Everything is hell right now..

There are many good hearts and wise minds here on ZU so I decided to make a post about today.

I'm applying to university so I needed to have my second level certificate/diploma approved and stamped by my school. I sent a translation in English of the original, but got a phone from my school early today. The woman said that the paper I have received is not a real certificate because I failed one final exam in biology. I took the subject as an 'external candidate', meaning I studied on my own outside class. I was unaware of this and it completely struck me like a lightning. I was in shock and couldn't say much, except my school thought that the agency that is assisting me with my applications were doing something illegal. But that's unimportant.

So what I need to do now is to sit for a new examination in biology in November this year to get a pass. And a pass is good enough for me, no matter what grade it is, as long as it is a PASS. I don't need biology to study languages! But I'm devastated at the thought of having to read through that whooole biology book again and I have thrown all of my notes.

The worst thing is that I so badly want to go to Ireland(that's where I'm going yes) to study, and marry the love of my life. I feel like I'm panicking. What if I don't pass the exam? Will I ever get to Ireland? I can't wait another year to go there, I refuse! I've been crying bueckets over this all day. I'm afraid I won't have the certificate when it eventually comes, early in enough so that I can send it to the universities before the deadline. That is not a 'must' anyway and they will be over-bearing because I am an international applicant. But still I worry and I can't think clearly.

There are about 370 pages in the biology book and so much of it is complicated. I'm thinking "Should I read 50 pages a day each week? That way I can get through the book many times!" But I can't just read. I need to work a bit to save some money for my studies and most importantly I need to learn the Irish language as well as I can, 'cause that is what I am going to study.

I have never felt so stupid in my whole life. I DID NOT KNOW that I had to be re-exam-ed at all and it's been about 4 months since I got to know that I failed this exam. I simply didn't SEE that the papers I received from school did not say "Diploma". I have asked my agency if I can send the "provisional" diploma to the universities, sent them an e-mail today, and I'm still awaiting a reply. My eyes are sore from crying and I haven't slept since I got that phonecall. I tried to sleep because I needed sleep, but it didn't work. All I could think about was my love-love, my sweetheart and "what if I have ot wait another year or what if I fail the exam??". I miss him so much and he can't call me right now. I don't know when I will hear from him. He is the only one who can comfort me and say "Sure, we will get married. You've got nothing to worry about."

I thought I was done with school and I'm so freaking tired of it. I was looking forward to a pleasant year ofrest, saving up money and learning the language that I love the most. I'm not at all looking forward to reading and reading and reading, always alone. I looked at the thickness of the book early this morning and thought: "It's not insurmountable!" but doubt keeps its claws in me. The mere thought of having to perform gives me anxiety and I can't go for anything better than a pass although it isn't much to boast about. I want nothing to boast about. I just want to move to my sweetheart, study languages and live happily ever after as a poet and lecturer. That's all. Most of all my sweetheart. He will be crushed if I have to wait another year, do the exam a THIRD time and... Even though he has to wait one year from now because I'm applying for a place in the class next year, October '06 and he knows that. But if I fail this re-exam and have to wait YET ANOTHER YEAR...

Maybe I should make a plan, find a more suitable day-night-rhythm so that I will get the most out of my reading. In the exam I failed I was asked about natural selection and all things about evolution - exactly what I had hardly read anything about. I'm exhausted at the thought of repeating and imprinting the whole book in my head again. I have no energy right now. I'm tired of doing all things on my own. I've done that my whole life, I feel. For once I should have a break, but NO. I'm beat up. I don't know what is what and I had to tell someone because I have nobody else to talk to.

I'd take it that biology is a required subject in that school system.
I really suggest you take a breather (go outside for a walk, have a cuppa), stressing anymore about this only after the news is really going to make your job harder. I suppose you could form a study group? You must have some people locally willing to help you out.

Sorry, it's just extremely hard to find any words to say.

Ceci, calm down, girl :0) It's alright.

Listen, here's the gameplan.

You already know a lot about Biology. Take a look at each section of the text. Write down neatly on a pad of paper every major and minor topic (in outline form) that the entire text covers. Take your time on this, as structure is very important. Take two or even three days, if you need to, on setting up the book's outline.

After this, then you go through the book nice and slowly, making sure that you pay attention to all the little details. As you go through a small section, try some of the hardest exercises on your own (assuming the text gives you these). If you realize that you have mastered that little section, then mark it off on your outline and don't go back to it again. Just take a break, and move onto the next section.

When you get to a section where you are feeling your knowledge is shaky, then make special note of it on your outline (perhaps even marking in your textbook). But then go on. After you have completed an entire cycle of the book, go back--skipping the sections you have mastered and focusing on the less-certain sections. Keep marking them as "Mastered" as you DO master them.

Just get comfortable with the material, and all will be well--with plenty of time to spare, don't you worry :0)

Here's an idea... try making flash cards. Index cards, or torn up notebook paper like me.... just put the questions on the front and answers on the back. Then put them in a pile and go through them, tossing aside the ones you can answer right away and that way, the pile gets smaller and smaller. It's assuring, at least.

actually, id say this stress is extremely good for you (provided you channel it correctly). listen, study like crazy (literally) learn as much as you possibly can, keep your assignments in order and on time and keep telling yourself that you won't make it....sound crazy? actually, it'll make you "over-perform" and as long as you have an IQ over 70 you WILL PASS...

just my thoughts...

BBD's idea was great. I suggest doing what he said.

Also, I want to add another idea if it's possible for you. Find a tutor or someone who can help you through this text book. I assume it's an introductory Biology book if the university is requiring it, since it is like that over here.

Don't stress over it, and say to yourself you will passit . The more you think you can't, psychologically you are re-enforcing yourself that you won't be able to do it... and you know, you might fail it. But I am sure you can pass this exam easily. I wish you good luck.

DON'T PANIC. just study, study, study. as an above poster said, flash cards are excellent, especially for vocab. i know biology may not be one of the most interesting subjects (i can't stand science) but i'm sure you can get through it. and i wonder if i will ever get to Ireland and meet the love of my life. i will pray for you!

K.M.

My advice is similar to BBDs, but with a few differences. First, a question: is this a general Biology exam, or is it a specific part of Biology? Does the textbook cover everything in the whole course, or just the part covered by the exam? If it's a general bio textbook, and the exam isn't a general bio one, then do what BBD said - but focus only on the material that will be in the exam. Ignore the rest.

As for what happens if you fail in November (which I highly doubt), then simply re-sit it again. I don't know about Norway, but in England, there are two times a year you can re-sit an exam - in autumn and in summer. Hopefully that's the case for you, so you could try again in summer.

Anyway. Good luck, and try to keep your head on straight when you take the exam (stressing out right before it starts is bad. Believe me). I'm sure you'll do well.

And if you get really stuck, you could always ask someone on ZU who knows a bit about Biology.

Originally Posted by Fianna

BBD's idea was great. I suggest doing what he said.

Also, I want to add another idea if it's possible for you. Find a tutor or someone who can help you through this text book. I assume it's an introductory Biology book if the university is requiring it, since it is like that over here.

Don't stress over it, and say to yourself you will passit . The more you think you can't, psychologically you are re-enforcing yourself that you won't be able to do it... and you know, you might fail it. But I am sure you can pass this exam easily. I wish you good luck.

I didn't mean that you should tell yourself that you absolutely CAN'T, I meant for you to tell yourself that the test will be super-uber hard so you do so much more than they expect because usually they are pretty fair and if you do that, you are guaranteed to pass with flying colors...

Speed read through the entire book for the first time. Get a general idea of what each section of the book is talking about. Then like BBD said, take notes about each of the section. Finally, try not to memorize everything in a dead way. Relax, and read the book as if you are enjoying it (I know, it's impossible, but it's more efficient if you are trying to like it than hating it with your heart). Be "alive" when studying Biology. Of course, certain keywords you'll have to memorize, but the concepts can be remembered in a general way if you can and tie everything together in a coherent sense.

If you're thoroughly sick of your textbook, it helps to borrow a different one from the library, or any relevant reference book. Compare the topics, and read whatever you need. In the case of textbooks, chances are that the contents are very similar where the same topics are concerned.
I speak from experience.
For a subject like biology, keeping concise notes is very important. On a note of comfort, at least it's a fact-oriented subject (which is crashable), instead of a skill-oriented one like physics or calculus.

Don't worry, it'll turn out alright. Just keep optimistic.

Telling myself that I won't pass will not help me at all. I should have explained that the book I use is a general bio book. It is divided in four parts: cells and cell functions, genetechnology and heredity, the theory of evolution and advanced evolution study, and ecology and environment. It's a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge book. Dave's advice was very good, but I don't think it suits the size of this book. Actually I've got my mom to help me now. She will print out chapter after chapter and read when she goes to work. Then I'll read at home and the next day we will discuss what we have read and she can ask me questions. Taking notes of each section takes too much time. I have less than three months and I need to speed up. I'm determined to put myself into a biology-mood where I go meditating on what I've read - continuously.

Now the worst thing is that I don't know what I will be asked in. It can be any chapter. It is either a thematic exam with focus on one specific topic like genes and heredity, or a glorious mixture of enzymes, eco-crime, RNA and aquatic/terrestrial environments in Norway. Absolutely ANYTHING!

Thanks for all the good suggestions and the luck-wishings. I won't be able to read much today because I'm exhausted from crying and lack of sleep. The hard parts will be all the cycles of chemical reactions etc that I have to memorise. In the photosynthesis you have a bunch of them, the same with enzyme activity. I'm NOT looking forward to this, but please God let tomorrow be relaxed and peaceful for me. And every day after. I very, very, sooo much appreciate your advice and comfort. Now I will be off to watch a good film and think about eating more fruit. Hopefully my Irish sweetie will call me tonight.

BBD, please pray for me that I will pass the exam! It's on the 30th of November!

Normally, no it would not help. But, if it is this crucial to you......

Omg, that book of yours, Mrs Ganondorf, sounds so much like my Bio textbook in grade 12. Lol... I might still have some notes left, you want me to scan them and send them to you or something? I think there will be part that are the same.

Originally Posted by zelink

it looks to me like you have the "Irish Language" pretty much down... it is called English...save for regional variations there is little dference.

If you had bothered to read the link in her signature, you would have realized how far off-base this comment is. Deleted.

Mrs Ganondorf:

The best way to approach a task is to do it. Sometimes you can look at a task, and despair so much over the size of the task that you never start it. Don't let that happen to you. If you start working hard now, I'm sure you'll be prepared. You probably know well that procrastination is awful. The energy you get when you start a project can be very good. The trick is keeping at it. Persevere.

-Rob

Your first objective is to relieve your stress. And, considering your time constraints, I doubt vacationing or lengthy breaks would be very productive. So, you need to hit this worrying at its source. Think it out.

Your goal is to at least pass. So that means a 70% correct or higher, right? Not impossible at all. You don't have some improbable goal, you have a sound and reasonable one.

Then, you've been given a second chance. They could've denied you admission instantly, but no, you have the option of still making it. All that stands between you and your school is a single test on a subject you already have background in. After so many years in school and so many tests you've already passed, there's no way this will slow you down. It's a final hurdle, so to speak, and one that won't be too hard to jump. You have the skills necessary and you can do it just fine. Saavy?

Also, look at your support. Everyone here knows you can and will pass that test. Your mom knows this. She's taking her own time to help you study and pass, because she knows you can do it. If you couldn't, would she really bother? It's not something one can do easily with minimal time. She's taken a large obligation just for you. And then, you say your lover in Ireland is waiting for you. What do you think he'll do when he hears a test stands between him and you? I bet he'd take that test for you if he could. He'll be behind you 100% of course. EVEN THE SCHOOL knows you're capable. Had they known you couldn't do it, they would've just denied you admittance. Somehow, you didn't meet the standard requirements. YET, they told you to retake the biology test and then you can enter. What does this tell me logically? They want you in their school. If they didn't, they really wouldn't bother with all this testing. But in truth, they know you could probably pass it. Why do they know this? Well, if they saw you failed a biology class a long time ago, they can think one of two things. A) She's incapable and could never pass, or B) She could pass if she tried. They're giving you the option of taking the Biology test. What option do you think they picked? Obviously you've got the skills to do it.

A three month wait is a long time when you're studying. Spend your time wisely studying, and you can easily finish a monster textbook. Keep your head up high, think positive, and study hard. Listen to Big Bro Davidia's tips. They're sound.

Originally Posted by Mrs Ganondorf

I should have explained that the book I use is a general bio book. It is divided in four parts: cells and cell functions, genetechnology and heredity, the theory of evolution and advanced evolution study, and ecology and environment. It's a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge book.

Sounds like my Principles of Biology 1 and 2 text book which is more than 1000 pages, but the instructors never went over the whole thing. I keep all my college notes from the past years, and if you want, I will gladly scan the chapter outlines for you.

"How To Focus On Studying" in Four Easy Steps

Step 1: As soon as you're done reading Steps 2-4, get off the damn computer and get started!

Step 2: Relax for a little while. The initial shock of having to take this thing again, disrupting your plans to go to Ireland, and potentially disrupting them further if you fail it again, is probably going to wind up being the biggest source of stress. Go get some coffee or something with friends, stop by a bookstore or cafe, go to the music store. Pick up some classical music or, better yet, some Irish folk music (no lyrics--they'll only distract you) to listen to while you study.

Step 3: Find ways to make your study experience as pleasant as possible. This could involve anything from going outdoors to a park or a lake to study, or just tidying up your study space, or putting on the music mentioned in Step 1. The more comfortable the study environment, the less distracted you will be. Arrange for people NOT to bother you, or to bother you periodically; make sure you eat good, filling food, because that will help relieve stress.

Step 4: Pace yourself. Don't bite off more than you can chew at once. Several other members have offered good ideas (BBD, Bobslob, Tiroth, etc.).

Originally Posted by Mrs Ganondorf

BBD, please pray for me that I will pass the exam! It's on the 30th of November!

I will, and I'm sure others will, too--even some who have not posted.

Fianna's offer sounds like a very good one, as well--I'd get with her if I were you and see what her notes look like. Also, it's very good to hear that you're getting with your mother for discussions each night--that is a very excellent method!

And LionHarted's methodology for relaxing while studying seems very sound--I would attempt to work with some of those ways.

Very sensible council you gave, LionHeart. I'll think of that when I read.
ianna, please help. I'd love to see what your notes can do for me!
My Big Bro, thank you for your prayers!