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What to Do After a Failed Test | Actionable Tips

We all have to take tests each semester once or more. Exams account for a significant portion of education. Besides, it is part of the career of professionals such as physicians and accounting professionals all through their careers. A single test can mean the difference between preserving a chance and jeopardizing one’s career. Preferably, we would ace any exam. However, that is not the case. Because there is an excellent chance that one may fail too. To be honest, we all have been there. You might have studied extremely hard. But unfortunately, you could not get your target grades. Thus, if you could not get the results that you had expected or you have failed, here are a few things to help you keep going even after a bad test.

What to Do After a Failed Test

Almost every university or college student fails a course at some point during their academic career.  Failing grades happen whether you forget to study or simply do not understand the material. well enough  Sounds relevant? If so, what should you do if you get a low test score?

Do not Panic

A poor grade can be shocking if you have always done well in school. However, it can come as a shock even if you have not been well. Besides, there is no doubt that expectations rise in college exponentially. Therefore, many freshers struggle to keep up during the initial years of college.

So, early a quarter of first-year students chose not to return to college for their sophomore year

That is why, if you fail a test, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Rather than panicking or spiraling into test anxiety, try taking a deep breath. Failing grades are part of the college experience. Besides, an F on a test can help educate you a lot if you are open to learning.

Besides, it is natural to be disheartened when things do not go as planned. However, keep in mind that this is just one of many exams you will take throughout your academic career. In addition, always remember that it does not portray who you are or what you have managed to learn. 

Furthermore, when you are stressed about the exam results, try different mindfulness techniques and meditation exercises to help you relax. Besides, remember that we all go through that experience at least once.

Carefully Review Your Test

The best way to determine your deficiencies and strengths is to go over your test results. Find out whether you lost points because you could not show your work. Or was it necessary to include more illustrations in your writings?

Besides, it is also probable that you will find a mistake in your score. In a few instances, your professor might add up the total incorrectly. However, avoid scouring your exam for every opportunity to gain an extra point.

When asked, many lecturers will regrade your test, but they also have the authority to reduce your original score. With that being said, take some and review your paper carefully to find possible gaps.

Make an Actionable Plan

One of the hardest things is receiving back your test paper and finding out that you have not scored well enough on the test. However, things do not end up there.

As we mentioned before, take your time and calm yourself down. Then, review your test paper and find out where you need to improve. Once you do so, start making an actionable plan to enhance your next test’s grades.

The rule of thumb is to take your test as an assignment. So, dissect your test paper, analyze it carefully, and draw useful data from it.

Your test score provides useful feedback on your study skills and class readiness. It also tells you whether you spent more time studying a concept that did not appear on the exam and not enough time studying the content that did.

 Many students excel in one area but struggle in another. Therefore, understanding your flaws can help you decide what to do differently the next time.

Thus, you should drill the key terms more or concentrate on writing a strong thesis statement. 

Contact Your Professor

Visit your professor during office hours as soon as possible after receiving your test. But first, make sure that you have carefully reviewed your failed test and bring it with you.

Also, plan your approach to office hours. You will get nowhere if you insist on a higher grade or complain that you should not have failed. Rather, concentrate on making preparations for the next exam.

Inquire with your professor about how to work on improving for the next test. And see if they have any suggestions for audit sheets, study guides, or study groups. Also, inquire whether you can email them questions while studying for the exam.

Attending office hours can be daunting, especially if you have never done so before. However, most professors want to see you succeed and are willing to talk about different study methods with you.

Prepare for Your Next Test

A failed test can be devastating. It may even cause exam anxiety for the following exam. But try to keep your eyes on the prize that is mastering the material and trying to earn your degree.

Instead of moping around, get ready for the next test. Use the new study methods you managed to learn during office hours or by deconstructing your previous exam.

Set aside more time to study for the exam and participate in any review sessions offered by your professor. During your review sessions, professors frequently drop hints about the material that will appear on the next test.

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