We’ve put together some top tips, with the help of current and past students Dana, Tray, and Theo*. Like many of us here at Kooth, they have all played the waiting game when it comes to exam results.
*All names are pseudonyms.
1. Do something to occupy your time
Waiting can feel never-ending, so keeping yourself busy and productive can help take your mind off your exam results, and also give you another focus, so you’re not spending all that time worrying. You could:
- make plans with friends or family
- take up a new hobby, or focus on existing ones
- get yourself a job, or do some volunteering
2. Express how you feel
Long waits for something as important as exam results can sometimes lead to people spending lots of time in their heads. It’s not unusual to experience thoughts about your exams in that waiting period, such as:
- ”What if I fail, or don’t do well?”
- “I should have tried harder.”
- “I won’t do as well as my friend, or the other people in my class.”
- “My family will be disappointed in me if I don’t get the results I need.”
When those types of thoughts stay in your head, they can increase your feelings of anxiety and worry. Sharing how you feel with someone you trust, like a family member or friend, can be a good way to let out your feelings and get some advice and support from people who care about you. Not only is it a great way to express your feelings, it can also help you feel less alone and get some much-needed perspective from those around you. If talking to someone isn’t your thing, or isn’t possible for you right now, don’t forget you can express yourself and do things to release any tensions in your body in other ways, too:
- writing a journal
- getting active
- doing something creative, like art, singing, or making music
3. Take care of yourself
This sounds like an obvious one, but when our difficult feelings are our focus, we can sometimes forget about taking care of ourselves. Having a self-care checklist like this can be a good way to ensure you’re taking care of yourself. Ask yourself:
- Have I had enough to eat and drink today?
- Have I been outside today?
- Have I spoken to anyone today?
- Have I had enough sleep today?
- Have I done anything I enjoy today?
Self-care is important, because you are important. It can help you feel comforted and distracted, while also helping you to keep calm when things feel tough. If you’re feeling anxious and want some ways to keep yourself calm, head over to our Exam calm zone
What to do on results day
When your wait is finally over, you might want to think ahead and plan the day. Ask yourself:
Do I want someone with me? You might want to go alone, or with a friend or a supportive family member. Whatever you decide, it can be worth thinking about beforehand. If you choose to go with someone, think carefully about what you might need from them. You might even want to chat about this before results day. For example, you might want a parent to go with you to offer some moral support, or a particular friend to make you laugh and keep your spirits up.
What do I want to do before or after I get my results? You might want to get up early and go for a walk beforehand, to clear your head. You might want to arrange to meet friends afterwards, or head straight home. Whatever your plan, make sure it’s what’s right for you. It is also good to have a plan in place for different scenarios (for example: thinking about what you might do if you don’t get the results you hoped for). On the day, you may feel overwhelmed, and it may be hard to think straight. Having these plans ready beforehand can help you feel more prepared and less stressed.
What to do if you don’t get the results you expected, wanted, or needed
We spoke to an English teacher, Laura, who has supported many students over the years in how to manage disappointment when they don’t get the results they wanted. She shared:
Check out Laura’s advice in our article inside Kooth What should I do if I don’t get the exam results I hoped for?
Where to find support
When you’re waiting for exam results, aside from getting support from friends and family, don’t forget you can also get support from the Kooth community. Head over to our discussion board, where you can get support and advice from other students, and where you can also support others, too.
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