How to cope with exam failure?
Regardless of how hard you study and how prepared you are, almost everyone eventually flunks an exam. No one enjoys failing. However, unfortunately, failure is an inevitable part of life and it’s something everyone has to learn to deal with.
No matter how old you are, the feeling of failing an exam can be very upsetting, even though it’s not the end of the world. This is why we’ve prepared a quick guide to show you some tips and tricks to properly cope with exam failure.
Figure out what went wrong
There’s no denying that failing an exam can be a tough pill to swallow, but before you beat yourself up too much, it’s important to take a step back and figure out what went wrong. Only then can you start to make a plan for how to cope with the situation and move forward.
Start by looking back on the exam. Did you spend enough time preparing? Did you get a good night's sleep the night before? Were there other extenuating circumstances that made it more difficult? Figuring out what went wrong is the first step to improving your grade. Whatever the outcome, it’s important not to dwell on the past for too long. Instead, focus on what you can do to improve your chances of passing the next exam. This might mean studying more diligently, seeking extra help from a tutor or taking a different exam altogether.
Make a study plan
After figuring out what went wrong last time, it’s time to focus on your next opportunity. Take a few days off to clear your mind and start off fresh. In order to ensure you’ll manage, start your test preparation early and create a study plan to follow. Set specific goals that are easy to keep up with and track.
As far as the preparation itself goes, that will vary depending on the exam and your study style. However, there are plenty of general tips you can use. First, review exam material frequently leading up to the test, so it's fresh in your mind, and take practice quizzes to gauge your knowledge. If you can, find a study buddy who is also taking the exam; you can review the material together and help each other out.
Take a break and seek out support
One of the best ways to deal with the disappointment of failing an exam is to seek out supportive friends and family members. Who usually helps you stay positive? Who encourages you to keep going regardless of the obstacles? These are exactly the type of people you need to surround yourself with to push through.
After that, make sure to take some time away from studying and relax instead. Although relaxing after failing an exam might seem counterintuitive, giving yourself a couple of days off can help you or your child reset mentally.. Remember, it’s not the end of the world. `So relax for a bit, recharge your batteries, and you’ll be ready to start over again!
Find a personal tutor
If you’re struggling to realise what went wrong or simply can’t seem to understand the material, maybe it’s time to seek professional help. Booking a couple of lessons with a private test prep tutor can be the perfect solution. TutorExtra offers a wide variety of lessons in over 1000 subjects, so regardless if you’re struggling with maths, geography or coding, we’ve got you covered.
Browse through our website, find the right tutor nearby that suits your needs and book a lesson! Here you can find everything you need to know about your first lesson.
