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¹û¶³Ó°Ôº examÌýand assessmentÌýresults will be notifiedÌýshortlyÌýand, as you await your results,Ìýsome of you may be experiencing a whole range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety and stress.

Receiving a low or disappointingÌýmark can feel like one of theÌýbiggest disappointments in the world. You might get a sinking feeling, wondering if you are unsuccessful because you didn't get the result you hoped for. You may think that you are bad at your chosen subject and even be tempted to give upÌýon your studies completely. However, many university students receive a dissapointing mark at some point. This does not make you unsuccessful, and it is what you do next that really matters.Ìý

“You can't let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you.
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý- BarackÌýObama

How to learn from a low or disappointing mark

Everyone experiences disappointment at some pointÌýin their lives. Dealing with this is part of being human, and you should use the experience as an opportunity to work on your weaknessesÌýand toÌýhelp you grow.ÌýManaging this can help you learn how to manage disappointment,Ìýto be kind and compassionate to yourself and others, and to develop resilience.ÌýIn that sense, these situationsÌýcan be turned into positive experiences, opportunitiesÌýto think again, and perhaps even a chance to refocus and take a different or new direction.

Sometimes, if we don’t succeed at something, it is because it wasn’t really right for us or in line with our priorities and true values. At other times, we failÌýbecause there were things going on in our lives at the time that interfered with our capacity to succeed.

To deal proactively withÌýan unsuccessful exam or low marks:

Don’t panicÌý– take a deep breath and try to stay calm. You mayÌýhave an opportunity to take a re-sitÌýor alternative exams. However, you will need to identify your strengths and weaknesses and start makingÌýa plan for the resits or next set of exams.

Learn from itÌý– hindsight allowsÌýyou a fresher and more realistic perspective, so look for and identify anyÌýpositive paths open to you? If you’re struggling to find your way and wish to talk to someone, you can always get in touch with an adviser fromÌýStudent Support and Wellbeing at ourÌýsame-day appointments. TheseÌýsessions enable you to speak to a trained adviser in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space via phone, video call or Microsoft Teams chat.Ìý

Bounce backÌý– turn that disappointment intoÌýmotivation. This can mean being creative with solutions, and thinking broadly and freshly about your future and where you are going.

Know that you are not a failureÌý– remember, you are not defined by an exam, or any one thing in your life. Not passing an exam does NOT mean you are a failure or that youÌýare a lesserÌýperson.

If you do find yourself in crisis, then please reach out for help. Crisis support information can be found on the Student Support and Wellbeing website.

Support available from Student Support and Wellbeing

If you received a low mark or were unsuccessful in an exam,ÌýStudent Support and WellbeingÌýhasÌýsupport available, includingÌýappointments with advisers. Call us on +44 (0)20 3108 8836Ìýto make an appointment to speak with an adviser.

´¡±ô³Ù±ð°ù²Ô²¹³Ù¾±±¹±ð±ô²â,Ìýsubmit an enquiry via ask¹û¶³Ó°Ôº. We will contact you to make an appointment, which can be via video call, phone call, or Microsoft Teams chat.

Dr Barry Keane, Student Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS)