While it is every student’s desire to ace tests and exams, the reality remains that sometimes, we fail, even after a lot of studying and preparation which can be extremely frustrating. What then can you do to remedy the situation going forward? Let’s take a look at 5 ways international students can overcome failure in tests and exams.
1. Review Your Performance
Failing an exam, test or assignment is never a pleasant feeling, however, a lot can be learnt from the experience. You can even become the better for it academically because you now know what didn’t work previously. So, look at the exam/test/assignment again, what made you fail? Did you answer some or all the questions wrongly because you misunderstood the instructions or questions? Did you fail to give sufficient points or write off point? Did some form of emotional or health imbalance make you do less than your best? Answering these questions sincerely will help you do better subsequently.
2. Evaluate Your Study Style
One of the ways to overcome failure as international students is to evaluate your study style. Do you understand what works best for you study wise and are you doing it? For instance, some students study better on their own while others study better in groups. Some study better at night, others do better in the day time. Some study once and are good to go while others have to go over a topic many times before understanding it fully. Could it also be that you failed because you didn’t study hard enough?
3. Get Relevant Feedback
Your professors or teachers are there to help you succeed, it is wise to find out from them what you did wrong. They will be happy to show you your pitfalls as well as what to do differently to succeed in subsequent attempts. Their feedback is key to helping you overcome the failures of the past so don’t hesitate to speak to them.
4. Do things Differently
Having received feedback from your professors and teachers, the next line of action is to do things differently. If you need to spend more time reading, practising test questions, being more attentive and participatory in class, etc, do it. Do whatever is necessary to help you ace subsequent assignments, tests, exams, presentations, group projects, etc. This will be the silver lining in the sky that was once so dark.
5. Love Yourself Regardless
Once a failure isn’t always a failure so don’t beat yourself up severely for not performing wonderfully in a test or exam. Understand that your mental, emotional and physical health can be affected adversely if you don’t handle this minor setback effectively. So, love yourself regardless because when you bounce back, you’ll do better than ever before. Remember failure is not the end, it is simply a stepping stone to greater success.