In college, there’s really nothing worse than bombing a big exam, especially if you actually prepared for it. You may think you did pretty well too, until your grade comes back a week later and suddenly your day goes from good to ruined. It is just a rough feeling, especially because now you know you’re going to have to work harder. Here’s some things you can do after getting bodied by an exam:
One of the things that always helps me is to just relax. It may feel like a huge deal when you see that poor grade come through, but you have to realize you can’t do anything about it now. I always try to get it out of my head as fast as possible. You can’t change what already happened, but you can improve for the future. So for now, just chill and try not to let it bring you down.
Another thing you should do, if you actually care enough, is to try and figure out what went wrong. Usually, you know that you didn’t go to class, or you didn’t study enough. But what happens if you knew you were prepared, and then still do bad? When this happens, I immediately go to the professor. Most of the time I know it’s on me, like yeah, I probably shouldn’t have gone out the past two nights instead of studying. But when it’s not my fault and I actually do prepare, then something’s definitely up. Like maybe I’m just really not understanding the material. Time to get some help my friend.
Last thing I can say is, try and remember how minute 1 exam is in the big scheme of things. Yes, it can set you back and may even be the reason why you have to retake a class, or worse. But most of the time, it’s really not the end of the world. Unless you’re one of those freaks who’s like never gotten a B, there’s no need to stress.
