How do you handle multiple exams on the same day?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Auron

Cruisin' the Cosmos
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
896
Reaction score
2
I have three major exams next friday, (genetics,physics and human phys) and am starting to freak out a bit. I mean I'm studying as much as I possibly can (read for 5 hours non-stop yesterday) but can't shake the feeling that I'll forget the material for the second two tests after taking the first one...

How do you guys handle situations like this, and keep your cool? I want to ace all of them, but I feel as if I have to spend less time studying for one exam to do better on another...as if its impossible to ace all three....

Help, any tips or advice? :scared:

Members don't see this ad.
 
I've only had 3 exams in one day once (finals), and I had to ask the Dean to make one prof let me take it later. I am pretty positive my school had an actual rule that students cannot be forced to take more than 2 finals a day. However, I don't remember if the same thing applied to midterms...anyway, it's worth checking out your student handbook, maybe you can have one of those exams moved to Monday.
 
Tough one...In my school, you can choose to postpone any one of three exams if they're all on the same day, and maybe you have that option in your school as well (you should definitely check).

Fortunately, the worse I have had to do so far was psychology and biology, back to back.

I have molecular biology and electricity and magnetism back to back in a couple days, so I am pretty freaked out too.

Study all three alternately, if you wanna score decent on all 3. Or pick the toughest one or two and try to ace those, and then maybe do your best on the 3rd.

I assume that you will have at least 30-45 minutes to review in between; in that case you should have concise, well-written notes. And remember not to stress yourself out a whole lot; it'll turn out fine I'm sure.

Good luck!

Actually,...I just remembered the "postpone your 3rd exam policy" is only for finals at my school.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
my school has the same rule on finals but not for regular test... so here are your options:

1. talk to the actual profs and see if one would let you take the test early (say Thursday)...

2. just focus on each one studying and make a rolodex in your brain with the info. It isn't too hard to seperate those 3 subjects. All very different... the night before don't stay up late cramming- get your rest so you have a clear mind the next day

3. also do any of your profesors but a free drop of one grade into the syllabus? my organic 2 prof does so I studied for that one but focused more on the other test that was that day knowing that if i had to drop that one I would rather it be in a class that allows the drop
 
I'll find out on monday if I can postpone one of the tests...good god I hope so. I'm getting these major fear epsiodes that last for 5 mins and then I'm ok...its terrifying.

any more advice is much appreciated.
 
just ask all of your professors to let you have an extension. most professors are reasonable, so at least one will let you do it later.
 
I have three major exams next friday, (genetics,physics and human phys) and am starting to freak out a bit. I mean I'm studying as much as I possibly can (read for 5 hours non-stop yesterday) but can't shake the feeling that I'll forget the material for the second two tests after taking the first one...

How do you guys handle situations like this, and keep your cool? I want to ace all of them, but I feel as if I have to spend less time studying for one exam to do better on another...as if its impossible to ace all three....

Help, any tips or advice? :scared:

just suck it up and take them... a single med school exam will be worse than 3 undergrad exams anyway. If you get a couple Bs your life isn't over.
 
You should have planned plenty of time to study in advance (I hope you have been studying). I would recommend skipping classes the Day before if you can and just study as much as you possibly can for each one (put more emphasis on which exam you think will be the most difficult). Take a practice exam if you can for each one after you study for it. Then if you have more practice tests available to you get a good nights rest and wake up EXTRA early to take the other practice exams before you head to the actual exams. This has always worked for me.
 
I ask one of the professors to move an exam date. Atleast one professor is usually fluid enough with the exam dates to help me and my classmates out. They usually tell us ahead of time that they can move exams and then tell us to ask them if trouble arises.
 
just suck it up and take them... a single med school exam will be worse than 3 undergrad exams anyway. If you get a couple Bs your life isn't over.

Ya. While it sucks as an undergraduate to have one of those heavy waves, it is good practice for medical school. Exam #2 is coming up for me and it certainly feels like I'm studying for a couple undergrad tests...and cumulative ones at that.


As for advice: Prepare your best and be confident. You've started plenty ahead of time. You aren't going to forget the material for the later tests after you take the first - just take some summary notes with you to refresh your memory a bit and "change gears" for the next subject.
 
Top