I actually tried to read the chemistry book to study, and less review on the notes that I took. That was a terrible idea, I simply stared at the pages without actually absorbing anything. I did not organize my study time well. What I should have done was take read in small increments while looking at my notes, and redoing corresponding problems given on that section.
I also learned to self-study before attending a study group, to take in the extensive information first then filter it for greater understanding and making larger connections.
It helps to form a study group because other members may ask questions that you would otherwise don’t know that you don’t know. Study sessions are always fun! But they need to be focused for it to be a good one because they can get very sidetracked…
Nothing in the test surprised me, everything was covered which makes me even more guilty because the bad grades that I receive will be fully on me, and my lack of focused studying. The questions asked on the test were the same but disguised in a different costume, so i had to be very familiar with it to complete the question. For the next test I have to be smarter about studying, about learning important materials and predict the types of questions that will be asked. Looking at everyday things through chemistry/ biology can be helpful too, it might lead to more questions but it reminds you of what you already learned. Although it was not a great first exam, it is good to make mistakes early on, then you know what you have to do, and ace all the rest of your exams 😀