test/studying anxiety?

[idkwhat]

not sure how to explain this issue but i've been struggling a lot with orgo. I'm taking orgo II this semester after doing poorly in Orgo I (got a C+) and I really want to try my best to do well this semester, as delusional as it is. i experienced a lot of test anxiety last semester and also have been getting pretty overwhelmed with the amount of information that there is to cover (and also relearn, if i want to do well/even get through this class at all).

i've gotten help from a tutor last semester and started again this semester, but i'm not sure how effective it is. it just feels like none of the information is sticking and that i can't develop the intuition to look at NMR/IR/MS data and figure out what a molecule is, or remember the correct mechanism.

any advice on how to manage studying/test anxiety would be greatly appreciated. i know it probably just comes down to more practice, but i'm finding it difficult to stay calm while studying.

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[AJS59]

not sure how to explain this issue but i've been struggling a lot with orgo. I'm taking orgo II this semester after doing poorly in Orgo I (got a C+) and I really want to try my best to do well this semester, as delusional as it is. i experienced a lot of test anxiety last semester and also have been getting pretty overwhelmed with the amount of information that there is to cover (and also relearn, if i want to do well/even get through this class at all).

i've gotten help from a tutor last semester and started again this semester, but i'm not sure how effective it is. it just feels like none of the information is sticking and that i can't develop the intuition to look at NMR/IR/MS data and figure out what a molecule is, or remember the correct mechanism.

any advice on how to manage studying/test anxiety would be greatly appreciated. i know it probably just comes down to more practice, but i'm finding it difficult to stay calm while studying.

For me at least what I've found useful is approaching the material with an open mindset and positivity. Feel "invested" in what you're learning no matter how disinterested it is, and try to look for the upside in your progress

 

[idkwhat]

For me at least what I've found useful is approaching the material with an open mindset and positivity. Feel "invested" in what you're learning no matter how disinterested it is, and try to look for the upside in your progress

i'll try that, thank you. also, what would you recommend if i'm having trouble asking questions after class? i've often waited in line after class to ask a question—just any question to grasp what i'm learning—but more often than not i don't really know what to ask because i feel like it's too trivial or i'm not sure where to start with what i have a question about. also—last semester, i'd often stay for all of my prof's office hours and i attended all the review sessions yet i'm not sure how much that helped me. any tips to utilize my time better?

 

[Goro]

not sure how to explain this issue but i've been struggling a lot with orgo. I'm taking orgo II this semester after doing poorly in Orgo I (got a C+) and I really want to try my best to do well this semester, as delusional as it is. i experienced a lot of test anxiety last semester and also have been getting pretty overwhelmed with the amount of information that there is to cover (and also relearn, if i want to do well/even get through this class at all).

i've gotten help from a tutor last semester and started again this semester, but i'm not sure how effective it is. it just feels like none of the information is sticking and that i can't develop the intuition to look at NMR/IR/MS data and figure out what a molecule is, or remember the correct mechanism.

any advice on how to manage studying/test anxiety would be greatly appreciated. i know it probably just comes down to more practice, but i'm finding it difficult to stay calm while studying.

First off, you should talk to your professor for tips on studying the material.

If you want to get into medical school, you're going to need to be more assertive and ask questions. It is not a loss of face, nor is it a burden to the professor to answer questions. That's their job.

For help with studying overall, seek out your school's learning or education center for tips on studying.

For help with test anxiety, seek out your schools counseling center. This is not giving medical advice

 

[LunaOri]

It might be worth taking the “W” now and trying again. Sometimes starting the course over from the beginning can be very helpful.

 

[AJS59]

i'll try that, thank you. also, what would you recommend if i'm having trouble asking questions after class? i've often waited in line after class to ask a question—just any question to grasp what i'm learning—but more often than not i don't really know what to ask because i feel like it's too trivial or i'm not sure where to start with what i have a question about. also—last semester, i'd often stay for all of my prof's office hours and i attended all the review sessions yet i'm not sure how much that helped me. any tips to utilize my time better?

Don't be passive in your learning. As Goro said, stay for all office hours and ask questions to your heart's content. If that's not enough, try seeing if your chem department or academic skills center has group or private tutoring sessions - you'll need that to help catch you up.

 

[Hollow Knight]

If it is actually test anxiety talk to a counselor.

I took propranolol during my step 1 exam for physical symptoms (my heart rate would get to running away from me). I had lot of other stuff going on in my life at the time (in an abusive marriage, didn’t have a ton of friends at the time, etc). I’m doing much better now. I talked to my doctor about that stuff though.

Echo the above advice of asking for help. Nobody in med school got there as a genius who never asked questions