Even if you were a straight-A student throughout high school, chances are that you’ll receive at least a couple poor marks on college. Maybe your idea of a bad grade is a B, either way, college should test your limits, which occasionally means performing poorly on a test. When that occurs, it’s common to hear and believe that you can do better next time. While that’s true, there are more ways to face a bad grade than the belief that you’ll do better next time.
But before you go thinking about how you’ll improve the next time around, first, take a step back. What caused a low score on the test? If you didn’t study, then it doesn’t take much detective work to determine the cause. Sometimes, you’ll find that you do study and a poor grade still occurs. This is when it can be trickier to figure out what went wrong and how you’ll improve next time. Remember, some classes are difficult but none are impossible. It might take some extra work, but a good, or at least decent grade, should be achievable with any class.
So, let’s get to the source. There are enough factors that can contribute to a poor grade, and you already know the common ones: not enough sleep, not enough studying, not enough breakfast, not enough concentration in class, etc. Sometimes, though, you might need to reevaluate your approach. For example, perhaps you paid attention in class and took thorough notes. When it came to the textbook reading, you skimmed over most chapters but figured you’d be fine thanks to your thorough notes. Then on test day, half the questions are from the reading leaving you with a post-test case of bad-grade blues. Just be glad you were able to diagnose the cause.
Even if you studied a lot for a test, it will do you no good if you didn’t study the right material. Studying the right material, believe it or not, is a bit more complicated than just cracking open your textbook and note book and studying as much as you can. One of the most frustrating test-taking experiences you’ll encounter is when you study a lot, only to discover the material that you skimmed over comprises most of the test! Be sure to balance your studying. Don’t just study the material you found more digestible; treat all the material the same. After studying, try to quiz yourself as you go over material. You’ll find out the material you know well, and what needs more work. Although it’s obvious, spend some extra time on the material with which you’re less familiar.
Bad test grades don’t always result from not knowing the material; sometime it’s the format of the test that throws you off. From multiple choice questions, to written tests, to open-book tests (yes, those exist, and are tougher than you think), the format can be your strength or your downfall. Perhaps you like short-answer tests better. With those, sometimes there’s a bit more leeway, since multiple choice tests have only one right answer. Or, maybe that’s why you like multiple choice tests! Either way, to improve with the format that’s not your strength, when you’re quizzing yourself in preparation, imagine those questions from different angles. For example, if it’s a simple question of fact, such as when was the Declaration of Independence signed? that’d be a multiple choice question. Then think about a questions such as what factors lead to the Declaration of Independence being signed? OK, so that’d be one long essay question, but if you can answer both styles of questions, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way! Also, be sure to ask your instructor about the format of the test beforehand. Most will let you know.
You know what you need to succeed. Studying, sleep, and a good attitude. Don’t let those memories of a bad grade wear you down. Stay sharp and have some confidence the next time around.
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