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female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes: Hey aunties and uncles, this isn't a relationship question, but it's something that's been distressing me quite a lot, I recently failed a subject at university and I feel so very upset because I've studied a lot, I read the books recommended, I read my notes, my friend's notes I highlighted everything and read it many times, I understood what I read, but somehow I failed to convey it into paper, it's not like I have a problem to make myself understood verbally but when it comes to writing it I can never quote the author exactly I think I must have bad memory, the professor also gave us only a few minutes to answer each question, so I was under a lot of pressure, but my question for you guys would be How do I improve my method of studying, reading is quite obviously not been enough, but I don't know what else to do, this was the only subject I've failed, the others when the teachers asked us essays or the exams contained multiple choice questions, I did very well, so I need help to figure out what my problem is, how do I improve myself? I've always been a good student at school but at university , I feel like a failure, I really do feel quite bad about myself( I can't eat, I have horrible headaches, I lose sleep, I get very anxious about this...)
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reader, anonymous, writes (12 October 2012): I have just started my undergraduate studies and there is an amazing book my uni recommended to everyone regardless of their subject. It is called The Study Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell. I picked up a copy on eBay for under £15 and it is really helping me to reflect on my own learning strengths and weaknesses and it has advice on ways to study, ways to plan out and organise essays.
It's not the sort of book you just sit and read it all and that's that. I haven't read it all but just search out the areas I need a bit of guidence on. Definately worth using if you're finding yourself not conveying your points and understand confidently on paper.
Good luck in your studies, persevere and never be afraid to ask lecturers and your tutor for any support. They want you to succeed and would rather people asked for help.
A
female
reader, Anonymous 123  +, writes (12 October 2012):
 You seem to be putting yourself under a lot of pressure and that is what is affecting your grades. Don't treat an exam like a life or death scenario. If you get stressed, just tell yourself that its just another exam, you've been taking exams all your life and you can do this too. No Big Deal. Stress stops you from collecting your thoughts and getting yourself organized so stop fretting unnecessarily. When you sit down in the exam hall to take the exam, just think of something that calms you down. There's no reason for you to do badly if you've studied hard so just be calm.
Most importantly, take an appointment with the teacher of the concerned subject and have a frank talk with them. Remember, in life never hide anything from two people, your doctor and your teacher. So tell your teacher what exactly is bothering you, show them your notes, ask them to help you with parts that you have difficulty in understanding. Your teachers will be happy to see that you are making such an effort to do better and the way that teachers perceive you makes a huge difference too.
From what you've written in your post, it seems that you had studied hard but you couldn't manage to let that reflect in your answers and the main reason for that is stress. Stop worrying so much. Take practice tests at home and time yourself so you can get into the habit of writing concise answers in a short span of time. Its not about how much you write but what you write. Also, If you cant quote the author exactly, dont even attempt to because you its inexcusable to quote someone incorrectly. Instead frame your answer differently. Like for example if you're supposed to quote Marx but you're not getting the exact words, just write the meaning of it as you understand it. Its your interpretation that matters too.
Don't worry, you will do very well, just eliminate the stress and try to look at things positively. All the best!
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A
female
reader, person12345  +, writes (12 October 2012):
 Most schools have tons of resources available like tutors and whole offices of staff to help out. There is no shame in going at all. I used to work at one of those offices that helped science students interpret data and everyone always used to be so embarrassed to come by, but once they did they usually came back regularly and wound up finding it really helpful.
If you don't know how to find them you can ask your RA or just go to the library and ask your librarian. Librarians usually LOVE to help you find resources, so don't be shy! Everyone needs help sometimes in college, it's totally normal. Many of my friends have dropped classes because they were failing and it didn't impact their college career or careers at all, it was just a hiccup. Try to cut yourself some slack because it happens and just go ask for some help.
You should also definitely DEFINITELY talk to your professor. Tell her/him you are struggling with this and ask if she/he has any advice or help to offer. Your professor doesn't want you to fail. So long as you convey that you are working hard and still struggling they will almost surely help.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (12 October 2012):
 Did you take on too many courses?
I would consider finding a tutor and see if that helps, also talk to you guidance counselor and see if he/she can point you in the directions of some good books to help you improve with the studies.
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