What to do if your pre-mock results are not good?

Board exams are almost here and we know it’s a stressful time for you. All schools hold pre-mocks and mocks to prepare their students for what lies ahead. These exams have a purpose – to get you to manage exam stress and ensure your preparation is rock solid. If you did not perform well in these exams and the results have been bothering you, we want to tell you that we understand the distress that comes with it. However, we also want to remind you that you still have time before the boards. 

So, take a deep breath. This is just a checkpoint in your academic journey, not the final destination. Let us explore a few constructive steps to take if your pre-mock results have not quite met your expectations.

1. Reflect with Kindness:

If there was ever a need to be kind to yourself, it is now. Most students become hard on themselves when their results don’t go their way. Of course, you need to put in the hours and be demanding of yourself, but kindness is the key. Analyse your results but avoid self-criticism. Instead, focus on understanding the areas where you can need help and improvement.

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2. Identify Weaknesses and Strengths:

Take a closer look at your pre-mock results to identify specific areas where you struggled and those where you excelled. This analysis will help you tailor your study plan to concentrate on the subjects or topics that need more attention. Once you have identified areas that need focus, identify the kind of mistakes you made in them. Broadly you can divide them into 3 categories – lack of conceptual understanding, inability to solve problems despite knowing the concepts well and silly mistakes. Each of these problems need a different action plan. 

If you need conceptual understanding, it is time to seek guidance. For making mistakes in solving problems, you may need to solve problems and understand the area where you make mistakes. Solving timed papers will help you alleviate stress if the subject makes you nervous. Silly mistakes are the easiest to solve. Make sure that you recheck all your answers in the end to avoid them.

3. Seek Guidance:

Do not hesitate to reach out to your teachers, parents or even your peers for guidance. If you are feeling stuck with a topic, reach out to your teachers. Ask them for doubt-clearing sessions and prepare well when you go for these classes. If that is not possible, you can ask a friend to help with a topic. Your parents might think of helpful solutions which you had not considered to improve your performance.

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4. Set Realistic Goals:

While it is important to aim high, setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Break down your study goals into smaller, achievable tasks. This not only makes your journey more manageable but also allows you to celebrate small victories along the way, boosting your confidence and motivation. For instance, it is always a good idea to make a calendar. However, it is equally essential to have some downtime during the day. It is important to wind down everyday for 30 minutes and give your body and brain some rest.

6. Change in Revision Methods:

The internet, while a daunting tool, is extremely useful when utilised correctly. There are various revision/ study methods which you could add to your routine to improve your grades. If the regular methods are not working for you, it might be effective to try new techniques such as: 

• Mind Maps/Flashcards: Mind mapping involves creating visual diagrams to represent concepts and connects the central theme to smaller related topics. Flashcards are concise study aids that present information on one side and its corresponding answer on the other side. If you are a visual learner, these methods are suitable for you. 
• Tests: Rather than just reading out the answers, tests will ensure that you are confident in the particular subject or topic. They engage active recall, reinforce learning, and highlight areas that need further review. Regular testing enhances memory retention and overall exam preparedness.
• Mnemonics: Create acronyms, rhymes, or songs to remember information. Mnemonics can be particularly helpful for remembering lists, sequences, or other details that might be challenging to recall and is also entertaining.
• Memory Palaces: Develop a mental map of a familiar location such as your house and associate each room or location with specific information. As you mentally navigate through the space, you recall the associated details and can form your answers easily.

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Receiving disappointing pre-mock results can be tough, but it is not the end of the road. Approach the situation with kindness and resilience, focusing on improvement rather than perfection. With dedication and a positive mindset, you can overcome challenges and achieve the success you deserve. Remember to take care of yourself along the way and that these exams do not define your self-worth.