Ask HN: About Computer Science Testing

I am a college student who has recently been discouraged by some of the exams in one of my computer science courses.

The problem that I am facing is receiving mediocre grades (C- through C+) on my first two exams. Though I feel I grasp the material and understand the concepts I have not done well on the testing.

On the other hand I have gotten near perfect grades on the projects.

I am wavering between encouraged and discouraged and don't really know which is appropriate. Any insight would be appreciated.