High School and College Exam Myths

No matter how hard we study, we are sometimes still left with an unconquerable fear of an upcoming exam. Many of these fears are based on very incorrect perceptions. To help you better manage your anxiety, here are the top six most common misconceptions regarding exams:

If I fail, then I have wasted my time.

Nothing is ever a waste of time so long as you try your best. Worse case scenario, you may have to retake the course. This therefore gives you another three to six months to better learn the material. Remember, the knowledge that you learn (no matter if you passed or failed) cannot be monetarily measured because it is innately priceless. The more time to learn, the better.

I have to have all the right answers.

Realize that many exams (e.g. English, History, and even Mathematics) are graded subjectively. For instance, suppose you are unable to discern the correct answer to a math question, but you have shown all your work. Your teacher may still afford you points. Or, for example, you attempt to answer a history question with an elongated essay. Although you are unable to figure out the exact answer, you make a sincere and conscious effort to deduce it based on the presumed facts. Your teacher may find that good enough to allow you full points for the question.

I have to study everything.

You definitely need to read through all the material. But, that does not mean that you must spend an excruciating amount of time studying every tidbit of info in your textbook. If you have been paying attention, then you should have a hefty stack of notes. Use your notes in conjunction with your teacher's study guide to pinpoint the most important, relevant concepts and facts. Modern exams are oftentimes more concerned with relevance versus precise details like dates, times, and numbers. Whereas twenty years ago a teacher expected a student to know the exact date of the American Revolution, a contemporary instructor may be more focused on ensuring that the student understands the Revolution and the general time-period during which it occurred instead.

I don't understand any of this.. so what's the point in taking a test?

Is it that you don't understand anything, or that you don't understand certain concepts? Especially in college, you may be forced to study a very large quantity of information. Professors realize that some subjects may seem awfully confusing to you. The goal of a test is to therefore test your comprehension and determine your weaknesses. If you had difficulty with a certain portion of a test, don't be afraid to seek out your instructor or TA for help. Remember, tests are typically given in sequences. Although you could opt to just move on and forget the whole deal, it could potentially come back to bite you in the butt. Last time that I heard, 'Final' exams are still popular in school. Just some food for thought.

Exams are meant for people who have great memories.

As I mentioned previously, teachers nowadays aren't as concerned with memorization as they are with comprehension. Just memorizing a specific date doesn't really amount to much. Your ability to analyze a subject, compare and contrast different topics, and relate to a theme is of far greater consequence. This is why I said that you need to focus primarily on the most relevant concepts. If you can name the exact date of the American Revolution, but you cannot explain its significance, then what use is that?

Exams are meant for people who can think extremely fast.

This is not true at all. Time limits are set on examinations because you should already be able to determine the answer in an adequate amount of time. If you have been practicing your Math problems, for instance, then you should already be experienced with the methodology required to determine the correct solution. In case you are just able to solve a problem, then simply move on. If there is enough time later on, then come back and reattempt to solve it. Remember, your teacher is likely to afford you some credit based on your sincere attempt to resolve the problem.