AIBU about examinations resit timetable and to ask for tips :(

[piffar]

I'm doing an MSc distance learning because of mental health problems etc. I have done well in all assessments getting high distinctions. However, I have been unable to sit exams (two) because of my anxiety and ibs. I have had extenuating g circumstances for these accepted for these exams and have resits in one month.

I started revision three weeks ago. But for the last few days I have felt awful. Extremely tearful and agitated on edge with intrusive thoughts that I will fail.

I have done well in the two modules that require these exams and would need 50% and 60% in each respectively to get a distinction. I know I can do it, I'm just finding it so hard to stay on track.

When I was an undergrad I had a bunch of friends to revise with who took the pressure off - we were in the library all hours and I did well at undergrad, and also enjoyed myself!

I have no where to revise properly now. I go to the local library but this closes early and I do my best revision in the evening. I used to stay in the uni 24 hr library all night.

I also feel incredibly lonely. I feel like all I do is revise (which is understandable). But I don't have an opportunity to chat about the course contents with anyone

It seems such a wasted opportunity to not do these exams, but I can't imagine feeling like this for another 4 weeks. Has anyone got any tips on how to survive this?

I guess my AIBU is this:

these exams were meant to be sat in Dec and Feb respectively. Now, they will be on the same day. This means double the amount of preparation and twice the pressure in a short amount of time. AIBU to object to the examinations in the same week, on the grounds of fairness (as compared to the rest of the cohort who had spaced revision), and also that the amount in one week is so overwhelming (there's a reason they split it up!).

I know technically it's my "fault" for having ECs and not being able to sit the exams first time around, but I am now panicking at the prospect of the double whammy!

anyone please

Hi

Sorry you are having a tough time.

Are you ‘over revising‘? If you know your subject then maybe 6 weeks revising is to much? I did a distance learning masters, and found that I actually did worse if I spent more than 3 weeks at it.

Can you get to a university library? My ‘local‘ one (a mere 30 miles away) allowed students from other universities, including distance learners in. I just rocked up ad got issued with a card that day. I was able to borrow books and everything.

Agree with above poster, other universities will often let you use their libraries.

In regards to your double whammy, you can object but I doubt it’ll change anything. You probably won’t be the only person sitting the exams.

Is it possible to speak to someone about alternatives? I know it’s course dependant but on my English degree some students did essays instead of exams due to health issues.

I also used to revise by ‘teaching’ my topic to someone else (usually my poor husband) is there a way you can do this? It may help the revision/confidence and loneliness aspect?

Could you not ask for alternative assessment if you have anxiety while taking exams?

Are the resits on the same day or in the same week? If it's the same week you won't be able to do anything about it. If it's the same week it might be worth contacting someone - it may be that no one's realised it. They might not be able to change it (exam timetabling is a nightmare) but they might try.

I'd doubt there would be alternative arrangements, resits imo are normally scheduled for a week and are a nightmare to schedule because you only have one or two students per exam. You've already had longer to revise than your course mates so not sure why it's unfair.

It sounds like you need to speak to someone for this level of reaction. Your uni should offer some support even if you are distance learning.