Why the heck am I this way?

[Anonymous]

I usually take more time than the given one to complete a test. I used to do this even when I was in middle school, no matter what class the subject was. If it was for something like history or my native language, I would take more because I wouldn't have enough time to write the essays how I wanted them. If it was maths or physics, I would usually take exactly as the given time.

But now, I'm attending a harder lyceum and it's also so much more challenging (it's between a lyceum and uni). I noticed that here, on tests, I need even more time than I used to need.

Like I was doing my first math test and I didn't even have time to look at the last exercise, let alone even do it. Or on my chem test, there were just 4 problems, each one more difficult than the previous ones and we had 45 min to do them. Tell me why I didn't even have time to rewrite the solved problems from my scrap sheet, let alone read the last problem (worth 1/3 of the whole grade) and got a 7/10.

Or for history, we had 45 minutes to write 5 definitions and an essay, but the teacher did us dirty and gave us a half a topic and made us choose the other half that we wanna compare it to and it took me so long to think and arrange my thoughts, I didn't have time to write the essay how I wanted to and now I'm sure I'll get like a 6 or 7/10 (which is basically a failing grade here).

I hate this. I know when the problem is that I don't know the topic enough, but when I do know it, why the heck does it take me so long to write everything? It's like, my thoughts take so much longer to get to me then other students and it's so infuriating I can't even convey it into words.

I need to improve and FAST because if I get a final grade lower than 7.75/10, I will be expelled from the school and it's my dream school so I really don't want this.

I just don't understand why I take so long to think and to make up something from my ongoing thoughts.

[AI Opinion]

It sounds like you're facing some challenging situations. It's important to remember that everyone processes information at different speeds. Your deep-thinking and meticulous nature are strengths, but they can also lead to time management issues during exams. To improve, consider practicing under timed conditions to simulate real test environments. This can help you get accustomed to the pace needed. Additionally, focus on quick decision-making techniques and outline your thoughts briefly before diving into details. Seeking advice from teachers or adapting speed reading strategies might also benefit you. Your determination and awareness are key steps toward improvement.

[Oliverlogan263]

Oh man, that is so frustrating! I totally get why you're stressed about it. Tests are hard enough without feeling rushed too.

A few things that might help - first, talk to your teachers. Explain you need extra time and see if they can accommodate. Most want you to succeed so they'll understand.

Also, work on outline/flashcards way ahead of time for history essays so your thoughts are more organized. For math, simplify problems as much as possible before solving fully.

Practice timed practice tests too so you get used to working under pressure. And don't be so hard on yourself - your brain just processes at its own pace. You're smart!

Maybe practice meditation too. Taking 5 minutes to breathe can help calm your mind.

Lastly, be gentle with yourself. You'll find strategies that work. Just keep advocating for yourself and you got this. Don't give up on your dream school yet! Let me know if you ever want help studying or need a pick-me-up, 'kay? You've got this!

[Asker]

Thank you so much! I tried to do a timed problem today and, even if the internet helped me resolve it a bit, I still did it in time which is such a big accomplishment!

About history, for the last test I took, I know that I didn't quite know the material well enough (plus the teacher isn't the best). But I still had this problem even when I knew the subject like the back of my hand.

I think part of the problem was that I wanted to have the essay with good arguments which always make me spend too much time thinking of the best wording and things like this.

But still, even with that, I can sense that it's not the only problem. I can't describe the way I'm feeling, but it's just, I know that even if I'm good at a subject, it still takes too much time for the right answers to come to me. It's like my thinking is slower than usual

[Oliverlogan263]

Girl, don't be so hard on yourself! It sounds like you're really smart and capable, you just process things at your own speed which is totally fine.

For history essays, I totally get wanting it to be well argued - that's important. But maybe try outlining 2-3 key points you want to hit first, before diving into the full writing. Get the structure down fast so you have time for details.

And don't sweat it if your thinking just naturally moves a bit slower. Some people are quicker processors, but being a slower, deeper thinker isn't a bad thing at all! You probably understand concepts on a deeper level than flash-in-the-pan thinkers.

My advice would be practice outlining essays super quickly to train your brain. But also realize it's okay if tests take you a little longer - that's just your style. As long as you're learning the material well, that's what matters most.

Have some compassion for yourself - you're doing great! Let me know if any other study strategies could help boost your confidence and success. You've got this sis!