<p>I just took my first bio exam of the semester after studying for hours and hours and think I failed it. I don't know what I got yet but I'm very concerned because i need a C- in the course at least to not have to retake it. </p>
<p>we have four exams, lab and a hw grade. will i have to retake the class if i do decently on the other exams?</p>
<p>Wow… you studied for hours and hours? I’m sorry 
Maybe there’s something you’re doing wrong with the studying. Have you talked to other students & found out what their grades were? Sometimes (rarely) the teacher just really stinks and you need to rely on something more than the book & their lecture. You could try seeing a tutor, or doing some online research, or trying some new forms of studying (flashcards, hand-written notes instead of typed notes, studying by yourself instead of with people, with music in the background or without music, saying stuff out loud or studying quietly, etc…) there’s tons of different ways to study, and everyone has a particular way they absorb information, so maybe you just need to find your way. And maybe you’re slower at absorbing the info, cuz I know I am… it takes me a lot longer to study than most people. I hope this helps!</p>
<p>How do you study? Like if you study for hours and hours the day before the exam, most of the time it doesn’t work out. Try different methods of studying… go talk to your professor and see what you can do. And it’s only one exam, I don’t think it’ll absolutely destroy your chances at passing the class.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>There is alot of memorization in Biology and therefore studying hours may not be enough for you. Biology requires daily study. If you studied a couple days before the exam that is the reason you failed to show understanding of the information.</p>
<p>if i do well on the other tests and lab and homework i should at least have a C- overall though right?</p>
<p>Wait until you get your test back and see if there is a pattern of problems (such as a specific topic you kept getting wrong, you messed up on essays but not multiple choice, etc.). Make an appointment with your professor and chat a bit with them so they can explain some things you don’t understand. And/or go to the tutoring center and find some new/better study techniques. Everyone has their own learning style, and you will need to find yours.</p>
<p>Some people need index cards, others need to see pictures. Some make funny sayings to remember things (acronyms), while others need to hand-write their own notes (I can’t stand pre-printed PowerPoint slides. I must write it in my own words). Also be sure to be getting enough sleep (sleep is when we consolidate memories - pretty important!), and eat healthy, especially when studying a lot or the day before a test so you are performing at your best.</p>
<p>Be sure to study a little everyday, and don’t just cram before a test. This will give you plenty of time to get help if you don’t understand something. We also tend to remember things better if we review them again and again over longer periods of time (again, rather than cramming).</p>
<p>It really depends on how each test is weighted and if your professor will curve grades at all. Wait until you get your test back, and then calculate what you need on the rest of the tests to get a passing grade. If you’re still unsure, consult your professor.</p>
<p>Try study hacks dot com… He has great ideas</p>
<p>Don’t worry, it’s your first exam. You have plenty of time to make it up. At least you didn’t get 30% on your final (Accounting). Don’t worry if you have to retake it or drop it. On the bright side if you do fail your class and do better when you retake it at least you won’t have too bad of a grade to screw up your transcript.</p>
<p>i’m with shoot4moon, check out Cal Newport. </p>
<p>The weight of this test depends on a lot of factors- how many other tests you have in this class, if you have other things (homework, quizzes, projects, participation, attendance, etc) that your class is based on…you get the picture.</p>