The days of my A’s were done the moment I was accepted into nursing school. My GPA from the prerequisites was a 3.8; the classes included Algebra, Statistics, Microbiology, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Genetics. Then I entered nursing school. The first two semesters I only slipped into B’s, the third and fourth semester, I slid further into C’s. Our fail line was 74; there were people, myself included, that struggled on that 73.5 line. My last year was extremely tough. I even had a sit down with my adviser who point-blank told me I was not going to make it through to the next semester. Much to my pleasure, I made it through and was able to finish the curriculum in one shot.
#1 Go back to reading the material
When a lousy grade came back on an exam, I try to re-evaluate what happened. In my personal experience, I have noticed that a bad or failing grade come from a lack of reading. The amount of text is a large stack of daunting pages. Reading the pages, outlining the passage, and pulling main ideas, bolded vocabulary, diagrams, and vocabulary that is new to you will increase the understanding of the material. Pulling words that are new to you should be noted, this word will come back again and again, recording it, and researching the meaning will allow you to learn it quicker. The best part when reading is viewing the subject material in a different view from the lecture. Depending on the type of learner, hearing the professor, writing notes, and then reading the subject presented differently could answer any questions that the class left. A great practice is to review the material before the lecture. Note any questions regarding the content and present it during the course if the professor does not cover it. Either practice of reading will secure a better understanding of the material.
#2 Make a study plan and stick to it
Make a plan. You want to look ahead to the next exam, list the subjects. Produce a to-do list of pages to read, outlines and study guides, or flash cards. Each task needs a deadline, a blank calendar or planner will be helpful to use. No matter what happens, keep to the plan and the deadlines. This list when sitting down to study gives you clear goal for each study session. Those goals will make studying more manageable, and schedules allow you to get to everything on the exam. When creating and executing the to-dos remember to be realistic with the time and the task. It’s easy to put aside an hour for reading and outlining, and realistically three hours later you are two hours late for the next mission. Be realistic.
#3 Reach out
Don’t be ashame. If you are a student struggling with your class or program, you are not the only one. Several classmates silently struggled alone; many did not want even to share their struggles with their close friends. I saw friendships change with a sway of a grade. I am not one to hide my misery. When my grade straddled the line between failing and passing, the possibility of not continuing with the rest of my classmates frustrated me. I did not hide where I stood as far as grades. I shared what I went through and other people thanked me, they sat in the same situation I did, in silence. I was able to vent which comforted others. They were able to explore the same relief. Unity among classmates opens doors to find both a therapeutic stage as well as sources and brainstorming to find different ways of approaching studying. Sharing your experience opens up a conversation on what methods work and what doesn’t. This opens discussion and invitations to study groups. Reaching out and getting help for yourself will also aid someone else in the same dilemma.
#4 Questions, and then more questions
Faculty and professors all say to practice answering more questions. I’ve been told this several times. One faculty member suggested answering one hundred questions a day. That number is a bit much, especially when you have to also consider reading, study guides, or the little bit of life outside of school. The questions are the way to honestly evaluate what subjects need more attention, the particular wording, and the type of questions. Paying attention to the word patterns will also help during the test.
#5 Understand what the professor is looking for
My nursing program always gave all student a chance to have a sit-down with professors and go over the exam. If you failed, by fail I mean less than the 74, you were expected to see someone. If your program gives you the opportunity to follow-up with a professor, and talk out the questions and answers, do it. The professors will identify the problem areas. Every program is different, a large school may not have the flexibility as a small university or community college. Professors and faculty are an excellent source for help.