How do I get credit for the skills I already have? (performance vs ability)

If you can solve questions correctly when untimed but miss them on the test, your ability exceeds your performance. The gap is usually pacing, strategy, or anxiety. Focus on efficient time use and strategic skipping so your test score actually reflects what you know. Think of it like having money tied up in investments you can't access: until your pacing clicks, your content knowledge doesn't translate into points.