Fail Exam

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The results are out, the grades are up and your name isn't on the list of passes. You failed that important exam and everything seems to be getting away from you - don't believe it

Failing an exam is not the end of the story - it merely adds an interesting twist!

Fail your exam - so what happens now? It seems like the end of the world has been and gone, doesn't it? In fact, you have just had a minor setback which, if you handle it in a businesslike and professional manner, not only need not hamper you, but can actually be used as a plus. Don't believe me? I've done it!

You may feel that you did your best and, even if you were given another chance, you would probably give the same or similar answers and merely fail again. Sometimes the reason behind failure is not obvious. Another thing which it is not is the end of the world. Whatever exam you have failed, however important it is and no matter how badly you failed it, nothing is irreparable. There are resits, there are other exam boards and there are other subjects and careers.

If you have had the misfortune to fail an examination and are just beginning to panic or if the panic has set in and you cannot see a way forward then we hope the following will be of use.

First of all, now is the time to be completely honest with yourself. You need to answer the following questions as frankly and as truthfully as you can. No-one need know the answers but you but if you are not completely honest then they will delay your recovery and may cause you to fail again.

• How hard did you work revising for the exam?
• How badly do you need to pass this particular exam?
• Is there an alternative examination board or level which would achieve the same goal but which is more appropriate to your skills?

If you feel that you paced yourself just right then skip the first question. On the other hand if you did not take it seriously enough and put your social life first then you know the solution. If you worked very hard for the exam then it could be you 'over-cooked' it. Athletes have to be very careful when coming up for the Olympics or other major event. If they come to their peaks too soon then they are 'past their best' on the day the gold medal is handed out. If you worked too hard and did too much that often achieves a very similar result to not having done enough. Talk to your school or a counsellor about pacing yourself if this applies to you.

Exams often only get you your first job or a place at a preferred university. After that they are forgotten. Ask a 30-year old about their exam passes and they may well struggle to remember. It just isn't important to them any longer. Can you get a letter from your school saying your failure was out of character? Will your university take you with this letter or can you still get the job you want. Don't forget an employer will not be displeased to hear you have been guilty of overworking!

There are a number of examination boards and there are other levels to consider. Just because you have been brought up thinking about a particular level it does not mean that other ones are not valid. Adults rarely take the same levels as teenagers - they often go for a more practical examination. Would this suit you? Don't feel that it will necessarily hamper you - a good interviewer will be interested in your originality and will be pleased to hear your views of the alternative qualification.

Before you decide to do take a resit, do think through the foregoing. If you still wish to retake the exam you failed, then you need to thoroughly investigate your reasons for failure. Painful as it may be, get hold of a copy of the paper and the answers (if possible) and relive it moment-by-moment. Where did it all go wrong?

Remember that failing an exam does not make you a failure. Everybody is good at some things and bad at others. We all have off-days and we all shine on occasions. Welcome to the human race! Nobody has any business judging you by an off-day so don't let them. Your self-esteem is a priceless commodity and you will need it in plentiful supply if you are to get through the black days that may follow. The most important thing is how you handle failing the exam.

Finally, don't forget you aren't the first and certainly won't be the last person to fail an exam.

Fail An Exam