What to do if you did badly for your examinations?

It’s not a pleasant thing to receive a bad grade on your report card.

Some fear the impending scolding that will come after showing the results to their parents.

Some feel hopelessness after not having their efforts reflect in their results.

Others may find it hard to swallow that they have to retake another year.

So how does one recover from this setback?

View it as a Learning Opportunity, not a mistake.

If you don’t learn from a mistake, it is simply a mistake. If you do, it’s a learning opportunity.

The above perspective is something that will be important, not just in terms of academics but in life. Taking such a perspective ensures that you look forward and not back.

But what exactly do you learn from this?

Firstly, figure out if this has anything to do with conceptual understanding or applications.

Sometimes, mistakes can be made simply because you don’t understand what was being taught. Seek help to understand and take this holiday to do so before the rush of assignments come in when school reopens. This is usually a lesser issue and can be easily corrected.

One way that might work is to seek help from tutors such as those in ib lounge. Having been through the IB, they will be able to offer guidance and help.

Secondly, examine your studying habits.

Are you getting enough rest? Did you study sufficiently? Was there anything you could have done better? Reflecting on these questions can help you understand yourself better, particularly, how you study. It will also open up opportunities for you to improve your habits so you can improve next examination.

Thirdly, figure out about yourself.

Usually, we are told that doing well in examinations is a great priority, especially in traditional Asian families. And for good reason. Doing well opens doors (greater university choices for example). However, not doing well should not be an indication about ourselves. We should not feel like we are failures or less capable than those who do well. We have seen many students who are brilliant by their own merits and who work extremely hard but yet fall short of their expectations. In some cases, more hard work or doing more practise papers may not help.  

And what we are going to say is something that may be quite controversial but we’ll say it: Not everyone is inclined to do academically well. Some students are more gifted in drawing, dancing or even soft skills like communicating. Sometimes, it is important to find out what are your strengths and weaknesses are. This will help you to understand why you may not be doing as well as you might be expecting. And if this is the case, you may realise that your time hasn’t come.

But the time will eventually come.

We have seen many students flourish after graduating as they pursue their real passions and strengths. It’s really a beautiful thing to see.

So don’t give up hope. Maybe, it’s just not your time yet.

Try your best in your studies but also remember not to let it define whether you are a success or failure.

If you need help or advice for the IB programme or moving forward, reach out to us at contact@iblounge.org.