Tips To Bounce Back After A Bad Test

It can be hard to get back on track after getting a bad grade on a test, especially during your first semester in college. We understand you may want to look back and try to remember what went wrong. But instead, move forward and think about how you can improve for the next test. We have tips to help you bounce back in your studying.

Ask for help – Stop by before/after class and tell your teacher what's going on. Ask for suggestions and work on a study plan together. They will be willing to help, but you need to be willing to rearrange your schedule. Read about how to talk to your professors here.

Create a studying group

Together, you and a group can go over past lessons to help each other understand. Quiz each other, take practice test together, and swap flashcards. As a group, you can keep each other accountable and motivated.

Find a tutor

Ask your professor if there is someone willing to be your tutor from the class. Another great option is to take a visit to the Learning Center. 

Sit in the front of the class

Your attention will be primarily focused towards the front of the classroom (and not on what other students’ are doing on their laptops, phones, etc). You’ll be able to focus on asking questions and taking better notes.

Rewrite your notes

This helps you a few ways: you’ll be reviewing material as you’re rewriting so it’s almost like relearning the information. You can also use this as a chance to test your retention by seeing what you know and what you need to work on before a test. 

Schedule your study time

Start penciling in your study sessions by setting aside specific times to study. Set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to study at those times. By creating a consistent schedule, you’ll be able to study a bit of a material at a time instead of trying to cram everything the night before the test.