Smart student, bad test taker?

Question

I am a very smart student and I usually get asked for help the most since kids generally believe that I am really good math student and there is hadrly any problem that I can't help them solve. There is a problem though.

Even though I may be really good at applying the material I learned in the classroom on the problems, I score usually in the bottom half during the test. and making failing grades or near failing. I just don't get why my test scores are really bad. I absolutely don't get nervous during test. I know the material back and forth. I know the teachers aren't out to get me because I get on their good side.

It is starting to affect my grades because when I was younger test grades were not as huge percent wise as they are in the 11th grade.

You have any tips for test taking? Remember that I know the material and I do not get nervous or intimidated.
I am afraid my bad test grades will misinterepret my intelligence and the C average in the class will hurt me!!!

Answer 1

First question you need to answer is "Why?" Why are you getting poor grades? What goes wrong on the test? Silly mistakes? Carelessness? Because if you know the material and aren't nervous, it is tough to see why you get low grades. So that is one thing you need to figure out.

Then make sure you are well rested for tests. Eat nutritiously and get some exercise.

Have as much information as possible about the type of test ahead of time - length, type of questions, value of each question, etc. Talk to your teacher about this, and ask the questions in class.

You say you do not get nervous at all? That is not necessarily a good thing, because some anxiety before a test is a good thing. Maybe you are a little too sure of yourself. If you are getting poor grades maybe you should feel at least a little intimidated. There is obviously something that you are missing if you are getting poor grades.

Here are a few sites that discuss test taking skills. They may help you, but most importantly you need to figure out why this is happening. Either you have over-estimated how well you understand the material or some other factor is at play. Best of luck.

Answer 2

Exactly how I am~ ! Wow.
I study for tests, review, and when it comes to the test, I always do bad. IDK why. I'm a pretty good student, and like you, people always come to me for help. I'm worried about my grade shrinking just because of those failing letters from test.

It's probably because we overestimate that we are gonna do good, but when we realize that we don't have notes, etc, even if we know the material, it makes us forget. Hahaha. Nah, I need an explanation as well.

Answer 3

Take a few deep breaths and look over your answers after you're finished. If you really know the material that well, the wrong answers should pop out at you, especially in mathematics. Don't change it unless you're totally sure though; your instinct is usually right.

Humility lies at the heart of all greatness. . .