How to deal with disappointment after receiving exam results
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Receiving exam results can be a nerve wracking day full of emotions and can also be overwhelming in a number of different ways. One being of complete joy, another disappointment, or possibly somewhere in the middle.
If you didn't quite get the results you were hoping for, as a counselling service, we’re about overcoming difficult moments in our lives and bouncing back - especially when things don't go exactly how you planned.
There are ways you can get through disappointment or let downs, it starts with staying calm. It may seem like it at first, but it’s not the end of the world so don't panic. Take some time out to think about what your options are and don't jump into making any decisions that haven't been thought out fully.
Get advice from others such as your family as most likely each person you speak to will have different opinions and ideas gained through experiences of their own, so listen. In the end it’s your decision and you have to choose based on what you know is best for you. And if you get upset, angry or emotional, don’t hide how you are feeling. You are allowed to show your feelings and to let it all out as it is not healthy to keep you emotions bottled up.
And sometimes, having a good old cry can help.
Just because something hasn't gone the way you wanted, realise your dream isn't over. If you didn't get the results you were hoping for but are still set on pursuing the same course, be encourage to get in contact with the college or university you’d like to study at. Explain to themyour situation and ask if you can still be considered or if there are alternative routes into the course - there is no harm in asking, and you could be surprised!
You should also consider other options. Sometimes disappointing results can lead you to new and exciting opportunities you didn't think of before. This could be a different course, taking a gap year, or getting a work placement - there are endless amounts of new and exciting options out there for you, so don't be disheartened or uninspired.
“When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.” - Ellen DeGeneres
And know, if you were to ask a room full of people what success is, most likely, each person would tell you something different. Success is whatever you make it.
Speaking from my own experience, I did well in school, and even completed a HNC during that time and went onto university after, but began to struggle at the beginning of year two. May exams came, and having other personal circumstances at the time to deal as well only added to the stress. I realised this learning environment wasn't for me and decided no matter the result, I would not be continuing. Safe to say I didn't get great results and would either have to re-do the modules the next year alongside the semester ones (which would be way too much to handle) or re-take the semester. Not only did I leave uni, but I left feeling downhearted, and feeling I had disappointed my family. And although I didn't think I’d be able to take the first steps into my dream career without the degree, months later I have a placement doing exactly that. It has made me realise that it’s not the end of the world if things don't go right.
Kathleen
