Every now and then there’s a class that seems to slip away from us. Perhaps the lectures are too boring or the professor talks too fast. It could be anything. Sometimes all we end up with after the first few weeks of school is a failed midterm and a bruised self-esteem.
What now? Here are a few ways you can recover from a failed midterm.
1. First and foremost, take a deep breath.
I am a firm believer that there is nothing more detrimental to your academic success than taking things too seriously. There is no doubt that flunking an exam hurts your nerdy ego. Coming from a perfectionist and bookworm, I feel you. However, I’ve learned over the years that attempting perfection comes with some serious consequences. And do we ever actually achieve perfection? No. We make mistakes. Try to accept this as one and move forward.
2. Contact your Professor or T.A.
At a large university like UMass it’s so easy to hide behind the large lecture halls and online homework. The walk into your professor’s unfamiliar office can seem daunting and a waste of time. This is your biggest mistake of all! Creating relationships with your faculty and teaching assistants can completely change your experience. Find a time that fits your schedule and treat it like you would any course: Go consistently. They will notice and respect your effort. In return, you will get the help you need.
3. Front and Center!
It’s time to sit in the front row. It’s time to turn off your phone. You failed your midterm and you need to crush the final. Sitting in the back scrolling through social media simply won’t help you. I’ll check Twitter “real quick” and next thing you know, I’m at 20% battery life and missed the entire lecture. Don’t just go to class – be present.
4. Implement a Plan
Write down your goals! What are you going to do to make this half of the semester better? List concrete examples of how you are going to ensure a strong finish to the semester. Will you spend a little extra time reviewing notes on the weekend? Can you find a friend who has already taken the class? This list of goals should be unique to you. Only you know what will work for YOU.
5. Execution
A plan is nothing without execution! Make it happen. A failed midterm does not define you, but how you bounce back? Well, that shows a lot.
You know what you are capable of. Show ‘em what you got. Good luck, Collegiettes!