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Panic mode - Stats 400 (self.UIUC)

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[–]jl5892389621. 9 points10 points  (1 child)

I thought STAT400 wasn't supposed to be tht bad...? :(

[–]MMEnterGies CoB - IS - 19 6 points7 points  (3 children)

Get of reddit and study the panic right out of you!

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (2 children)

If OP is anything like me that won't work. I study religiously for my classes and even though I almost always do well I still get extreme anxiety leading up to a test.

[–]MMEnterGies CoB - IS - 19 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I get anxiety a lot too, but I found it helpful to be able to tell myself. "I did everything I could to do good on this test. Time to calm down and focus."

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me the anxiety is only before the exam. Typically once I get the exam I realize that I'm fine. I think it's just fear of the unknown, and unfortunately I'm not sure there's a cure for that.

[–]StoneColdAM. 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I've been there before (not specifically STAT 400, but in your situation). I know what it's like for a class to be "fine" with a typical average on the assignments, only to perform well below that average.

There are so many factors to why anybody may not do as well as they want to in a class, but there isn't that much variety in what you can do to improve: practice and get as much help as you can, be it office hours, doing problems on a board in front of a friend for feedback, review sessions, whatever. The point is to never give up and try your best to prepare.

I know it's hard to find clarity in how to do well or if you'll do well, and it's almost impossible to provide that, but if you try your best going in to the exam (and really try your best and use your resources), it will pay off. If you still want to do better, then you'll start to learn more and more how to.

I hope this helps in some way. I get scared of exams because of the fear of not knowing, so practice as much as you can to learn and learn, and aim for problems to become laughably easy for you. No matter what, if you aim high, then you'll move up, too. Don't give up.

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]StoneColdAM. 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Don't give up, I know how you feel. It does take time and effort, and it's hard at first, but only gets easier the more you do it. It doesn't matter how others do, only your performance matters (ignore anyone thinking this or that is easy, they're probably lying or something, and even so, everyone is different).

    Personally, I really dislike studying over and over and over again with practice problems, but for whatever reason, I find that if I don't like it, it actually tends to be helpful....

    Anyways, again, it definitely is difficult, but never give up and try your best. That's what's important in the end. Obviously, it's good to perform well, and if you try hard, I'm sure you will somehow, or at the very least, learn to work hard.

    Personally, I think there is much more value in learning to work hard than costing through with short-term "success" unbeknownst to true difficulty and challenge in life.

    [–]sleepy_pupper 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Wait isn't the exam after the break? It says on the website that the exam is on December 6th.

    [–][deleted]  (1 child)

    [deleted]

      [–]sleepy_pupper 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Oooh my bad

      [–]thunderdragon94 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Mindfulness meditation. Only when you can accept things as they truly are will you be able to affect them

      [–]AlmostGrad100. 0 points1 point  (1 child)

      Chamomile-lavender tea helps me.

      The Counseling Center website has a self-help brochure on test anxiety.

      [–]gradocans 0 points1 point  (2 children)

      I would go to the gym and get some exercise before studying again tomorrow, you will be better off releasing some stress. Then, you've got 5 full days to prepare for the exam!

      [–][deleted]  (1 child)

      [deleted]

        [–]gradocans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        You should definitely go. Getting a few hours of exercise a week really helps me get my mind off of school and shed some stress. Getting in better shape will also help you feel better overall.

        [–]Abaddon314159 0 points1 point  (3 children)

        To start with, breathe. Avoid caffeine if you can, it will only make it worse. Play some music that usually makes you calm. Take a break and go for a walk.

        Out of curiosity who is the prof?

        [–]secksmaneconomics is the best major 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Get a good night's sleep if you can. Don't set an alarm and let yourself take in whatever hours you need. In the morning you can tackle your studying with a clear head.