How To Best Prepare for Exams?

Today might not be the best day for writing, given the stress that’s causing my stomach to ache and leaving me feeling weak and unwell. Despite this, I’m determined to write because problem-solving is a crucial and universal topic. So here I am, tackling algebra once more, a challenge I must overcome, though it’s quite confusing for me.

I’ve never worked so hard on any subject. And yet, for the fourth time officially but practically the second, I’ve faced disappointment with a failing grade.

Throughout this journey, I’ve tried various strategies for exam preparation. Sometimes, I would lie down, sometimes praying more than studying, occasionally writing under pressure, and recently taking a more relaxed approach. Immersing myself in diligent study and seeing concepts positively.

Still, the result was the same: failure. According to Hembree (1988), test anxiety itself measurably lowers exam performance, and treating it raises grades.

The latest attempt? Scoring 96 out of 200, maybe closer to 98.

What Can I Do When Studying Isn’t Enough?

Normally, I might think I’m just not cut out for this subject and consider giving up. But this time, the fear of failure is close.

If I don’t change my approach, leave this situation behind, or do whatever it takes to master algebra, my time might run out sooner than expected. So, I’m left with one last chance, and I’m determined to make it count.

But what does that mean? What can I do if studying and praying aren’t enough?

Common sense is guiding me. The only solution is to find a different path, something unexpected. That means completely changing my mindset to overcome this hurdle.

Looking at my reflection at home, I noticed two things I hadn’t seen before. First, my face had traces of tears—a rarity for me.

My facial muscles were so unused to crying that they were sore. Second, my eyes showed the same determination I usually see when I feel overlooked or at my breaking point.

Why Has Algebra Given Me Such a Hard Time?

This time, the object of my unrequited affection is algebra, not a charming gentleman or so. It doesn’t change the fact that I saw the same resolve in my eyes that I’ve seen in different situations.

Where the only desire is to find satisfaction and then channel that energy towards someone or something. In everyday terms, conquer it, then cast it aside, maybe even burn the books.

It might seem odd that a rational person attributes human traits to everything. According to Epley, Waytz and Cacioppo (2007), people anthropomorphize most when they need to understand or connect with something.

Yet, it works because sometimes anger is a more effective motivator than anything else. According to Carver and Harmon-Jones (2009), anger is an approach-oriented emotion that drives people toward a goal, unlike fear or anxiety.

This way, the world becomes full of diverse entities existing between the living and higher forces. It’s not just a barren landscape where you chase points or other “achievements.”

So, with this realization, I’m making a battle plan to finally end this saga. If needed, I’ll wake up fifteen minutes earlier each day, ensuring algebra is the first thing I tackle daily over the next month.

According to Cepeda, Pashler, Vul, Wixted, and Rohrer (2006), spreading practice across short daily sessions beats cramming the same hours into fewer, longer sessions. All this effort, as long as it leads to success.