How to not panic while taking a test???

[xoxx]

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I studied my but off for my first ever bio test and I realized that I knew all of the information however I always get to the test and PANIC and forget things. I made a 88% which is horrible considering this is a A+- class.

How do you guys not panic during a test even when you know the information???

 

[sinombre]

I studied my but off for my first ever bio test and I realized that I knew all of the information however I always get to the test and PANIC and forget things. I made a 88% which is horrible considering this is a A+- class.

How do you guys not panic during a test even when you know the information???

Is this class not graded on a curve?

 

[xoxx]

Is this class not graded on a curve?

No not at all. I believe my school has a policy that no entry level classes can be curved. It is Biology 1, just basic stuff.

 

[theseeker4]

I studied my but off for my first ever bio test and I realized that I knew all of the information however I always get to the test and PANIC and forget things. I made a 88% which is horrible considering this is a A+- class.

How do you guys not panic during a test even when you know the information???

I don't panic even when I don't know the material. The reason I say this is because test anxiety isn't really something someone can give you a tip online about and you will get over it. The first thing you need to do is have the material mastered going in, which you have down it seems. After that, you really need to figure out why you are panicking and what is setting it off, something that is a job for a professional, not something we can have insight about over the Internet.

 

[xoxx]

I don't panic even when I don't know the material. The reason I say this is because test anxiety isn't really something someone can give you a tip online about and you will get over it. The first thing you need to do is have the material mastered going in, which you have down it seems. After that, you really need to figure out why you are panicking and what is setting it off, something that is a job for a professional, not something we can have insight about over the Internet.

This is very good advice thank you...

 

[def1]

The only test I ever panicked for was the MCAT. Most of the time, Im pretty confident that even I don't know something I can do pretty well just guessing.

Honest.

 

[xoxx]

The only test I ever panicked for was the MCAT. Most of the time, Im pretty confident that even I don't know something I can do pretty well just guessing.

Honest.

Well I feel like I did know 99% of everything. Let me give you an example of the questions:

1. What element in biology has the highest electronegativity:
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon
C. Hydrogen
D. Helium

-The answer was oxygen, but upon further examination you will find that helium actually has a greater electronegativity than oxygen. This kind of thing makes me panic, especially considering we do not have any sort of an official definition for "element in biology."


2. What does a buffer do?
A. Resists a change in OH
B. Maintains a relatively constant PH by resisting change
C. Absorbs excess H+

The correct answer was C, again this kind of question makes me panic because B also seems correct. (in the notes it said C verbatim but not B)


I guess my real problem is that questions that seem like they have two correct answers make me panic and chose the wrong one by thinking to much. Any help on getting over this?

 

[Freesia88]

I don't panic even when I don't know the material. The reason I say this is because test anxiety isn't really something someone can give you a tip online about and you will get over it. The first thing you need to do is have the material mastered going in, which you have down it seems. After that, you really need to figure out why you are panicking and what is setting it off, something that is a job for a professional, not something we can have insight about over the Internet.

👍 Also, remind yourself that you are going to do the best you can possibly do and panic will not help you do that best. Take deep breaths, focus...you know the stuff..you just need to get it out.

 

[Barcu]

-Skip problems you don't know right away (especially at the beginning of the test),
-Use little tricks that inspire confidence (I chew gum, which I read somewhere improves memory. Even if it doesn't, as long as I think it does, it works). Confidence is huge. Sure, knowing the material should make you confident, but see if there are other things out there that help improve yours. That's really the best thing you can do.
-If you can, get up and take a bathroom break, whether you need to go or not. Sometimes just getting up and walking refreshes you.

 

[Freesia88]

Well I feel like I did know 99% of everything. Let me give you an example of the questions:

1. What element in biology has the highest electronegativity:
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon
C. Hydrogen
D. Helium

-The answer was oxygen, but upon further examination you will find that helium actually has a greater electronegativity than oxygen. This kind of thing makes me panic, especially considering we do not have any sort of an official definition for "element in biology."



2. What does a buffer do?
A. Resists a change in OH
B. Maintains a relatively constant PH by resisting change
C. Absorbs excess H+

The correct answer was C, again this kind of question makes me panic because B also seems correct. (in the notes it said C verbatim but not B)


I guess my real problem is that questions that seem like they have two correct answers make me panic and chose the wrong one by thinking to much. Any help on getting over this?

Seems like an issue of the "most correct answer." For eg in Biology, Helium does not really play any role in biological systems (that I know of anyway).... that should tell you the answer right there... becasue between O, H and C, O is clearly the most electronegative.

And the third question refers to what buffers do that make them work...if you have ambiguous answers, go for the one that comes closest to the exact answer...

 

[Fakhter]

Well I feel like I did know 99% of everything. Let me give you an example of the questions:

1. What element in biology has the highest electronegativity:
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon
C. Hydrogen
D. Helium

-The answer was oxygen, but upon further examination you will find that helium actually has a greater electronegativity than oxygen. This kind of thing makes me panic, especially considering we do not have any sort of an official definition for "element in biology."


2. What does a buffer do?
A. Resists a change in OH
B. Maintains a relatively constant PH by resisting change
C. Absorbs excess H+

The correct answer was C, again this kind of question makes me panic because B also seems correct. (in the notes it said C verbatim but not B)


I guess my real problem is that questions that seem like they have two correct answers make me panic and chose the wrong one by thinking to much. Any help on getting over this?

number 2.....i thought the answer was B

 

[xoxx]

I sincerely appreciate everyones advice, I have taken notes (literally) on what I can benefit from next test.

 

[Freesia88]

number 2.....i thought the answer was B

I think both are correct but C. goes into specifics about how buffers actually work...closer to the truth than B.
B. has the general idea but is still rather ambiguous...resists change in what?

 

[Bangersandmash]

I think part of the problem is you think 88% is a horrible score. It isn't. 80% of the class scored lower than you (if not 90%). 20% failed that test.

And what else makes up your grade? Online quizzes or homeworks? These can usually be aced and give you a little leeway on lower test scores. Not to mention you still have 3 or 4 more tests to bring up your average.

Thinking you absolutely need an A on a test will only increase your anxiety. Study the material, know that you know the material and strive for the A, but don't worry if you don't get it. You'll have more chances and one B as a freshman won't kill you. We all know those kids in high school who cried when they got their first B. Don't be like that in college and you will be a lot more relaxed.

 

[yellowperil]

Have you ever try glancing occasionally at some hot girls during the exams? This really help me with panicking during the exams.

 

[La Presse]

I think both are correct but C. goes into specifics about how buffers actually work...closer to the truth than B.
B. has the general idea but is still rather ambiguous...resists change in what?

Campbell defines a buffer a substance that minimizes change in Hydrogen Ion Concentration.

 

[TxResident]

I usually started screaming out loud to make everybody else panic, that would usually make me seem/feel more calm relative to other people.

On the real though, I did what Barcu suggested except for the last part. This may be because I drank tons of coffee with sugar right before each test to "supercharge" myself/brain.

 

[Bangersandmash]

I think both are correct but C. goes into specifics about how buffers actually work...closer to the truth than B.
B. has the general idea but is still rather ambiguous...resists change in what?

At the same time though, a buffer resists changes in both the addition of acid AND base. Shouldn't that mean it can also donate H+ to neutralize added base? In which case, C is only half of what a buffer does.

OP - your professor could also be an *******. Ambiguous/poorly worded test questions piss off everyone and while some professors look at an answer distribution and acknowledge their mistake, some will say tough titties.

 

[Freesia88]

Campbell defines a buffer a substance that minimizes change in Hydrogen Ion Concentration.

Well I feel like I did know 99% of everything. Let me give you an example of the questions:

1. What element in biology has the highest electronegativity:
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon
C. Hydrogen
D. Helium

-The answer was oxygen, but upon further examination you will find that helium actually has a greater electronegativity than oxygen. This kind of thing makes me panic, especially considering we do not have any sort of an official definition for "element in biology."


2. What does a buffer do?
A. Resists a change in OH
B. Maintains a relatively constant PH by resisting change
C. Absorbs excess H+

The correct answer was C, again this kind of question makes me panic because B also seems correct. (in the notes it said C verbatim but not B)


I guess my real problem is that questions that seem like they have two correct answers make me panic and chose the wrong one by thinking to much. Any help on getting over this?

😉

 

[theseeker4]

number 2.....i thought the answer was B

I don't like that question as answer C is only partly correct. A buffer resists change in pH by absorbing added hydrogen ions if an acid is added, but it releases hydrogen ions if a base is added.

 

[Freesia88]

At the same time though, a buffer resists changes in both the addition of acid AND base. Shouldn't that mean it can also donate H+ to neutralize added base? In which case, C is only half of what a buffer does.

OP - your professor could also be an *******. Ambiguous/poorly worded test questions piss off everyone and while some professors look at an answer distribution and acknowledge their mistake, some will say tough titties.

I don't make exams...so <shrugs>

It is ambiguous and in that case..best to go with what is a s specific as possible...but that may just be my MCAT studying talking...

 

[def1]

Well I feel like I did know 99% of everything. Let me give you an example of the questions:

1. What element in biology has the highest electronegativity:
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon
C. Hydrogen
D. Helium

-The answer was oxygen, but upon further examination you will find that helium actually has a greater electronegativity than oxygen. This kind of thing makes me panic, especially considering we do not have any sort of an official definition for "element in biology."


2. What does a buffer do?
A. Resists a change in OH
B. Maintains a relatively constant PH by resisting change
C. Absorbs excess H+

The correct answer was C, again this kind of question makes me panic because B also seems correct. (in the notes it said C verbatim but not B)


I guess my real problem is that questions that seem like they have two correct answers make me panic and chose the wrong one by thinking to much. Any help on getting over this?

This seems more like the teacher is just out to get you. I mean if I were taking a test I would put A for 1 and B for 2.

In none of my classes have I heard of Helium being more electronegative than Oxygen.

And not only does a buffer absorb excess H+ but also absorbs OH ions, which makes B the more broad acceptable answer.

That sucks, but don't let it bother you, I would just pay attention to the stuff he says in class as it seems that is what he is testing on.

 

[Freesia88]

This seems more like the teacher is just out to get you. I mean if I were taking a test I would put A for 1 and B for 2.

In none of my classes have I heard of Helium being more electronegative than Oxygen.

And not only does a buffer absorb excess H+ but also absorbs OH ions, which makes B the more broad acceptable answer.

That sucks, but don't let it bother you, I would just pay attention to the stuff he says in class as it seems that is what he is testing on.

😕

 

[def1]

😕

Sorry lol. I don't know what I was thinking, my brain is crammed into immunology study at the moment.


I meant buffers also release h+ ions to bind OH ions.

I still think B is the more acceptable answer.

 

[TheShaker]

For the first question, your professor is a dick. That was intentionally ambiguous, helium can be a part of biology as well if you interpret it differently. If he were to ask what is the most electronegative element associated with the electron transport chain then it would be a legit question but worded the original way, it's stupid.

For the second question, your professor is either oversimplifying for a freshman level class or doesn't know what he's talking about. Buffers absorb H+ in presence of excess acid and donates H+ in the presence of excess base.

I've seen tests like these in freshman level science classes. I've had them myself and I think they were effective if the dumb tricks weren't taken too far. They are there to teach entering freshmen to pay attention to detail and read critically. It weeds out the dumber students who aren't willing to learn. For your professor, wow. Maybe he just copied his questions out of a high school textbook so that he can save time to spend on his research.

 

[La Presse]

In addition, often minimize visual stimuli. I always wear sunglasses to the exam hall.

 

[hiyaman]

How is helium more electronegative than oxygen? It is part of the noble gases..

 

[TheShaker]

How is helium more electronegative than oxygen? It is part of the noble gases..

.

 

[lobo.solo]

I haven't heard of Helium being the most EN in biological systems... is this something new??? Op, Some professor are ambiguous like that... now you know, so adjust for the next exam. byw, for question 2, I would have chosen B, just because is more directly related to what a buffers does (the functionality)...

 

[hiyaman]

It's the periodic trends. The further right you go, the more electronegative things get. The reason why diatomic helium is rarely ever seen without its significant other is because they're holding each other so tightly from a high electronegativity.

Helium has a full outer shell, i don't see how it's going to want another electron or how it can form a covalent bond with anything.

Btw I don't think helium likes to form He2.

 

[TheShaker]

Helium has a full outer shell, i don't see how it's going to want another electron or how it can form a covalent bond with anything.

Btw I don't think helium likes to form He2.

Just noticed my mistake. My bad. 😀

 

[theseeker4]

Helium has a full outer shell, i don't see how it's going to want another electron or how it can form a covalent bond with anything.

Btw I don't think helium likes to form He2.

It doesn't, and He is not very electronegative. Every chart I have seen showing the periodic table with electronegativity excludes the noble gases. Sure, take electrons away and it is electronegative, but Potassium is more electronegative than fluorine if you take enough of its electrons away.....

 

[Freesia88]

And..I still don't remember He playing any significant role in biological systems...that alone should rule it out as a decoy...
The buffer question is up for grabs...

 

[kdavidlee25]

Go run a mile the morning of the exam. By test time, you'll be too exhausted to be anxious. Works like a charm.

 

[kpcrew]

I guess it depends on which definition of electronegativity you use. It seems that the most commonly used definition is the Pauling definition which defines electronegativity over molecules. Since helium doesn't form bonds with other atoms, it doesn't have an electronegativity. The story changes if you're talking about atoms because then you're looking at things like ionization energy and electron affinity in Mulliken's definition or valence electron energy in the way Allen describes it. Then helium would have a value for electronegativity but since biological chemistry is basically the science of electron bonding, these other definitions are pretty much irrelevant.

 

[La Presse]

Go run a mile the morning of the exam. By test time, you'll be too exhausted to be anxious. Works like a charm.

...and too exhausted to work the exam.

 

[Bangersandmash]

An overanxious freshman has just sparked a massive online debate on the topics of electronegativity and buffers.

OP, you should take us to your next class and we'll battle it out with your professor.

 

[DavetheMD]

Take this as a life lesson. We all get B's, at least on a test here or there. There's nothing wrong with that. All you can do is try your best. Let go of the anxiety, it robs you of time better spent on life.

Now to clarify - question 1 has a noble gas which is considered inert for pretty much every application in gen chem, thus Oxygen is the most electronegative atom only superseded by Fluorine. And second, this question is poorly constructed, however a buffer generally resists change in pH and it does so by a particular mechanism. Perhaps, this is a case in which the instructor expected you to know a phrase or definition from their slides. I would try and explain to them why you felt it said the same thing as the other option and see what happens. Worst case scenario, there will be other tests, best not to make mountains out of molehills.

 

[Koosalagoosagoo]

1. Go to class with hammer in pack pack
2. Begin test
3. Start freaking out on 4th question even though you know you will do better then 60% of the class
4. Put hand on table
5. Take hammer out
6. Hit hand
7. ???
8. Profit

 

[Moosepig]

I get "in a zone" before I take a test. I do some basic problems from the material about 1 hour before the test, and then in that hour do nothing but relax and then about 20 minutes before I have three songs I find very inspirational that I listen to. By the time I am in for the test I have goose bumps from how focused I am and feel no feelings of nervousness whatsoever. This is the moment you prepared for, and a piece of the moments that will determine your career, life, and fate. There is no time for anything except lethal efficiency.

 

[soresu]

There are two factors that go into a good test performance. Strong understanding of the material as well as execution.

From the discussion it seems like you had a good understanding of the material, but you just tripped up on the execution part. I wouldn't stress about this too much because understanding the material is far more important than execution. Tests are really important in school (GPA/MCAT factor heavily into med school admissions), but once you're in the real world I don't think test taking ability is the largest factor in determining how successful you'll be or how good of a doctor you'll be. Knowledge and strong work ethic are far more important.

I would try to learn how to relax more though. Do you only get nervous during tests? Or do you get nervous whenever you have to perform under pressure. If it's the latter, I would really look into meditation or even reading some self-help anxiety books. They really helped me. Just realize that all you can do is your best and that worrying about the result/being nervous will only impede your success -- so don't let it happen. I know that advice sounds really circular, but it really clicked with me.


Also, you should adapt to the course / professor's style. Find old exams, talk to TA's, talk to people who've taken the course before. There may be multiple "correct" answers, but if you understand the person who's writing the test then you can have an easier time identifying which answer is the "most" correct. The MCAT is notorious for these types of questions, but once you understand the trick the execution becomes much easier.

 

[awbond]

-Skip problems you don't know right away (especially at the beginning of the test),
-Use little tricks that inspire confidence (I chew gum, which I read somewhere improves memory. Even if it doesn't, as long as I think it does, it works). Confidence is huge. Sure, knowing the material should make you confident, but see if there are other things out there that help improve yours. That's really the best thing you can do.
-If you can, get up and take a bathroom break, whether you need to go or not. Sometimes just getting up and walking refreshes you.

I'm definitely trying this.