So, you got that exam back and didn’t do as hot as you thought you did. Before you freak out, take a deep breath. It may seem like the end of the world, but it is only one test. Even if it’s close to the end of the semester, you still have time to bring that grade up.

1. Go to office hours and ask what you did wrong

Having the professor tell you what you did wrong can really help you prepare for the next exam. It will also help you understand the material better, which will help you for the final exam.

2. Or set up a meeting with the professor and go over the exam question-by-question

This is also a great way to understand the material. If you go over every question you missed, you’ll have a better understanding, as well, and the material will stick in your mind because you talked through each question.

3. Ask for advice on how to study for the next exams

Solely reading through your notes and the class PowerPoints won’t always do it for you. You might need to read the textbook and work through practice problems. But it doesn’t hurt to ask for studying tips from the professor or the library. Utilize the resources you have at your fingertips, you are paying for them.

4. Vent about it to your parents/friends/classmates

Your parents always going to be there for you, so if you hit some turmoil, they’ll listen to you and offer their best advice, like parents do. Your friends are probably in the same boat, so you’ll end up swapping stories about your lowest exam grade and laugh. . . or cry. Talk with the people around you, they took the exam too. They may have had the same issues as you did, and you might even suggest studying together for the next exam.

5. Start studying the week prior to the exam

It probably didn’t help if you started studying a night or two before the test. Cramming is not good when you want to excel in your studies. Try to start studying a week before the test. So, when the exam date comes around, you’ll know the material like the back of your hand.

6. Ask about any extra credit opportunities

If there’s no coming back from this low score, ask about additional assignments you can do to bring that grade up. Even if the professor says they never give extra credit, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Who knows, they might add a couple assignments you can do just because you took the time to ask.

7. Take a nap

When in doubt, nap it out. This is pretty much my answer to anything. Stressed? Nap. Bored? Nap. Tired? Nap. Taking a nap can help even out your emotions and calm you down before you explode about the bad grade. Plus, you’re in college, you can use all the sleep you can get. Even if it’s a quick twenty-minute nap, take advantage of the opportunity to nap.

8. Cry it out

If all else fails, cry it out. Listen to sad music or watch a sad video and let the tears flow. There was one time where I walked out of an exam and immediately started bawling my eyes out. There’s no shame in crying over a bad grade, it happens to the best of us.

9. Spend time with friends

Surrounding yourself with your friends will definitely take your mind off the bad grade. It doesn’t matter what you do, they’ll distract you. Even if it’s just a game night or going shopping, your mind will be preoccupied, and you will thank yourself in the end.

10. Eat your feelings away

It’s okay to treat yourself to some ice cream or a burger. They will not kill you and you’ll be happy to get some good food in your stomach after that stressful exam.

11. Put all your efforts into other assignments

So, you did badly in one class, no is the time to overcompensate in your other classes. Get that essay that’s due in two weeks done, write that lab report now, and read those chapters for class today. You’ll feel hella productive and it’ll make you happier because you’re getting stuff done.

12. Limit your time on electronics the day before the exam

Playing on your cell phone the night before an exam can be extremely distracting. Try to put the phone down for the night a few hours before you go to bed that way you can get even more studying done and maybe other homework, too.

13. Have a movie marathon to clear your mind

What better way to spend your weekend than by watching countless movies back-to-back? It will be very relaxing, and it will take your mind off the bad grade, which means you’ll have even more fun.

14. Take a long walk around campus or downtown

Taking a walk in the fresh air is a great way to reflect on your exam performance and take a minute to slow down and enjoy the little things that make your campus unique or the homey places downtown. You might even want to stop in a few stores and look around.

15. Take your anger out at the gym

Going to the gym sucks, but it could be enjoyable if you take your anger out by running laps or going hard on the elliptical. Spend an hour or two there and you’ll be proud you’re getting in shape and that some of your anger has been released.