“Comparison is the thief of Joy” -Theodore Roosevelt. A close friend of mine once told me this, and it can be applied to every aspect of life. Comparison can be subconscious but destructive. So, the first thing you have to do is stop asking people what they got on that test, quiz, or homework assignment. Even if you’re just curious, in the back of your mind you’ll probably compare their score to yours which is never necessary. There is also the conversation that may come up “I only got a 92,” which makes you feel not-too-great when you got an 84. Both scores are achievements of their own, but what you once felt proud of now feels like subpar.
You’re here to learn, not get the best test score. You could’ve spent the entire week in the library and tutoring centers doing every possible calculus equation but all the built-up anxiety just overtakes you the day of the test. Even if you walked out with a score lower than you deserved, you can’t be mad at yourself because you gave it your all and you have the knowledge for the long run. Besides, all the proper study skills will be beneficial when the final exam comes around.
Use your resources. Use the tutoring center! It gives you the one-on-one help you need to succeed. I think the best strategy is to go through all of the assignment you can complete confidently, and then bring those struggling questions to your favorite tutor. Make sure before you sign up for that course, ask for advice from upperclassmen on what you need to do to succeed. Sometimes you can give it your best and it’s just a hard class no matter what, and it may not be worth your time.