Do you have anxiety about your exam results?
While it’s normal to feel worried about your exam results, it’s not good for your mental health if you’re feeling extremely anxious or stressed. As you wait for your results to drop through the mailbox, try to make sure you:
- Take time out from worrying and do something you enjoy to distract yourself.
- Pat yourself on the back. Remind yourself daily that you have tried your best.
- Avoid second-guessing how you performed in the exam. Don’t beat yourself up if you think you made mistakes. You can’t change the past, but you can commit to looking to the future and reminding yourself that stressing over past mistakes isn’t helpful.
- Avoid comparing your performance with your friends. Have faith and focus fully on yourself.
What If I Fail?
It’s completely normal to feel upset and panicked if you fail an exam. You may also feel disheartened, angry, lost, and worried about your future, especially if you’ve failed to achieve the grades you needed to get into college or uni. You’re probably feeling extremely upset and asking yourself, ‘What do I now?’
It might not feel like it right now, but exams aren’t everything. Yes, they’re important, but so are life skills and work experience. While you might not have the grades you needed for your original chosen path, you can go in a different direction, pick up some new skills along the way, and return to your original path at a later date.
Exam Appeals
Remember, you can appeal your result if you feel you have been unfairly marked. Talk to your teacher about any grades you wish to appeal to get advice on whether you’re likely to get a positive result through the appeals process.
This process is free. To learn more about appeals, click here.
College/Uni
If you don’t get the grades you need for your university course, you may be able to find an alternative with lower entry requirements through clearing.
Alternatively, why not look at potential college courses instead? The right course can help you achieve the grade you need for uni, should you wish to try applying again in a year or two.
Talk to your career advisor at school to get help with choosing a new course. They can help guide you on an alternative path to getting the degree you want.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great way to train and learn while getting paid. Many trades offer apprenticeships – ask around at local plumbers, joiners and electrician companies or hand in your CV. Local councils and government also offer apprenticeship positions. Click here to find more information.
Gap Year
You could also take a year out to work and to gather valuable life skills and work experience. Spend a year living your life and learning more about the working world before deciding whether you want to return to study or to continue with employment. You could also sign up to do some voluntary week, which will add value to your CV. Remember, life is flexible and there are many routes you can take. All is not lost.
