LIFE

You're tapping your pencil a little quicker than usual, watching your teacher handing back last week's exam. You think back to taking the test: Maybe a few questions here and there were kinda shaky, but it's nothing to stress over. When your teacher makes their way to you, they hand back your exam face down.

Uh-oh. 

Seeing red ink all over your paper with a lower-than-expected number sitting at the top can be an overwhelming experience. From sending you into a whirlwind of what-ifs and making you question what kind of student you *actually* are, getting a bad grade is the definition of heart-dropping. But hey, don't close your planner and decide school just isn't your thing yet—you can definitely bounce back.

Calculate & evaluate

A low score can be such an eyesore, but before completely throwing in the towel on the semester, do some quick calculations to see where you stand right now.

At the beginning of the year, it's likely your teacher gave you a syllabus with a range of percentages required to earn specific letter grades.  Using a final grade calculator, put in your previous homework and test scores to see what you need to get on the next exam to get the grade you want.

If the score you need isn't possible (sometimes it'll say you need over 100%), try looking for extra credit options in your class or asking if you can revise or redo past assignments to get some points back in the gradebook. 

Switch up your study sessions

@sabrina_champagnec

Quizlet may be super convenient, but in terms of understanding content long-term, it might be helpful to try a more interactive study method. And no, this doesn't mean just re-reading your notes or highlighting important words.

One technique that uses active engagement is called the Feyman method. Here's how it works: Let's say you're studying for a biology quiz on cell parts. The first thing you'll do is write everything you know about the topic from memory on a whiteboard or piece of paper. Then, on a separate piece of paper, re-write everything you know, but this time, try writing it like you're teaching it to someone who has never stepped foot in a biology class (i.e. avoiding wordy phrases and "advanced" words). Finally, go back to your notes and textbook and fill in info you missed with a different color pen.

If you've already found your go-to study method, the problem instead might be where you're studying. Trying to learn info in the same place 24/7 can be a drag for your brain, but making studying an actual outing can help you associate the content with something you like.

Try out a couple new study spots and see which ones give you the best scholarly vibes—it'll pay off. 

Office hours are your BFF

Whether you go up to them after class or send them a quick email, see if you can meet with your teacher during their free time to go over your score.

If it's an exam that's got you stressed, take some time to sit with your teacher and have them explain where exactly you missed certain questions. Hearing them teach you the material in a new way and seeing where you went wrong will prepare you for what they expect next time around.

Trust us, your teachers get it. And who knows? You might be able to bargain some points back, girl!

Grades don't equal intelligence

@jennibrhodes

We aren't going to tell you that your grades don't matter because, tbh, it won't change the way you feel right now, and it won't change the grade you got. What we will say, however, is that one number does not represent the kind of student you are or how "smart" you are.

Bad days and low scores happen, but you shouldn't let that shape the way you view yourself. Look at all the amazing essays, math problems and science labs you've already aced this year! It's not fair to yourself to completely forget about major successes you've had in the past because of one bad grade. 

Making mistakes and feeling upset over academics proves you care. And caring? That's the most important part of being in your smart cookie era.

 Follow our IG for all the end-of-semester advice @girlslifemag!

Want to slay school in the new year? We've got the inspo for you:
✏️ 4 ways to stay motivated the entire school year
✏️ Yes, it's OK to not know what you want your college major to be 
✏️ Let your color analysis curate your school supplies

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by Annika Chaves | 12/11/2023