Has your mind ever gone BLANK during an exam?

[LadyMD2b]

So...Last night I spent the entire night studying for my first Calculus exam, and I was pretty sure that I knew all there was to know. So, today was the day to FINALLY take the exam, and I was extremely nervous about it because I don't want anything less than an A in the class. Finally, the professor walked in and handed out the exams, and as soon as I looked down at my test, my mind went COMPLETELY blank. 😱

I couldn't remember anything, so I mostly just sat there for the first 30 minutes. After awhile I started to freak out, and I considered just getting up and walking out, but I decided to stay. I was finally able to answer about half of the questions, and I guessed on all the rest. As soon as I got home, I tried to do some review questions from the book, and I got them all correct. I actually did them with ease. 😕

I'm pretty sure I failed the test. I really wish I could take it over, but I doubt the professor will allow it. I don't understand why this happened. Has anyone ever had an experience like this? How did you handle it? Any advice? 🙁

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[mbe36]

Cramming and staying up all night are what caused this.

Take on material in smaller chunks and you will never have this problem again. Good luck.

 

[brado]

Did you do practice problems? If not that's probably why you did poorly. Also, pressuring yourself into saying "I need an A" or "If I do poorly, I'm screwed" are more detrimental than helpful. I pull all nighters all the time, but some people just can't do it. You're probably one of them. Try to drop the class if you really think you did that poorly and can't salvage a B.

 

[BlueElmo]

Try to relax. You are putting too much pressure on yourself. It's okay if you don't end up with an A.

 

[Brushfire]

Try to gain some confidence and get pumped before an exam--listen to tunes on your iPod that get you amped.

 

[MilkmanAl]

That happened to me during our cardio practical. It cost me 2 much-needed points and happened at the beginning of the exam, so I got to spend the whole time trying to come up with the structures. Very frustrating.

 

[majahops]

First Orgo exam ever. Mind went blank, anxiety set in - had a mini nervous breakdown.

 

[LadyMD2b]

Cramming and staying up all night are what caused this.

Take on material in smaller chunks and you will never have this problem again. Good luck.

Yes, I've been trying to break this habit for awhile now. I guess taking 8 classes/semester doesn't really help the situation either.

 

[LadyMD2b]

Yeah, it sounds like you crammed too much and/or psyched yourself out. This happens to the best of us. Next time try doing practice problems in a timed situation, at least a day before the exam. Don't push the bulk of the studying until the last minute. If it helps next time, maybe write down some useful formulas on the test right after you get it. Sometimes it calms me down just to know that I have SOMETHING in my head, even if I'm not going to use it on the test.

Don't sweat it. 🙂

This is very good advice. I usually do this, but I don't know what happened today. I guess I was more freaked out than I thought.

 

[LadyMD2b]

Did you do practice problems? If not that's probably why you did poorly. Also, pressuring yourself into saying "I need an A" or "If I do poorly, I'm screwed" are more detrimental than helpful. I pull all nighters all the time, but some people just can't do it. You're probably one of them. Try to drop the class if you really think you did that poorly and can't salvage a B.

Yes, I did practice problems before AND after the test, and I did fine. It's just the actual exam that I had a problem with. 😕

 

[JeetKuneDo]

I hate that. When it happened on my first ochem test, i start to get bothered by random things like the guy next to me who is one of those test takers that breaths really loud and long breaths and sighs a lot.

 

[LadyMD2b]

First Orgo exam ever. Mind went blank, anxiety set in - had a mini nervous breakdown.

Aww... I feel for you. 🙁 How did it all turn out? Did you flunk the exam? Were you able to get an A in the course?

 

[LadyMD2b]

I hate that. When it happened on my first ochem test, i start to get bothered by random things like the guy next to me who is one of those test takers that breaths really loud and long breaths and sighs a lot.

Yes, I know how you feel. I had a hard time focusing as well. I was so frustrated that I considered buying Ritalin off of Ebay...

 

[majahops]

C- on the exam, but because of the curving of the tests, and the fact that somehow the first test was the easiest one for my classmates, I couldn't dig myself up higher than a B in the course.

Still, I feel like that experience plus the B was worth much more to me than any easy ride plus an A could ever be.

Aww... I feel for you. 🙁 How did it all turn out? Did you flunk the exam? Were you able to get an A in the course?

 

[LadyMD2b]

C- on the exam, but because of the curving of the tests, and the fact that somehow the first test was the easiest one for my classmates, I couldn't dig myself up higher than a B in the course.

Still, I feel like that experience plus the B was worth much more to me than any easy ride plus an A could ever be.

Yes, I feel like I learned a valuable lesson in all of this as well. I was skimming through the upcoming chapters, and I think that they are a lot harder than the first, but I'm determined to get it right this time. I'm not going to worry myself. Thanks for sharing your experience! Wish me Luck! 🙂

 

[majahops]

You don't need luck. You've prepared. You're ready to do this.

One thing that I picked up in some random examkrackers lesson about test taking was extremely helpful to me.

Before you open the test booklet (or before you look at the test, whatever) give yourself like 30-60 seconds to just chill and clear your mind and get in a positive place. It'll help you avoid that running-and-jumping off of a cliff feeling you get when you just look right at the exam.

Still, you're gonna kill it. Now get off here and study! 🙂

Yes, I feel like I learned a valuable lesson in all of this as well. I was skimming through the upcoming chapters, and I think that they are a lot harder than the first, but I'm determined to get it right this time. I'm not going to worry myself. Thanks for sharing your experience! Wish me Luck! 🙂

 

[pianola]

Do you get that feeling where you feel yourself holding your breath?

Flip to the easiest questions and do them first. Don't freak out over the first one if the rest of them are easier. Just start with something manageable to give yourself confidence.

I like to think of tests as puzzles. Some parts of the puzzle will be easy, and some will be hard.

Do the easy parts first, cause guaranteed points are better than maybe-points. Maybe then you won't feel so nervous.

 

[cyclin M]

This has never happened to me. I don't see how someone can forget everything like that because of nerves. It's probably more due to not learning the material well enough before the exam, so fix the way you are learning/studying.

 

[majahops]

It CAN happen to people who are well prepared.

You'll come to find that things that you can never conceive of happening in-or-to your mind can in fact happen in-and-to other people's minds.

You'll also, more importantly, come to find that things that you can't conceive of happening in-or-to your mind will in fact happen in-and-to YOUR OWN mind. This is a humbling type of experience and a very valuable one in my opinion.

This has never happened to me. I don't see how someone can forget everything like that because of nerves. It's probably more due to not learning the material well enough before the exam, so fix the way you are learning/studying.

 

[pathophys17]

It's never happened to me during a regular school exam...I'm a pretty good test-taker. I am, however, absolutely terrified that it'll happen during the MCAT. Only one shot at that, and I'm so afraid I'll be too busy thinking "Omg, it's the real thing. This is it. Is it going to be medicine or an assistant manager at Wendy's?? Concentrate! Oh no, I haven't been concentrating! Why aren't you concentrating?? Omg, that's probably like 5 points off my score right there!" Hopefully I will be confident enough though that I've done everything I could to prepare and able to concentrate without worried thoughts.

 

[majahops]

This is essentially what happened to me on my first Orgo exam. But the MCAT is nice in that you have a bunch of practice exams in which to try to simulate, AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE, the real environment as you practice. Take advantage of that opportunity and you'll be golden.

"Omg, it's the real thing. This is it. Is it going to be medicine or an assistant manager at Wendy's?? Concentrate! Oh no, I haven't been concentrating! Why aren't you concentrating?? Omg, that's probably like 5 points off my score right there!"

 

[madamebovary]

it has happened to me on a small quiz last week, but i think the best thing is to relax before the test and avoid cramming too much information at one day. It will be better to spread the studying.

 

[ponybreeder4]

Gosh sadly that has happned to me...physics midterm after pulling an allnighter...i wanted to pass out

 

[airplanes]

It's never happened to me before. Would procrastinating or being nervous really cause your mind to go blank like that? I procrastinate all the time, and i don't ever lose everything. Maybe bits and pieces I hadn't studied as well, but thats it.

 

[WannaBePreMed]

It's never happened to me before. Would procrastinating or being nervous really cause your mind to go blank like that? I procrastinate all the time, and i don't ever lose everything. Maybe bits and pieces I hadn't studied as well, but thats it.

Yup I've never had this happen to me on a test before either. I've had this happen in a presentation though... lol I forgot all the words, but then I remembered a while later.

 

[thegetupkid]

all-nighters are great, you just need to make sure you get one of those large red bulls to drink during your test 😛

 

[dw2158]

This has never happened to me. I don't see how someone can forget everything like that because of nerves. It's probably more due to not learning the material well enough before the exam, so fix the way you are learning/studying.

i don't think the OP "forgot" everything; i think she managed to psych herself out and had some trouble getting her juices flowing. give her a break 🙄

anyway, this hasn't happened to me, but i agree with pianola: pay attention to your breath! i bet if you were that nervous you were probably holding your breath, which increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in your blood, thereby lowering blood pH... etc. 😉 take a deep breath and make sure you exhale allllll the way.

also, trust your preparation! everyone has a style, whether it be in the form of all nighters or little chunks; only you can decide what works for you. but no matter how you study, you have absorbed some information. trust yourself.

 

[247650]

all-nighters are great, you just need to make sure you get one of those large red bulls to drink during your test 😛

Be prepared for the mad shakes...it might be impossible to even write intelligibly.

 

[pathophys17]

This is essentially what happened to me on my first Orgo exam. But the MCAT is nice in that you have a bunch of practice exams in which to try to simulate, AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE, the real environment as you practice. Take advantage of that opportunity and you'll be golden.

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely going to try to take as many practice exams as possible and simulate the environment.

 

[redlight]

chyea, definitely happened to me this morning in ochem [ive been sick all semester, so ive been putting off studying and had to cram this last week.. le sigh. not a good escuse, i know]. i think i recovered nicely, but i'll have to wait for grades before i pat myself on the back.

 

[THX]

It was because you crammed. It shouldn't happen if study properly; I think very few people actually 'choke' on exams.

 

[MadEvans]

If you resort to cramming, still try to eat a good breakfast. Even mildly low blood sugar will kill your cognitive abilities more so than a severe lack of sleep, at least in my experience.

 

[tennisball80]

I don't know why but I can concentrate better if I chew gum during the test. Any one can explain this scientifically ? 😕

 

[thegetupkid]

I don't know why but I can concentrate better if I chew gum during the test. Any one can explain this scientifically ? 😕

I do that too.

It seems everyone bashes on cramming here -- I just feel like if I study throughout the quarter, the info will just go in one ear and out the other (there is no pressure to absorb info throughout the quarter/semester unless it is midterms or finals).

Does anyone else only cram?
Here's my ritual: I literally stay up the whole night before, drinking 3-4 red bulls. Then, I go to my midterm/final and chew orbit spearmint gum during the test. When I double-check my answers, I always pop another large red bull. ...then I sleep for a kajillion hours haha

 

[MadEvans]

I don't know why but I can concentrate better if I chew gum during the test. Any one can explain this scientifically ? 😕

If I don't chew gum after working night shifts I'll fall asleep driving home. It keeps you awake. I don't know why, but it just does.

 

[pathophys17]

I don't know why but I can concentrate better if I chew gum during the test. Any one can explain this scientifically ? 😕

Me too! I've heard that it does actually help, but I was doing it before I heard that. It's almost becoming like a superstition or something for me. Every test, I have to be chewing gum. I really think it helps me concentrate. I'm wondering whether gum is allowed in the MCAT testing center?? My feeling is no....what am I going to do😱

 

[THX]

Me too! I've heard that it does actually help, but I was doing it before I heard that. It's almost becoming like a superstition or something for me. Every test, I have to be chewing gum. I really think it helps me concentrate. I'm wondering whether gum is allowed in the MCAT testing center?? My feeling is no....what am I going to do😱

If I remember correctly, there was a study done on chewing gum and exam results - apparently chewing gum while doing a test/exam increases your score, on average, by 3%.

 

[tennisball80]

If I remember correctly, there was a study done on chewing gum and exam results - apparently chewing gum while doing a test/exam increases your score, on average, by 3%.

You mean by if you chew by when you take a test, you overall score will go up 3% ?

Wow, so if I score a 90 on the test, its gonna be 93%? ? ?

Damit thats nice

 

[Anotherface]

So...Last night I spent the entire night studying for my first Calculus exam, and I was pretty sure that I knew all there was to know. So, today was the day to FINALLY take the exam, and I was extremely nervous about it because I don't want anything less than an A in the class. Finally, the professor walked in and handed out the exams, and as soon as I looked down at my test, my mind went COMPLETELY blank. 😱

I couldn't remember anything, so I mostly just sat there for the first 30 minutes. After awhile I started to freak out, and I considered just getting up and walking out, but I decided to stay. I was finally able to answer about half of the questions, and I guessed on all the rest. As soon as I got home, I tried to do some review questions from the book, and I got them all correct. I actually did them with ease. 😕

I'm pretty sure I failed the test. I really wish I could take it over, but I doubt the professor will allow it. I don't understand why this happened. Has anyone ever had an experience like this? How did you handle it? Any advice? 🙁

Sounds like you were psyched out like Majahops

First Orgo exam ever. Mind went blank, anxiety set in - had a mini nervous breakdown.

Yes, I've been trying to break this habit for awhile now. I guess taking 8 classes/semester doesn't really help the situation either.

Don't forget the value of a good night of sleep before an exam.

 

[ICmyFuture]

the coffee breath, cigerette smell from ppl close by have pysched me out a little bit during exams, this happen to anyone else?

 

[Evergrey]

Chewing gum, as far as I know, helps you focus better because it's kind of like you're engaging the neurotic part of your brain and letting it deal with chewing gum so it can't distract you. I'm not sure how to explain it really, but it's the same reason why people with ADD actually study better when they have some background distractions (like music, for instance).

And.. yes to the breakfast. The brain can't operate without a steady flow of blood glucose. That will help you focus/stay awake far better than three cups of coffee will.

 

[redlight]

one of my friends told me about the gum thing in high school. he said chewing gum while you are studying helps you recall information during the test if you are chewing then also. i believe it's based on a study but i'm fuzzy on the details.

 

[TehDoc]

I've had test anxiety once before, and it happened when I stayed up late and cramming. You should only have to review the night before an exam.

 

[GlamDoc]

I do that too.

It seems everyone bashes on cramming here -- I just feel like if I study throughout the quarter, the info will just go in one ear and out the other (there is no pressure to absorb info throughout the quarter/semester unless it is midterms or finals).

Does anyone else only cram?
Here's my ritual: I literally stay up the whole night before, drinking 3-4 red bulls. Then, I go to my midterm/final and chew orbit spearmint gum during the test. When I double-check my answers, I always pop another large red bull. ...then I sleep for a kajillion hours haha

Agreed. I try not to cram, but it's inevitable. And what's worse, it'll be the night before the test, and suddenly I'll be the sleepiest I've ever been! So much so, that there's nothing I could focus on BUT sleep. Aaaargh... and of course an alarm clock is NEVER reliable.

 

[Anotherface]

Chewing gum, as far as I know, helps you focus better because it's kind of like you're engaging the neurotic part of your brain and letting it deal with chewing gum so it can't distract you. I'm not sure how to explain it really, but it's the same reason why people with ADD actually study better when they have some background distractions (like music, for instance).

And.. yes to the breakfast. The brain can't operate without a steady flow of blood glucose. That will help you focus/stay awake far better than three cups of coffee will.

Breakfast 👍. Gum does not help me in the least. The flavor in the gum makes me hungry, which further distracts me. Surprisingly, doing things like crossing me and arms help me focus. That usually keeps me from tapping on the desk or doing the same with my feet.