{"id":19914,"date":"2017-05-19T11:51:45","date_gmt":"2017-05-19T15:51:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/?p=19914"},"modified":"2021-05-21T12:34:04","modified_gmt":"2021-05-21T16:34:04","slug":"boost-grade-after-failing-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/boost-grade-after-failing-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Boost Your Grade After Failing an Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>*Updated April 20, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry if you failed an exam; you can grow from this. I know, it sounds like I\u2019m your best friend giving you the textbook response, but failing an exam, especially at the beginning of the term, most likely won\u2019t be that catastrophic. There are many simple ways to get your grades back on track, if you set your mind to it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are six steps to boost your grade after failing an exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/How-To-Boost-Your-Grade-After-Failing-An-Exam-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51737\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>[divider]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Cope with failure<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you didn\u2019t spend enough time <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/category\/student-resources\/ace-academics\/study-tips\/\">studying<\/a> or are taking a class outside of your comfort zone and legitimately can\u2019t grasp the information, we all deserve some time to feel sorry for ourselves. Truthfully, failing an exam is just a speed bump in life. It happens to everyone, and it can even motivate you to study harder for the remainder of the term, thus forcing you to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/study-tips-retain-information\/\">retain the information<\/a>. The best advice is, don\u2019t be discouraged. Don\u2019t give up on the class and count it as a loss. Failure is only beneficial when it is used as a tool for motivation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<p>[divider]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b><strong>Admit mistakes<\/strong><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, for a few hours you can curse your teacher or professor for all of their trick questions and typos, but the first step to healing is acceptance. What caused you to fail this exam? Was it a lack of studying? Did you stay up late the night before or have trouble <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/these-sleep-habits-will-lead-to-better-grades-mit-study-finds\/\">sleeping<\/a>? Were you too confident and brushed the exam off? Or, do you need legitimate tutoring?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<p>[divider]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Take good notes<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Good, that step is over. You\u2019ve admitted your mistakes. The next step is to make sure that you\u2019re taking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/best-way-to-take-notes-laptop-vs-notebook\/\">good notes<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are all types of different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/7-tips-on-how-to-take-better-notes\/\">note-taking<\/a> styles and techniques that you can test out to find what works best for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>@kuroristudies, a study influencer on Instagram, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/instagram-influencers-share-their-note-taking-tips\/\">suggests<\/a> reviewing the day\u2019s material before class starts and jotting down some notes. That way, during class, you can just add any relevant information you pick up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another influencer, @megansstudies, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/instagram-influencers-share-their-note-taking-tips\/\">suggests<\/a> trying to condense each day\u2019s notes to one page.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis forces you to think of what is most important to include because, well, if it\u2019s important enough, then you will want to include it in the one-pager,\u201d she said.A third study influencer, @sicistudies, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/instagram-influencers-share-their-note-taking-tips\/\">said<\/a> one of the keys to retaining information that you include in your notes is to review the material soon after class. At most, you can wait two days, she said. But as soon as possible, you should create flashcard decks and draw out diagrams or mind maps for the more difficult topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[divider]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Understand how you learn best<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also important to understand how you learn best and to mold your study habits around your learning style.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual learners, for example, may benefit from making flashcards, while auditory learners may retain information best by listening to recordings of lectures, lessons, or classroom discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And those who feel particularly anxious or weighed down by the thought of studying may benefit from using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/how-to-set-and-achieve-academic-goals\/\">Pomodoro study method<\/a>. The method uses a timer to break down studying into intervals of 25 minutes with short breaks in between. During the breaks you can get on your phone, take a walk around the block, or make a quick bite to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, no matter your preferred method of studying, you should always make an effort to actively engage your brain, rather than just going through the motions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re creating a study guide, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.unc.edu\/tips-and-tools\/how-to-succeed\/\">UNC Chapel Hill\u2019s Learning Center<\/a> suggests writing down as much as you can from memory before using your notes to fill in the gaps. This will help you better understand what you do and don\u2019t know so that you can focus your studies effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And after a little while, when you think you have a decent grasp on the information, try to \u201cbecome a teacher\u201d by explaining the material to a friend or even back to yourself, UNC Chapel Hill\u2019s Learning Center suggests. Metacognition, which is reflectively thinking about what you do and don\u2019t know, is key to making your study efforts effective, the learning center adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[divider]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Maintain beneficial study habits<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding good, quiet places to study can be a difficult task for both high school and college students. College libraries can sometimes be more reminiscent of a cafeteria than a study spot, and high school students often have to study at home, where distractions can be plentiful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a college student attending a large state university, there are often small quiet study rooms on the top floors of the library. If you are the type who performs best in groups, chances are you can reserve individual study rooms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a high school student, try to find the quietest place in your house and speak with your parents and siblings about giving you space during certain hours of the day. If that doesn\u2019t work, ask your high school counselors and teachers if there are any after-school study sessions that you can attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also imperative to dedicate specific times throughout the week to study. Yes, it\u2019s hard because we all have the tendency to procrastinate, but in this case, it\u2019s important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/why-procrastinate-increase-productivity\/\">stop procrastinating and become productive<\/a> so you can get ahead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For additional study tips, check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/instagram-influencers-share-their-study-tips\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For tips on how to study without stress and anxiety, check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/instagram-influencers-share-tips-on-how-to-study-without-the-stress-anxiety\/\">here<\/a>.For tips on how to study for online classes, check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/study-strategies-for-online-classes-interview-with-rebecca-piety-director-of-testing-and-evaluation-at-ucf\/\">TUN\u2019s interview with Rebecca Piety<\/a>, director of testing and evaluation at the University of Central Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[divider]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Have a fallback plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, a failed exam can be a sign that you simply won\u2019t do well in a class. So, it is important to have a plan to fall back on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a college student and it is too late in the term to improve your grade, there is no shame in dropping the course and trying again the next semester. College forces students to step outside their comfort zone academically, but the repercussions for failing a class, unfortunately, aren\u2019t a mere slap to the back of the head. Scholarships are dependent on grade point average. Universities install add and drop dates for classes for exactly this reason.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the class you are failing is within your major, it would be in your best interest to speak with an advisor. If you are early on in your course load, you could be suffering through the infamous weed-out class. Or your chosen major could just not be what you anticipated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a high school student, however, you may not have the option to drop a class. For that reason, it is important to try your hardest throughout the entire year and seek all of the outside help that you can. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/common-college-application-mistakes-to-avoid-interview-with-marcus-cooper-program-director-college-advising-corps-at-texas-am\/\">Each quarter matters<\/a>. And if you\u2019re able to improve your grade by a letter or two over the course of the year, that makes a huge difference. To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/category\/student-resources\/ace-college-prep\/admission-and-application\/\">college admission offices<\/a>, there is a huge difference between an F and a D or a D and a C.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, next year, you may want to consider going down a level. For example, If you\u2019re struggling in pre-calculus but are still able to pass the class with a D or a C, you should talk to your counselors about the right math path for you in lieu of calculus. Colleges and universities tend to prefer to see an A or B in a regular class than a D or F in an advanced class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to be pragmatic when evaluating your grade in a class. Individually, you know when you are truly struggling or just not trying hard enough. There are simple approaches to both issues. The most important thing to remember is, you can bounce back from a failed exam.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>*Updated April 20, 2021 Don\u2019t worry if you failed an exam; you can grow from this. I know, it sounds like I\u2019m your best friend giving you the textbook response, but failing an exam, especially at the beginning of the term, most likely won\u2019t be that catastrophic. There are many simple ways to get your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":19915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[661,662,5,586,228,664,677],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ace-college","category-ace-high-school","category-student-life","category-school-hacks","category-student-guide","category-study-tips-school-hacks","category-study-tips-school-hacks-ace-high-school"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam.jpeg",830,552,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam-217x144.jpeg",217,144,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam-300x200.jpeg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam.jpeg",830,552,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam.jpeg",830,552,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam.jpeg",830,552,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam.jpeg",830,552,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Jackson Schroeder","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/author\/jackson-schroeder\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"*Updated April 20, 2021 Don\u2019t worry if you failed an exam; you can grow from this. I know, it sounds like I\u2019m your best friend giving you the textbook response, but failing an exam, especially at the beginning of the term, most likely won\u2019t be that catastrophic. There are many simple ways to get your&hellip;","featured_media_src_url":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Best-Ways-to-Boost-Grade-after-Failing-an-Exam.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19914"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19914\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}