5 things to do after getting your exam results

Posted on: 28th December, 2020

This tumultuous year is finally coming to an end. Some of you may have just received your N-Level results or are about to receive your O-Level or ITE exam results, wondering how 2021 will turn out and where to go from here.

Let us give you a hand with five things you can try out and think about, listed in recommended order of action. Let’s begin!

1) Going off the grid

Whether your results have been satisfactory or otherwise, consider taking time off social media to self-reflect, connect with your loved ones, or recharge by pursuing activities that you like. This will help you to clear your mind and focus on the most important person: yourself.

Being digital natives ourselves, however, we know how tough staying away from social media can get. You may become restless or overwhelmed with fewer things to distract you; sit with your emotions for a while and allow yourself to feel, but try not to wallow in them for too long! Journaling and exercising are two mood-lifting activities that you can take up to make yourself feel better.

2) Doing some self-reflection

Self-reflections are a great way to sort out your thoughts, understand yourself better, and gain added perspective. Prepare some pen and paper, and allocate a small amount of time each day to think and ponder over the following questions.

  • Is there any content or topic that you would like to revisit, even if the exams are over? This is especially important if you’re thinking about pursuing further studies in a related discipline.
  • What subjects do you find most fascinating? These may not be subjects you score the best in but that you have an interest to learn.
  • What have you discovered about yourself throughout your school journey? Be as honest as possible, and affirm all your successes no matter how big or small. From ‘I can thrive in a leadership role’ to ‘I enjoy studying with friends’, make sure you write everything down.
  • Is there anything you can improve on, or would like to change if you could?

Continue adding on to the list whenever something comes to mind, and refer to it whenever necessary. We’re sure that this list will become a helpful tool for your personal growth!

3) Checking in with your teachers

Your (former) teachers have been teaching and guiding you for some time now. They would be aware of your academic strengths and weaknesses, so it never hurts to ask! You can also consider asking them what they’ve observed about you, in terms of character and personality, or if they have any resources to share.

As always, ask politely and be considerate; they are doing you a favour after all. Give them time to respond, and write down what you’d like to know if you will be meeting them in-person. Do try to be as specific as possible and share with them some plans that you might already have in mind.

It’s not enough to just hear what they have to say: remember to take action one small step at a time!

4) Reminding yourself that results aren’t everything

As everyone’s favourite Headmaster of Hogwarts once told Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

Remember that your results do not and will not define your entire life! They are simply one benchmark out of many, and can measure neither your character nor your potential. Focus on how to move forward from here instead. Do you want to retake the N-Level or O-Level exams to obtain a better score, for example, or would it be better to explore alternate options?

Carefully think over all available options and consult your parents for advice if necessary. You can also reach out to your seniors or visit open houses for more information.

5) Start planning early

It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Start taking note of the application deadlines or enrolment intakes for the various institutions, or courses that you want to explore. You’ll be able to find this information for PSB Academy’s courses on each individual course page. If you’re unsure about a certain discipline, read up on it or consult our course consultants for more information. They’ll be glad to help!

Don’t forget to pay attention to other important details, such as scholarship opportunities and possible progression pathways. These may be the deciding factors for your final decision. Thereafter, do create specialised folders on your laptops—or keep physical ones if that’s what you prefer—to store all relevant documents and information in. This will help you to stay organised and minimise information overload.

Have you found our tips useful? If you have, we’re glad to have been of service! You’ll find more tips in our other articles, and we’ll continue doing our best to bring you more next year. Happy Holidays from all of us at PSB Academy, and see you in 2021!