" in it? Put your hope in Jesus and he will bless you! Jesus is real. He will bless you beyond your wildest dreams if you ask Him to. I know this because I'm living proof.

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