school, tests and work

I just don't get it I know I have ADD but is that whats making me fail. I took this econ class twice and both times I failed I knew the material probably still to this date. My teacher was very confused because my test scores were way too low and I passed my quizzes. I would have him help me study before a test I mean I did so much and got nothing. So one day I went to talk to him about a test score so he started asking me questions that I missed on the test. I had no idea what he was doing but I answered them and got the right answers so he told me it was time I went to the school counselor. I knew the answers but I was so anxious to get it done on time I wouldn't read the question correctly. So I missed all of them. Idk if anyone has the same problem but I don't want to feel like I'm special and taken out of a test. any suggestions

((lokipooh)) I had alot of the same worries when i started college too. Going to a counsellor DOES NOT mean that they will put a neon stamp or tatoo of **SPECIAL** on your forehead for the time that you are in school. That glows. In the dark. And never comes off.

Really, i'm serious.

My issue is depression and GAD not ADD so what happened to me is kinda the opposite to you: I could not talk in class at all, and would spend a long time on tests and quizzes that others would breeze through in 1/2 hour. I could complete essays/reports/papers well...except they were all late. Again and again professors were like "This would be perfect (10/10), and you are very articulate, but its always LATE. What is going on?" For me, i was (and still am) overanalysing and doubting every word i write down. I could spend forever on a multiple-choice test, i dont know why people think they are easy... When i talked to a counsellor at school about it - in a "I'M GOING TO FAIL I AM SO BAD I AM SO STUPID!!!" way - among other things, she was able to support me so i could do well. Specifically, i got assessed and did tests on how i learned and figured out what my strenghts and weaknesses were. The results were assembiled as a letter (CONFIDENTIALITY RULES ARE FOLLOWED) that i hand to each professor. Each letter is unique to each student assessed. These letters - ACADEMIC ACCOMODATIONS - can:
-allow for extra time on tests
-allow for extra time with assignments
-allow for extra space to do exams (in a test-specific centre, instead of just in the lecture hall with everyone else)
-allow for additional technological supports

CONFIDENTIALITY RULES ARE FOLLOWED, so you are not telling your professor "i have *this* problem and need help, otherwise i am dumb". My school counsellor put it this way: "Many students are not as impeded by issues that would hinder their success. Many students can struggle through the status quo okay. Many other students - in a variety of ways - do benefit from extra support to succeed. Our supports are avaliable to each student as needed to provide a level playing field". She also went on to tell me to consider examples of students with physical impairments - would it be fair to give the same basic test to a student that is visually impaired? No. Would it be fair to ignore someone that is hearing impaired and just continue on and on and on with a 3 hour lecture, with them struggling in the back row? No. While the stigma of mental illnesses exist in many other parts of society, education is one area where - imo - improvements have been made.

The fact that a professor recognizes that you may need extra support and does not appear to look down at you at all - he/she could have just been like "whatever, this student doesn't make sence, fine ima fail them, NEXT!" - can be additional encouragement. Getting help is not a bad thing. You know the stuff! School Counsellors at colleges/universities, like other T's, can sort through the other stuff we deal with in cool and unique ways, that could just be like a window opening - finally air can circulate ! It could be as simple as one appointment to learn to take a deep breath before starting each question on a test...it could be something else entirely You never know unless you try... And again, unless you are going to harm yourself/others/property, CONFIDENTIALITY RULES STILL APPLY. I will have to check all the fine print to be sure (because i don't remember it all off the top of my head), but you will still graduate with the same degree/diploma/certificate - its not going to have a **SPECIAL** star or marking on it (or come out with purple stripes for some reason in a different pile than everyone else). You are going to still have to do the same work as everyone else - just in a different way - but should lead to the best result to benefit you.

Hope this all helps...sorry if its A LOT...