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I desperately need advice - having a mini existential crisis

I busted my ass and stayed late most nights, despite having small children, to study for my first Genetics exam this last Friday. From the moment it was mentioned in lecture I started studying dilligently. I'm planning to graduate this semester and go to graduate school for an MS in the field and lab that I've been doing research in most of my undergrad. I'm scheduled to take over and run the lab this Spring, in fact. But I have to pass Genetics first, because it is a degree requirement.

I failed my first exam. (Well, a D, but basically the same thing at my school; a C- is also not a passing grade). Apparently this class is the second most difficult course at my university, behind Evolution. My university is very heavy in the sciences so second place is saying something :( 

I am completely devastated. I felt so good about the exam too, I did some hardcore study sessions with one of the TA's of the class/friend, and she is an incredible teacher. I just dont understand what I did wrong... should I hold off on graduation by giving up the class and try taking it again later? That sounds depressing and is totally the opposite of what I want to do. I'm just really concerned that I'm one of the people who just wont 'get it', and also that test was covering the easiest material of the semester.. what should I do? I have consistent contact with the professor as well, but at this point there isnt anything she would be able to do; believe me, I've been pestering her since the semester began. I dont really have many other resources available to me. Does anyone have any advice? Could I come back from the failing of the first exam in a class like this? Thanks reddit.


Update, for anyone interested: I got my exam back today and I definitely got these answers wrong; i think it had a lot to do with me going into the exam knowing how tricky her questions would be, and I overthought the questions too much. I met with my genetics professor, and met with my PI. My PI takes very good care of me and our relationship is closely similar to father/daughter, just in a professional sense. Does that even make sense? Either way, he isnt too concerned yet, and his opinion matters to me the most. (He had a "you'll do much better next time" kind of attitude; but then again, he has invested in me for the last three years as an undergrad, and now he is relying on me to officially take the lab over in Spring, so he expects me to do better next time, no questions asked). 

My genetics professor and I actually have a rather candid mom-to-mom relationship outside of class, since our kids are in and will continue to be in the same class throughout elementary school (which is an interesting dynamic to navigate right now). She sat with me for a while in her office and we didn't discuss specific questions, we discussed more proficient methods of absorbing the information and ways of organizing it. She definitely wants to help me.. actually everyone I have been studying with and getting help from this past week has been so supportive and helpful.. I've gotten so many tips and different study methods from so many different people today; friends in class, TA of class/friend, genetics professor, three or four graduate students I know in various fields, and my PI have all said basically the same thing.

Study smarter, you've got this.


So I will try! If anyone else has any study tips I would love to hear them!!
gpt
Sorry to hear this. Maybe start by looking over your exam. It could be due to something as simple as the prof entering the wrong grade or you marking the wrong bubbles in on a scantron if you missed a question. Review your answers with the TA and ask for clarification. Then maybe you can reassess?