did horrible on AP Chem midterm...kmn horrible test taker :(

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>...I guess I'm just ranting, but I need to talk about it. I've been beating myself up this weekend because of how bad I did on my AP Chem midterm. I got a B-. I've gotten B+s the past two quarters so the semester grade is going to be a B..it's really going to take a toll on my GPA. </p>

<p>I skimmed the test over when I got it back, but I was so angry/sad, that I gave it back after a few minutes, we're going to go over it all on Wednesday when we go back to school from out 4-day weekend....I'm dreading the day. </p>

<p>When I skimmed it, I found the stupidest mistakes, like forgetting to balance a stupid equation. It asked to write the reactants and balance, and I was so focused on writing the reactants correctly (solubility rules) that I forgot to do part 2...an easy 2 points, that if I did balance it, i'd have a B on the midterm and be a happy person. It's embarrassing :( You can't be in AP Chem w/out knowing how to balance simple equations. I know how to...I was just nervous. </p>

<p>Some other mistakes were calculation problems I think like determining empirical formulas. Again, I know how to do this like the back of my hand, it's just when I punch in numbers, over and over again, I get weird numbers...idk what to do. I always do this during chem tests. I get so nervous I make dumb mistakes and destroy my grade. It's not that I don't understand it, I just flip out. </p>

<p>I'm nervous for the AP Chem test in may, because I have to be able to do it all, relaxed and without a calculator. I'm not asking for any pity/sympathy, I'm just really irritated with myself. I'm prepared to try harder for the next semester, because I do the same thing on normal chapter tests, so I somehow have to relax and make sure I take my time and I can EASILY get an A- or an A. </p>

<p>Now when we get our tests back, everyone's going to be all 'What did you get?' and 'How did you do?'. I'm normally a smart person, but even if I don't tell them, they'll figure it out when I ask them for help on a question I answered incorrectly, and they're going to think I'm too stupid to be in the class. :( </p>

<p>I was planning on enjoying this weekend, and I feel like if I do anything fun, like read, or play some video games, or watch TV, that I don't deserve to do it. I shouldn't be enjoying this break. My dad is going to flip when he gets the report card, and even if I explain it to him (which I won't because it's not going to change anything), he won't listen.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any test-taking tips for AP Chem, or tips in generals?? Please?</p>

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<p>First, relax. I know it’s hard not to stress, but I’ve heard AP Chemistry is extremely difficult.</p>

<p>Second, test taking is a matter of focus. Everyone will do poorly at some point. So no, you probably aren’t a horrible test-taker, it was just this one mess-up. </p>

<p>I don’t know exactly how your schedule works, but sleep is important. :wink: I always find myself performing a lot better on anything (tests, recitals, wrestling competitions) if I slept a good amount.</p>

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<p>the funny thing was I went to sleep a good 2.5 hours earlier than I normally do (10:45 instead of 12:30) lol</p>

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<p>Interesting. It’s probably those rare occurrences where you mess up. I’ve messed up many times on past midterms, it only encourages me to do better!</p>

<p>I recall how difficult our physics class was, and our class motto was, “You’ll be fineee” even if you weren’t. It was just a humorous saying. Another one was “I could’ve, but…I didn’t.” and that was referring to making dumb mistakes/studying/etc.</p>

<p>Anyways, I think you’ll pull yourself up. I’m sure you’re an intelligent person, who like many, made a few mistakes this time around, but will improve later on. :)</p>

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<p>Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you learned the material, and take out of the class what you can. Grades aren’t that important.</p>