Why do I keep messing up on my math exams?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a university student in performing poorly on math exams, specifically in a Calculus course. Participants explore various factors that may contribute to exam performance, including study habits, mental state, and preparation strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over poor exam performance despite extensive last-minute studying and seeks advice on effective study strategies.
  • Another participant questions the specifics of what the original poster struggled with during the exam.
  • Some participants suggest that a relaxed and composed mental state is crucial for optimal performance during exams, as it may enhance information retrieval.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster should reflect on their preparation, including whether they studied adequately and rested well before the exam.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of continuous study rather than cramming, advocating for longer independent problem-solving practice before seeking help.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on effective study habits and mental preparation, indicating that there is no consensus on the best approach to improve exam performance.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include a lack of specific details about the topics causing difficulty for the original poster and the dependence on personal experiences rather than established study techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students struggling with exam performance in mathematics or those seeking diverse perspectives on study strategies and mental preparation techniques.

Niaboc67
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I don't understand how I am doing so badly right now. I am at University studying Calculus one and I just got my first exam back and I did not do well. I went over the practice exams with a tutor and studied the day before the exam extensively. Maybe I should have started earlier. Could someone please lay out what they are doing or did in the past to help them past math exams. Because whatever I am doing now is obviously not working. I cannot afford to bomb this course. I need help desperately.

Thank you
 
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What did you mess up on?
 
There are multitudes of different things that could be affecting your ability to perform well for your maths exam. Personally, I believe that being in a correct state of mind (being relaxed and composed) is one key element required to perform to the best of my abilities when sitting any formal assessment such as an exam. I think it allows a more enhanced ability to retrieve information that is stored within the brain, as if you have studied to required information to do the exam, it will be in there somewhere.
 
The output matches the input. Try to answer these questions: Have you really studied for the maths exam?
Can you do a mental review of the key principles/concepts required for the exam?
Did you rest well before the exam?
A true answer to these questions will perhaps show that the problem is in the preparation.
Prepare adequately and your results will reflect your efforts.
That said, what are the exact topics that are giving you headaches?
Emman 1
 
Niaboc67 said:
I went over the practice exams with a tutor and studied the day before the exam extensively.

You studied for a day? A whole day? :wideeyed:

First, you need to study continuously, not just at the end.
Second, you need to work on problems for much longer by yourself before asking for help. Being able to solve a problem with the assistance of PF is not the same as being able to solve it on your own.
 

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