Avoid punishing yourself for receiving a bad grade. Try to learn from your mistakes and strive to do better in the future. Remember that a “C” is usually considered average, a “B” above average, and an “A” exemplary. [1] X Research source Putting it into perspective, maybe your grade isn’t as bad as you thought.
Venting to a friend, family member, or classmate can help you cope with the bad grade and move on.
Exercising, talking with friends, listening to music, or doing fun things you enjoy are all healthy ways to relieve anxiety. [4] X Research source
Was there a subject, like math or English, that you didn’t do well on? If so, study more frequently in those areas. Was there a group of related test questions you missed? If so, try to categorize them and figure out what subject you could study harder in. Did you continually show up to class late? If so, try to be more punctual.
Instead of asking, “why did I get a bad grade,” ask, “how can I restructure my answers in a way that would earn me a better grade?”[7] X Research source
Sometimes teachers curve the grades in a class in which many students are struggling. If a lot of students did poorly, a low grade won’t be as detrimental as you thought, and you can rest easier knowing that.
Write out a study schedule and follow it routinely. Consider other activities and obligations you have and allow for plenty of time to complete each assignment. A regular schedule can significantly reduce anxiety and improve performance. [11] X Research source Just be sure to avoid procrastination. Get more sleep. The amount of sleep you get heavily affects your mood and ability to absorb and retain information. [12] X Research source Eliminate distractions. Prioritize the things that matter most.
It’s a good idea to calculate your grade and figure out what scores you’ll need on the remaining assignments and exams to achieve the final grade you desire in the course.
