Is failing normal ?

Student Lounge College Life
1

<p>I just blew 2/3 quizzes so far. The thing is, I knew how to do it, but I flaked out when I saw the questions and realized I wouldn't have enough time to figure it out or think it thoroughly through. The lowest quizzes get dropped and it seems that many of the people in my classes are getting similar grades to me. </p>

<p>This is my first quarter and I have my first midterms next week. So far I'm the only one in my floor to take out my notes/HW and actually try to review over them. It seems like no one else wants to study or even review. Am I screwed ? Or should I relax ? My friend isn't even worried/concerned for his midterms which are the end of this week.</p>

2

<p>Don't worry about the quizzes---they're done and over with. Don't fear midterms. Do prepare yourself by going over your quizzes and tests and learn from the mistakes. Prepare for the midterm as you would for any other test. Review your notes, go over your quizzes and tests and figure out how to correct your mistakes on them, study a little everyday rather than cram, get some fresh air and sleep. You'll do fine.</p>

3

<p>Failing is not normal. That's why it's called failing.</p>

<p>Make sure you're prepared for the midterm(s).</p>

4

<p>Ok thanks.</p>

5

<p>If a lot of people are doing poorly check to see if the professor curves. In one class today we got back a test and I got a 36/100, which was a B since the class average was a 33.</p>

6

<p>I guess you have stingy professors too!</p>

7

<p>Well I would say that A) it depends on the class, and B) whether or not you should worry about it depends on if the teacher grades on a bell curve. If it is organic chemistry, for example, having a "failing" average isn't exactly normal, but it isn't unheard of either. If the teacher grades on a curve -- which is likely if everyone does poorly -- then don't sweat it: you're on par.</p>

<p>Good luck! STUDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>

8

<p>In those types of classes, it is very common to see averages in the 50s and even the 40s.</p>

9

<p>Failing "could" be normal. On my latest midterm, I didn't even get to a quarter of the test. :( That was VERY painful. I don't know of anyone who left that much blank--3 full pages and 24/100 points! What made it worse was that some people finished, obviously having a huge advantage over slow people like me. I still got a B with a 64, which is very relieving but at the same time sad and disappointing... You should relax because worrying doesn't help much. I similarly panicked.</p>