Coping with your first F
Sooner or later it happens—the dreaded F word. Failing is a part of learning. You have to move on.
Relax
It’s not the end of the world. Remember, you’re not doing brain surgery. No one died.
Figure out the next step
Don’t let a failed test discourage you. One test does not make or break your grade. Figure out the impact of this failed project/test/quiz on your course grade and determine what you need to do to bring your grade up.
Ask about extra credit
Some professors let you do extra credit to improve your grade. If you can, do it. Don’t be afraid to overwork yourself.
Get help
Okay, so you should have gotten help before the test. It’s not too late. Get help now. Attend Supplemental Instruction sessions (if offered), sign up for peer tutoring, find a study partner, or coordinate a study group.
Follow a new plan
An F doesn’t mean you’re stupid. It means you probably didn’t prepare well enough. Decide to keep up with your reading daily, and start working on papers/projects at least two weeks before they’re due. Studying a little bit each night goes a long way in test preparedness.
Retake the class
If you end up with a poor course grade, consider retaking the class—it should be easier the second time around, you’ll get a better grade and you’ll know more.