Reaction to results
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Not got the results you expected? Are your parents giving you a hard time? Have your friends done better than you? Read our tips on how to cope.
Results are in
The papers are full of stories of students doing better than ever. If however you didn’t do as well as expected then you might have a whole load of different emotions to deal with. Remember it is never as bad as it seems at first!
First reaction
It is totally natural to feel upset when you first meet with disappointment. Try to find a friend to talk to, or, if your family are sympathetic, chat to them. You could also go to see a teacher or school counsellor.
However try not to wallow too much. Get your head together, take a few deep breaths and step into action.
Get practical
If your next step was university then read our article on clearing. 30,000 prospective students who didn’t get the results they expected still get into university through this system. It could be you!
Whether you have just taken your A-levels, GCSEs or Diploma, you may have an option to retake some or all of your exams or course work.
Remember if you need more advice you can contact Connexions – you don’t need to go through this alone! Also, read about your options after A-levels for more practical information.
Parental stress
Dealing with the reaction of your parents might add to your stress. At first they might be disappointed which is a natural reaction. Try to keep your cool and ride the storm.
When things have settled down a bit, why not sit down and discuss what you think went wrong? More often than not parents will calm down and do what parents do best – be there for you!
Be honest
Before you decide what steps to take next, it might also be worth taking a look at what went wrong.
Perhaps the subjects you chose were not the right ones? Were they too academic? Maybe you are better off with more practical or vocational subjects?
Perhaps you simply didn’t do enough revision? If so, ask yourself why. Again perhaps you were not interested in the subjects you chose.
Sometimes students can revise too much! If you took on too much you might have become bored or even stressed and overloaded.
Exams are not the only route to success! It could be that exams are just not for you. If so, why not see your results as the opportunity you need to start figuring out what you really want to do. Have a look at the careers section for ideas.
There for you
Are your classmates celebrating straight As? It can be tough, especially if they are going to parties and celebrating without you.
Try to avoid comparing yourself to them. There are a whole load of reasons why they might have done better than you. Perhaps they chose subjects more suited to them or they had more time for revision. Everyone’s circumstances are different and comparing yourself will not help you decide what to do next.
Instead be happy for them. They will appreciate the fact that you can still be pleased for them and this will strengthen the friendship. It can also mean that they are there to support you as you decide what to do next.
If your friends start to brag around you or are negative or rude about your results, ignore them. No real friends are so unsupportive.
More importantly you need your energy and time for yourself now so you can decide what’s best for you.
No winners or losers
Did you know that even Estelle Morris failed her A-levels? That didn’t stop her from becoming the Secretary of State for Education!
Remember that what makes you the person you are, are not your grades. You are not a loser because you failed or did less well than you hoped. Neither is getting straight A’s a guarantee that you will sail through life. It’s how you deal with the good and bad situations that come your way that makes you a stronger and more rounded person.
