So, you got a bad grade on your first exam. You may be tempted to blame your teacher, throw the exam in the trash, quit the class, or drown your sorrow in ice cream. Here’s what you should do instead:

1. Recover

Don’t Overreact

One bad exam does not mean you can’t do math. It doesn’t mean you will fail the class. It doesn’t mean you need to change your major. It doesn’t mean you won’t get into graduate school. It doesn’t mean you will not get a job. Be realistic. It means you need to work a little harder. Think of it as a bump in the road, not a dead end. If you are willing to work harder and smarter, you can overcome this setback.

Be Kind

Getting a bad grade also does not make you any less of a person. Don’t start criticizing yourself because of your bad exam score. The scripture that says “...be ye kind to one another...” (Ephesians 4:32) also applies to how you treat yourself.

Take time to recoup your positive mental state.

- - Take a short break and do something you enjoy.
  - Talk to your friends and family about your test score.
  - Pray and ask Heavenly Father to remind you who you are.
  - Read your scriptures.

2. Investigate

Talk to Your Instructor

You need to talk to your instructor about your exam. Email your instructor now and request an appointment with them.

Go over the problems you missed with your instructor and find out what you did wrong.

Don't ask these questions:

- - What am I doing wrong?
  - How do I do this?

These questions will encourage your instructor to do the problem for you, which will not help you learn.

Ask these question instead:

- - What am I not understanding?
  - What concept am I missing?
  - How do I start this problem?
  - What’s the next step?

These questions will help you to figure out your thinking errors so you can learn how to solve the math problems yourself.

Tell your instructor how you studied for the exam and ask for their advice on how to improve your studying.

This will also be a good time to ask if the instructor allows retakes on exams or if you can turn in exam corrections for additional points. They may say “no,” but at least they know you are trying your hardest to do well in the class. Instructors like students who are proactive.

Talk to Your Classmates

Find out how they studied and compare it to how you studied. Figure out what you need to do to improve your studying.

3. Do Something Different

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."—Anonymous

You’ve tried studying one way and it didn’t work, it’s time to try something new. You need to change how you approach this class and how you study. Use what you learned from your teacher and your classmates to improve your studying.

You may want to read these pages:

- - How do I create a study plan?
  - What is the best way to study for a math test?
  - Do I need a tutor?
  - What do successful math students do?
  - Do I have math anxiety?

Resources

How to Cope with Exam Failure by Ananya Rao-Middleton

What To Do When You Fail A Test by Brian Robben

What to Do After a Bad Grade by Amanda J. Carroll