How to Not Panic After Getting a Bad Grade

Last Updated: November 20, 2021

Have you ever felt overwhelming panic after receiving a bad grade? This article will provide you with a few ideas on what to do to avoid this situation, and what to do if you already are receiving bad grades and panicking.

Steps

1
Examine the reason or reasons that resulted in the poor work. Was it the lack of studying or just simply not understanding the material?
2
Think positive. Keep in mind that one bad grade will not totally ruin your grade point average.

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3
Talk to a friend. Talking to a friend can calm you down and you might get some good advice.
4
Ask your teacher for help. You can ask them to explain the lesson again, recommend a way to help improve your study habits, etc.
5
Try your best to improve your grade. Complete other assignments extra carefully, and do any extra credit ones, too. As you see your grade getting higher in a class, you will feel much more at ease.
6
Calm yourself as panicking never helps. Instead of freaking out, think of what can be done to improve the grade. Perhaps you can ask for a retest.
- Stressing and panicking can create phobias, which tend to make you avoid situations that could result in a panic state. Panic attacks may be hints of other serious problems. A calm and friendly environment will always help you to conquer your fears and act on improving the situation. ^{[1]
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7
Make an appointment with your school adviser if necessary. If your panic hasn't eased by now, this may be the best way to get further help with your situation.

Community Q&A

Question

My parents really want me to get all As, especially in math, but that's just not my thing! I try my best but when I get a B, my parents go wild! I feel like a failure for getting a B.

Community Answer

Math isn't everything. Yes, computer programming stems from algebra (a branch of math that deals with some very abstract concepts), but other than that, finance (which is mostly basic addition, subtraction, percentages, and knowledge of local tax rates), and statistics (which is almost all about percentages and fractions), you're not likely to find a job that makes heavy use of math. Explain this to your parents, and point out (politely) that you're doing your best and you're still getting a passing grade.
Question

What if my parent is overreacting to a bad grade?

Community Answer

Maybe they have unrealistic expectations of you, especially if you are a A student and suddenly got a B or a C. Or, maybe they expect more from you and want to encourage you to not let it happen again.
Question

What can I do if I feel discouraged after being chided by my parents?

Kaycee Young

Community Answer

Most likely, your parents are trying to encourage you, but are doing it in the wrong way (unless they're calling you stupid or saying other abusive things). Let them know that you are trying your best and that their words are making you feel worse. Ask to have a conversation rather than being lectured about it, without being rude or disrespectful, of course.

Warnings

Never ignore your problems, instead deal with them!

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Do not overload yourself with extra work. Use your time management skills to guide you .

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Do not be overconfident and think that it will all work out. Hard work and staying calm is always the key of improvement.

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Don't give up no matter what!

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Panicking may actually lead to depression.^{[2]
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