What used to be September is now July. For students who haven’t had much luck in all their subjects, it’s time to face make-up exams.
We Were So Happy…
We’re finally free! The school year has come to an end, and with it, classes and the final exam season have left us exhausted, but eager to enjoy the pool and all the summer activities. One less year until we graduate and get our everything is just as we thought except for one small detail: they’ve posted the grades and, oh sh*** ! We failed and had to take make-up exams! What a bummer!
Calm
We may feel exhausted and have no desire to go back to studying, but if there’s one good thing about moving the make-up exams from September to July, it’s that it will be fresh in our minds and with a few tricks, it will be super easy to pass and even get great grades . The important thing is to calm down, not to tear our hair out too much (failing isn’t the end of the world), and to start studying as soon as possible; not to study like we did the first time, but much better: making it fun.
Explanatory Note
Another thing is if we didn’t take the first test, and if that’s the case, we’ll have to stop reading this post and head over to the many others on the blog to help us prepare for exams. A quick look around the website will reveal tips to help us prepare for any type of exam we might face during our first marriage .
The First Unavoidable Step
Always, always, always, even if it bores us to death, even if we hate it to the core, always, the first step will be organization. And it’s not something to cry about; in a couple of hours, at most, it’ll be resolved. We need to review the dates of the make-up exams and write them on the calendar or the wall so they don’t slip our minds and we’re caught short. Next, determine how long we have left until each test and how many hours a day we should spend studying (without being overly optimistic or perfectionist). While some students might be tempted to look for shortcuts like searching do my online exam instead of preparing properly it’s much more rewarding in the long run to commit to the process. We must collect all of our materials after this is finished, being careful not to overlook anything.
Not Studying What We Already know For The Make-up Exams
Now it’s time to do something we only do when it’s not the first test but rather a make-up exam: see what we know and what we don’t. To avoid wasting time studying things we already know, we have to do a screening. The best technique for doing this is to use the leitner method, which consists of making cards with all the possible questions that will be on the exam and dividing them into three boxes based on whether we know them poorly, somewhat better, or perfectly. We explain in detail how to use this useful study technique here.
Changing Your Technique to Prepare For Make-up Exams
Since we’ve already prepared for this syllabus before and have already taken an exam, we should have a pretty clear understanding of the study material. Therefore, these new make-up exams are going to be very easy to prepare for, and we shouldn’t overcomplicate things by endlessly copying and summarizing previously reviewed syllabi.
It’s best to change study techniques now, and in addition to the aforementioned Leitner method, it would be good to try other formulas that include some fun, such as studying with drawings (if the subject allows it), mind maps , mnemonics , and, if we’re lucky enough to have a classmate in the same situation as us or a supportive friend/partner/relative, using it mercilessly.
When we can study with help, it’s great to use the flashcards we’ve already made and turn the reviews into a question-and-answer game or an impromptu masterclass that we’ll teach ourselves to corroborate how well we know it, gain confidence, and consolidate the knowledge acquired.
Let’s Not Lose Confidence Because We Have to Take Make-up Exams.
If we study hard and fail, it’s a real blow, but beyond the initial disappointment of having to take make-up exams, it shouldn’t affect us too much, much less our self-confidence. Many factors influence failure: nerves, lack of sleep, the exam being harder than we expected, not knowing the things the teacher emphasizes, not studying enough time, tiredness, subjects we don’t fully understand, they wanted us to memorize and not explain in our own words, or the other way around, and we did the opposite… It’s not important. The important thing is to overcome and try again until we succeed. I’m sure the next time will be the winner, and then we’ll have two months of vacation without having to think about classes. Stay strong!
Conclusion
Many students struggle to study for make-up tests without excitement, particularly if their motivation is low or the pressure to catch up seems intolerable. Although it’s normal to feel disinterested following a lost opportunity, make-up tests still count towards your academic development. Small, reasonable goals, a disciplined study schedule, and support when needed help you to turn a reluctant beginning into meaningful preparation. Remember, even when excitement isn’t at its highest, your effort now can help restore your confidence and academic standing.
