Failing an exam can feel like the end of the world. However, it’s important to note that a lot of smart people have also experienced the pain of flunking an exam but overcame it without any long-term repercussions.
If you fail an exam, you can move past it by figuring out why you failed, learning the steps that make it possible to overcome it, then taking action to make it happen.
Take Time to Be Upset
Look, you messed up, and you’re mad. You’re probably sad, angry, embarrassed, and a few emotions that you’re trying to let go off and feel all at once. It’s okay. You’re supposed to be sad that you failed. However, avoid being embarrassed because being open is going to help you overcome it even more than hiding it.
Do Something Fun
Before even worrying about what to do now, go ahead and give yourself permission to do something fun that uplifts you. Go for a stroll in nature, take a bike ride, or go to a movie. Do whatever it is that comforts you and helps you feel like yourself.
Understand It’s Not Over
There are no exams that are fatal if you fail them. There is always a way, even if at first it seems like the end to overcome and turn it around. You may have to take a semester over again, you may have to spend money, but you can study up and do it again.
Put It in Perspective
One exam is not the end of the world. If your other grades are good, often one exam won’t even cause you to fail the class. If it’s a certification exam and you failed, it’s okay; you will take it again, and you’ll do even more. You’ll also learn more than the ones who passed it the first time.
Figure Out Why You Failed
It’s easy to blame instructors, the test, and other things, but the truth is, find out the cause of failure that you have control over. For example, you may need to study more, or in a different way, and you may need foundation courses to improve your skills. Each situation is different.
Decide to Fix the Issue
Once you know why, you can now fix the issue. You’ll need to choose to fix it and devise a plan for success. Remember that you want to do something different from what you did before you failed the exam. Trying something new is the best way to fix it.
Be with Supportive People
Failing an exam can elicit all sorts of feelings of inadequacy, failure, fear, and more. Find the people who make you feel good about yourself and make plans with them that have nothing to do with the test, but also with people who can help you do better next time.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask those in power for help. You never know what they can do for you to help you recover from exam failure. Whether you’re studying for a simple test or new licensing, there is always someone out there who is an expert that can give you information to help.
Failing an exam is not fatal. It might cost you money. It might cost you time. However, there is almost always a way to do it over again and come out of the situation better for it. There is always a lesson to learn from failure and if you learn it, you’ll set yourself up for more success than you ever thought possible.
