This person wants to maintain a balance between their studies and spending time with friends.

Hello,

That does indeed sound troubling and as a high-scorer myself, I know where you're coming from. However, you can't do anything to erase that bad exam score. You're too focused in the past, what is already said and done, and that is influencing your trajectory for the future. Don't panic about one bad grade because panicking will cause stress, and stress doesn't make for good grades at all. Future exams and endeavors may not go very well if you can't let it all go.

This depends on your region, but it might bring you some comfort to hear that a 23/30 is around a C and 24/30 is around a B. It's definitely not as good as 95%, but at least it's a passing grade. It's counted to your overall GPA, but if your GPA is really high, it probably won't lower it that much. Take a deep breath and move on to the next exam. One bad exam grade, in the grand scheme of things, doesn't matter much. Your GPA is still good and you're still a fantastic, achieveous student. This one grade won't turn away potential opportunities later in life. Whenever you're feeling down about your grades, remember that you gave it your all and that's all you can do. Remember: One exam grade doesn't define you or your life. You are worth more than your grades!

I advise you to take advantage of your school resources. Is there a specific thing before, during, or after school (i.e. seeing a teacher, advisory/study hall, homework club, tutoring) that will benefit your studying? I also advise you to reach out to your teacher if you're struggling. The teacher is there for you—they will help in any way they can. Check out your class retake policy, too. If you're allowed to retake exams, then why not retake it and hopefully get a better score?

As for balancing your social and school priorities, I recommend using time management. Make a list or write in a planner of what is going on and what assignments/quizzes/tests you have. As you complete each one, cross it off. Use this list or planner to structure your free time. Dedicate time(s) specifically for studying and, stick with it. When studying, put your phone on silent or out of sight. Use a timer, play lofi or study music, and resolve yourself not to get off the task until it dings.

As a student myself, I must admit that balancing school with all of your other aspects of your life is hard. As you continue through your high school journey and beyond, there will be numerous priorities in your life. School, sports, clubs, extracurricular activities, a job, home, family, friends, relationships—pick your poison. Deciding which one(s) take priority in your life is challenging and it's all too easy to get distracted from those priorities. During the school week, your school and studying should take some priority. Save hanging out a lot with your friends until the weekend or at a time when no big assignment or exam is coming up. Decline hanging out with your friends a ton if it's close to a big assignment/exam. Something as simple as, "Sorry, I wish I could ______, but I really have to study for the ______ coming up" does just fine. Your friends should understand. If they don't, stand by your stance firmly. You can also offer an alternative instead. Something like "How about we _____ on this time/date, _____, instead?" or "I can't _____ at this time, how about we ______, instead?" works as an alternative. If you want the best of both worlds, then I recommend doing a study group with some of your friends or classmates at the library or somewhere close. Study and help each other together.

Don't stress about the next exam. If you prepare for it, you'll do fine. I have high hopes that you'll get a great grade in it! Hope this helps and good luck!

Thank you.

The Advice Column Team