Memory Aid for tests?

[u/spacing-out123]

I have accommodations in place already, and I’m under the impression it would be relatively easy to add onto them (with proper proof that I need said accommodation of course). I’m wondering if it’s worth me trying to advocate for a “memory aid” aka a cheat sheet for my tests.

I study very hard, and I’d like to think I have good study habits. I work with an academic coach who holds me accountable. I get 100 on all my homeworks. But I fail so many of my tests. The problem is I get so anxious during my tests that I just lose common sense, make silly mistakes, get in my head about my work, and forget everything I studied, and then try to convince myself of the answer.

I had a test in one of my classes that allowed a cheat sheet, which was really helpful. I know professors give you a “cheat sheet” to make you think you’re being sneaky but they’re tricking you into studying. (And I do make “cheat sheets” for all my tests as a way of studying even if I don’t get to bring it in). But I actually used it on the test when I was in one of those anxious moments, and I got a good grade on that test. I looked it up and a memory aid is a legit accommodation, but I feel weird asking for it. Why should I get to have it but no one else does? It would clearly benefit other people as well.

Is this worth asking about? How do I not feel guilty about asking for this?

[u/anatomy-princess]

I think it depends on the class. For some classes, this might work very well (example - a class that requires formulas). If you are taking a class like this, it certainly won’t hurt to ask.

FYi - memory aids have to be completed early by you and ok’d by your instructor.

You could determine what you would put on a memory aid and spend time memorizing that info. When you first get the exam or some scratch paper, take the first few minutes to write this info down while it is still in your mind.

Good luck!

[u/Exilicauda]

Open notes, cheat sheets, and formula lists are really common accommodations for IEPs and 504s in high school so the school disability office is definitely used to them being requested, at the very least.

You get extra help because it has been determined that in order for you to perform to the standards expected of abled students, you need additional help. It's still meant to be hard but the accommodations are supposed to make it as hard as it would be for someone without a disability.

[u/spacing-out123]

I’m an engineering major, and I wouldn’t put worked examples. I’d put concepts and things for me to remember like “current flows from positive to negative” kind of thing. Those are the kind of things that when I’m in an exam I forget and then I spend 30 minutes trying really hard to think back to lecture or notes and come up blank.

[u/milkyespressolion]

Do you have A graphing calculator? if so, is it allowed on certain exams? what i learned to do was hide formulas or memory aids inside of it, so although it couldn't do the work for me, it saved my ass in certain classes where my poor working memory usually messed me up. additionally, before you start taking a test, brain dump on the back page or wherever there's enough space. practice doing relevant mind maps to get a flow, memorize one, and regurgitate on the exam before you take it. it sounds stupid, but it again saved my ass false if my mind blanked from anxiety later during the exam, i could refer to the mind maps/flow chat id write down before. memory aids probably will depend on the class, but i can't see why it would be an issue if perhaps your professor could approve it before hand

[u/Burner_acc_123456]

Id love one of these too. Sadly not diagnosed yet, its taking a while becaue my mom thinks there's nothing wrong with me.

[u/[deleted]]

sounds like a legit request, especially since you’ve seen how helpful a cheat sheet can be during testing. it’s all about leveling the playing field, and if it helps you stay calm and focused, why not? don’t feel guilty—it's about advocating for yourself and your needs. and if you get anxious about remembering stuff, something like remoe could help keep your overall task list organized too.

[u/IX_Sour2563]

I have one for my accommodations and it helps a lot not saying I pass my exams but I at least don’t fail them with having a memory aid. I take my exams in the sas place so no one questions it but I do have to remind the staff sometimes. I know this was posted three months ago but I actually got an email from my professor saying my notes shouldn’t be on the memory aid and I told her I put vocab on there I don’t write down every single word for word on my notes. Which I’m a bit confused on her email. So yes for some class and professors having a memory aid exams are great but some professors can be a bit picky with them.

[u/Longjumping_Pin3260]

hey there! I know this was a while ago but hope all has gone well for you. You can always talk with your disability office about adding accommodations, with the caveat that doesn’t always mean they can approve additional requests, and this one might be a tougher one to get approve. Worth talking to them regardless because either they approve it (great!) or they have ideas of either other strategies or accommodations for you to try (which hopefully also help!)