For what it's worth, circa 2004, I saw no indication that sections were based much on anything but random selection. We had a full gamut of prior test scores and abilities in our classroom.
As for advice to the OP, I was not in your shoes but had classmates who were. The worst thing you can do is worry about remaining in said rut. I saw people struggle and fail out, people struggle and make it through by the skin on their teeth, and others breeze though like the whole thing was nothing.
Someone else already mentioned it, but take advantage of your classmates and the afterhours instructor staff. Find a few buddies to study with. You will all help each other in some way or another. I mentored a classmate who struggled and found it rewarding for us both. Take extra study time, even if you feel you don't need it. Ask questions.
While I say that, you must still manage time to relax and not worry yourself into a pit of despair. That will only make a failure worse and likely result in more of them. Do what you can to recover and move on with a fresh and positive attitude to the next exam material. I can assure you with the right attitude and perseverance, a failure today does not always indicate the certainty of one tomorrow.
Good luck to you! 👍
