<p>Hello! I'm freaking out because I'm premed and I failed my first Calc 1 exam. I got a 53/100 which is a C+. Everyone told me I need to get an A in this class and I don't know how its possible. I wish I could go back and study harder but I know I can't. Does anyone have any advice on how to get an A, prepare better for the next exam, and not suck at being a freshman student? </p>
<p>What strategies did you use to prepare for this exam? Knowing what you did would enable us to give you more useful advice.</p>
<p>My advice for now is to calm down. I know that the first exam as a freshman can make you panic and feel like you’re going to fail. The odds of you failing are slim, and the fact that you’re trying to improve your grades now (rather than wondering at the end of the semester how to get rid of a bad grade) is a point in your favor. Relax. Get some fresh air and good sleep. Forget about that first exam and turn your attention to really understanding the concepts that will be on the second. </p>
<p>I went over a couple old practice exams and went through each concept covered. Is there something else I should do? </p>
<p>Math 115 has a way of doing that to people.</p>
<p>What do you mean when you say “went over” a couple practice exams? Did you actually do them, or just loom at them and say “yeah, I can do that”? In order to succeed, you need to actually learn the material AND know how to take exams. </p>
<p>Learn the material by paying attention in class, doing the web homework, and the team homework all on your own. If you learn the material well enough to do the web homework and written homework, then you probably know all the theory you need to know. </p>
<p>And 2 days before the class, you need to actually DO the practice exams. I personally recommend doing two practice exams 2 days before the test and two practice exams 1 day before the test. Take these practice exams under actual exam conditions (time limit, no notes, etc). When you get an answer wrong, determine why you got it wrong. Read the solutions and read your notes on the topic so you can learn how to do the problem correctly. </p>
<p>I would be surprised if anyone followed those steps and still got poor grades.</p>