I’ll try to keep this semi-brief, but this is a very important subject matter to me.
I scored well the first time I took the SAT inn November. I was well prepared going in, and it showed. Second time, wasn’t as prepared, test center conditions were very bad, and I did not score as well.
If anyone could, I’d like advice on how to calm down and not let this put too much of a damper on me. Whenever I miss my goal, I slowly start to feel incapable or more anxious for the next test as if that one score was indicative of the rest of my academic career. I know it’s not, but it’s difficult for me to feel otherwise.
I’ve gotten better at accepting disappointments, but I know I can improve. I’d appreciate anyone’s advice on how to improve from “failures” (quotes because I know failure is relative to everyone), how to view them, and how to prevent them from hindering/how to stop dwelling on them.
It’s important for me to learn this now so I can properly rationalize the reality of things and to deal with it in the future, especially in college.I know I am capable of improving and restoring myself to my proper capabilities, but I can overreact, and I would greatly appreciate any help on how to stop this.
Keeping a positive mentality! I will strive & thrive of course, but I will always appreciate advice.
Have a wonderful day and happy holidays!
I personally find comfort in logic. When I feel disappointed or inadequate, I tend to overanalyze things until I have developed logical conclusions regarding the implications of a certain event. In your case, you didn’t do as well as you did the first time (neither did I by the way–I dropped 70 points). Clearly, you know that this is not the end of the world, and I also believe that you understand how the feeling of failure is irrational.
Here is a bit of a logical flowchart:
An upsetting event occurred.
Can you do anything about it?
If yes, there’s no reason to worry!
If no… then there’s no reason to worry.
Statistically, one event has little effect on a trend (assuming many events occur). No matter what you may be thinking, this really doesn’t affect the course of your life in any significant way.
How would you know the greatness you’re capable of without pushing yourself to occasional “failure”?
As I tell my four-year-old snowboarding students: “If you aren’t falling down, you aren’t trying hard enough.”
You are asking great questions and are very self aware and positive and forward looking. Those are the most important things, way more important than any test score. Do you know what current research is finding a great predictor of success in college and, much more importantly, in life? Resilience. Actually take a minute to look it up, to see and think about what it is. Why is it so important? Because there are always blips and failures and setbacks and zigs when we should have zagged. That’s true for everyone. I could sit right here and write a long list of them for myself, some definitely worse than a disappointing SAT score (which can really be disappointing), and some dating back to high school and farther, and some this week. And things have, fortunately, gone very well for me, college-wise and otherwise. It’s really about acknowledging the challenge, learning from it, and moving forward. So keep up the good work–being self-reflective, learning who you are, how you can be your best, what motivates you, inspires you, who makes you your best person. Things will work out.
And I see your list on your other thread. Great schools. If one of those works out, fantastic. I do just want to suggest that you consider this assertion: there are really lots and lots of great colleges and universities, filled with very bright, hard-working, ambitious students; with outstanding faculty and staff; where lots of great learning is taking place and lots of great moments among friends. So certainly consider those schools on your list if they work academically and financially but also trust that there are other great choices outside the Top 20. I’m assuming you have a strong academic record, since you are looking at these schools. Browse through some college ranking and move farther down the list. Are there any schools that look like great fits for you? Because I’ll guarantee that at #40 or #80 or #120 etc., there are lots with tip-top students who are working hard and would be great to learn from/with and who will be successful. In any case, be authentic to yourself, and realistic financially, find some great schools for YOU, go to one, work hard, embrace opportunities, make opportunities, and you will have a grand time. Good luck!
@Apollo16B I’ve tried that before. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. The statistics thing about trends was very enlightening though, thank you (I really appreciate it)! And may you have a wonderfully happy holiday, as well!
