I got a 54% on my first midterm – I studied and studied and I walked out thinking I got a B and still failed. I’m trying my best to change my study habits and devote more time to chemistry, but is there any hope for an A by the end of the semester? There are 3 midterms and a final and I generally do alright in Sapling and in Lab.
What are some techniques you used to be successful in this class? Any study guides/sites/books you recommend?
Help! Please and thank you.
First off, was there a curve? That 54% still could be a B if the curve is high enough. Don’t panic at raw scores until you know for sure (I once got a 40% and it was an A-)
That said are there study groups for your class? Prof office hours? Tutoring? TAs? If so, avail yourself to all of it, even if you think you are understanding the material.
No curve on individual tests but possibly at the end of the semester. I have signing up for a study group program and there are office hours and tutorials that I’ll be going to starting next week
@Americana Are you a First-Year Student? If so, it is highly advisable to take full advantage of respective academic support programs https://firstyear.nd.edu/resources/academic-support/ In fact, even if you are a sophomore, there are many tutorials and other programs to support your own efforts, as mentioned above. Curving will additionally have a positive impact at the end of the semester, if your individual grades are above the curve. Best of luck!
Please contact your guidance counselor and arrange for a private tutor. My daughter failed her first physics test
last year and a private tutor was made available to her. They typically need to be requested by your guidance counselor. If your utilize all the services available you will be able to turn things around. My daughter end up with a B after failing her first exam. Beast of Luck.
@Americana - You have a good initial plan. Welcome to College! Some of your study habits may not work in this new world. Study groups, office hours and peer tutoring are your best bet. You will begin to learn how the Professor structures the test and how you can structure your answers to maximize your score. See if anyone in your Hall is a tutor for Chem.