How to Cope with Disappointing Exam Results

It is understandable to feel disappointed that the A level exam results were not as expected. Aside from the worry and stress, you might also have to deal with pressure from family members, friends, and schoolmates. Therefore, it is not unusual to feel confused and lost about what you should do next because you know that you cannot enter the college or university you have in mind.

Although it is difficult to accept, getting lower marks in some subjects happens to many people. And there are many successful people today who had to retake their A Levels, such as Sir Richard Branson, Simon Cowell, Benedict Cumberbatch, Guy Ritchie, and J.K. Rowling. So, it is not the end of the world for you. While disappointing results affect your self-esteem, you should have the motivation to do better because you have other options.

To help you cope, here are some ideas.

Ways to cope with disappointing test results

Feeling disappointed when you did not get the expected test results is a normal reaction. But what you do next to deal with disappointment matters, which will improve your resilience and determination.

1. Give yourself time to think

It is vital in the coping process to give yourself some time to come to terms with the unexpected exam results. After feeling shocked and upset, you start the healing process. Do not allow yourself to stay in self-pity mode for a long time. Motivate yourself to move past the disappointment and learn from it.

2. Find new opportunities to learn

If you are keen to pursue higher education and get into the university of your choice, an excellent option is to retake A levels. Hopefully, you only need to retake one or two subjects. Rather than feeling pessimistic about the exam results, view the situation as your chance to learn more and do better at exam time.  

3. Know your options

You have several options if your  A level exam results are not to your liking. If you are unsure about what course you want to pursue but want to enter university, one option is to apply for the available courses in Clearing, but make sure you choose one that will fit your capability. As we mentioned above, you can opt to resit so you can select the course you like when you reapply to the university you dream of entering. You can resit at your school, go into college or sixth form, or study online.

4. Give yourself some TLC

Dealing with disappointment affects you mentally, emotionally, and physically. You can recover quickly by making sure that you take care of yourself. The method does not need devices and equipment. Get enough sleep, talk to someone, eat nutritious food, and participate in activities that allow you to move and socialise. It is about improving your mood and learning to face challenges because you need that when you enter university.

It might be challenging to handle the disappointment of getting lower marks in your exam results, but you need to learn to get over it and approach things with a better perspective. Giving yourself time to accept the disappointment and rise above it is the first thing you should do.