I cannot finish exam papers

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I rarely finish exam papers, yet I get As and Bs, often better than my peers or the same even though they finish the paper. Although, my school expects me to get As and A*s but I just cannot finish the papers - it's not due to the speed of which I write at, it's due to thinking about the question, processing it and then writing it down, which takes me longer to do than my peers. Most of the time I know the answers, it's just that it takes me longer to process the question and think of the answer - any suggestions on how I can overcome this?

Thank you in advance to those who reply.

It's my guess that practically everyone on this forum has the same exact problem.

You may already do this, but if you don't, try --

Breaking everything down into threes -- Three sentences within three paragraphs, etc. If there's some way to make it finite, that might help you narrow down the essay exam more. You can tack on an introductory and closing paragraph as well, that basically restates your three points

I have the same problem, with exams, school work and homework. Schoolwork and exams, mostly because sometimes the noise is too loud, or because it takes time for me to analize what is expected and what's asked. For homework, because it takes time for me to analize it and because it's also hard for me to sit down and do something I'm not really interested in for long periods of time...

do you get testing accomodations from the disability department

i dont know how it works in the UK ( where i see u r from) but in the US is you qualify you can get get testing accomodations which usually mean an extended amount of time ( sometime 1 and 1/2 time sometimes double time )

I will be doing past exam papers in the forthcoming weeks - therefore I will try your method, as it's ordered and not confusing.



I have the same problem with homework and schoolwork, mostly for the reasons you have stated. Moreover, I would gladly do a one thousand word essay on geology for example, as I am very interested in it.



I'm currently in the process of getting a formal diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome and I'm waiting for a referral to the psychologist, for assessment. Recently, I received an informal diagnosis of AS from the doctor who has referred me to CAMHS; she said that the most likely diagnosis I will receive will be Aspergers with a co-morbid of OCD and possibly anxiety. Once I receive a formal diagnosis, which will be in six months at the latest, I will still have exams coming up so I will be able to apply for extra time in the exams.

In the UK (at least up until college) you can get 25% extra time.

I have had this same problem but in the end I just read the question a few times, jot down a 30 second plan and write what comes to my head. You should practice planning essays so that you have a better idea of when to move onto your conclusion. I've had this same problem but I make sure that I at least write a conclusion. If it's not an essay-based exam then just move onto the next question if your focusing too much on it and then go back. It says that your 15 so I'm guessing you have a mixture of both.

I have three aspie friends, who receive 25% extra time. It makes all the difference towards getting the A in the exam. I have a mixture of both types of exams, although I find the non-essay exams easier.

I've tried that method on a Biology exam I took on Friday, and I managed to finish most of the paper.

I have been able to finish exam essay questions with no problem at all. I just graduated here from George Mason and one of my final exams had a few short essay questions which I answered pretty well and quick. I have had accommodations for exams with time and half of course but even with that I always managed to finish within the regular time limit. Thinking about the question is alright and everything. Here is a suggestion that may or may not work for everyone (disclaimer since we have different learning styles) is to think about the question while writing your answer. It could easily help you get on track for your response to the question.

That sounds a lot like me. ^^

If I try the groups of 3 thing, or anything to formally preplanned, I sometimes feel too constrained, and get agitated. This is fine for longer papers not done at tests, where I have plenty of time, on the scale of weeks, and you're expected to have very nice papers, but not for exams. .___. I wouldn't be able to plan it out in time.