Feeling lost after results? How to get back on track

Receiving exam results can feel like a major life change for many students, as there is a lot of anticipation and anxiety associated with this event and with what awaits them in the future. When exam results do not meet a student’s expected standards, often times the student will experience sufficient distress to become confused and anxious about their entire future. This behavior is the norm, as many other variables exist to describe changes in your life than exam results; your future will not depend solely on your exam results. You have a fair distance to go to reach your future and, therefore, plenty of opportunity to reflect on your lifetime until after you have received your test scores from the exam.

Don't be ashamed to be upset. Don't be ashamed to be unhappy. Do not shut away from your feelings. Instead, find ways to express them. You will want to give yourself some time to sit with your own thoughts, speak with a trusted individual, and take a break from all the noise around you so that you will be in a much better position to clearly and rationally consider any further course of action. If you make decisions quickly based on strong emotions, you typically are left with more confusion than when you first had the strong emotions.

Next, begin to consider other possibilities. Many students today think there is only one 'correct way' to progress through school, which couldn't be further from the truth. Nowadays, there are numerous career choices available compared to when you were last looking. Successful career paths can be created by all candidates regardless of acceptance into their desired field. You need to choose a degree program based on how you view yourself, your abilities, and/or hobbies and seek guidance from someone who has the relevant experience (family members, teachers, or guidance counselors) to provide some additional resources you have not considered. This group may help you to identify potential career paths beyond what you have thought about.

It is equally important for you to refrain from comparing yourself to others. The era of comparing constantly can place a great deal pressure on someone when they see others in their age group being successful. Each person's path is different, and while some achieve success quicker than others, that is acceptable as well.
You can develop your own academics by creating a foundation of basic study habits as part of a well-thought-out schedule. Keeping your mind focused while going through the various work routines in the day may enable you to achieve your goals. The combination of persistence and consistency will provide you with all that you need to get things done.

Manish Mohta, President, TIE