IF you or your teenager recently received exam results then you may be dealing with some anxiety or confusion over what to do next.
Getting exam results is a stressful experience at any stage of life but it seems particularly monumental at GCSE and A-level stage as these grades can have a direct impact on where you go or what you do next.
Whatever grades you received it is worth carefully considering what your next move should be.
HINTS AND TIPS
Don’t panic
It may seem like the end of the world if you didn’t get the results you were hoping for but trust us it’s not. You still have plenty of options and while you may need to adopt a slightly different strategy you can still achieve the same end goal.
Talk to someone
Speaking with a parent or teacher might help you to work through the emotions you are feeling. Maybe you are worried you have disappointed your parents and haven’t matched up to their expectations, tell them your concerns and give them a chance to reassure you. On a practical level a teacher will be able to offer advice on where to go next and will be able to discuss education options – clearing, resits, etc.
Speak to an outsider
If you’re feeling like maybe your parents don’t understand what you’re going through or aren’t best placed to advise you then consider talker to a youth counsellor or careers advisor. These are professionals who are well equipped to deal with people in your position and will be able to offer neutral, independent advice.
Spend some time with friends A day out with good friends will help you relax and take your mind off any worries. Chance are some of your friends will be in the same position as you and feeling the same way.
Remember; many of the world’s most successful people have experienced rejection or failure at some point in their lives. Richard Branson dropped out of school age 16, Steven Spielberg was rejected from film school twice