What to Do If You Get Low Marks at University

At university, your grades can feel integral to achieving your career goals. Receiving a low mark might feel disappointing initially, but don’t worry. Universities offer support if you haven’t made your grades; one mark never defines an entire degree programme. 

Explore strategies for picking yourself back up after receiving low grades and ensuring better preparation for future exams and assignments. You’ll also discover options if low marks continue and you graduate with a below-average grade. 

Cause for poor grades 

University is a big transition, with lots to manage in your studies and personal life, especially if you have moved away from home. With this in mind, several factors come into play that could contribute to poor grades.

Ineffective study habits

University is a new way of life, and you will encounter many exciting experiences. However, it’s critical that you prioritise taking time and using effective strategies to study. Working at the degree level means a lot of independent study, so managing your time, working without distraction, building good studying habits, and covering all the right material is essential. 

Lack of motivation

If you’re not engaged with your studies because you are finding things difficult or not enjoying them, staying motivated can be hard. Motivation is what drives you to push on and ultimately succeed, so a lack of it is often a cause of low marks. 

Stress

Some find the pressure of exams extraordinarily stressful and, therefore, challenging to perform at their best. This stress can combine with the pressures of being away from home, ultimately impacting your grades. 

External factors

At times, external factors impact your studies. Concerns about finances, homesickness, getting used to change, or anything else can cause stress and anxiety. These same factors can also physically remove you from the classroom, impacting your learning. 

How to improve low marks

Understanding the potential causes of low marks can help you to address them. One poor grade doesn’t define you. Rather than dwell on it, use it as a learning opportunity that you can use as motivation to improve. Use the steps below to put a plan in place to succeed. 

1. Take a minute.

Low marks can be a shock, but taking a minute and not panicking is vital. You can still pull things back after a low mark. Accept it, be kind to yourself, and consider how to move on positively. Take time to relax, refocus, and not compare yourself to others.

2. Identify the problem areas.

What are you struggling with in particular? If you can identify what you find difficult, you know where to concentrate your efforts. It could be fear of exams, a lack of understanding of the subject matter, or personal or external factors such as financial worries or homesickness. 

3. Talk to your tutor or student support service.

Speaking to your tutor will help you identify areas for focus. Your tutor can spend time with you analysing your exam paper or assignment, explaining anything you don’t understand, and advising you about study methods.

If your reasons for low marks are more personal, consider student support. This excellent resource can guide you and offer an advisor to talk to.

4. Engage fully in lectures and workshops.

It’s tempting to miss lectures or to skip taking notes and download them later from the course resources. However, the best way to cement knowledge is by fully engaging in your lectures and workshops, taking notes, participating in discussions, contributing ideas, and revising. Learning isn’t just listening. You learn through fully immersing yourself in a subject. Spend time learning in different ways to find what works best for you so that you know your subject from all angles. 

5. Keep going.

A bad grade can cause fear of failure and stop you from trying. Don’t procrastinate. Instead, plan, set goals, and use your negative experience as motivation to improve. 

6. Work together.

Sometimes, studying can be a lonely experience. If you already feel like a failure, it can make you feel worse. Surround yourself with friends and family who can encourage you and join study groups where you can collaborate with others. Talking things through is an excellent way of learning. 

Does your degree classification play a role in getting a job?

Ultimately, the mark you get at university plays a role in your career. However, it might be a more minor role than you think. A first-class degree classification is the gold standard, and for many jobs, employers ask for a 2:1, but a lower grade is still a valuable asset. In some cases, the degree subject is important without mentioning a grade. 

Employers want someone who is well-rounded, experienced, and has relevant technical and workplace skills in addition to their degree classification. If you didn’t graduate from university with a top grade, focus on gaining valuable work experience, engaging in personal projects, and practising the skills you need in your industry.

Enhance your prospects with a certification

If you finished university with a lower mark than you wanted, you could always bolster your CV with self-study, such as online courses, professional programmes, and certifications. These can demonstrate your skills in certain areas, making them highly tailored to a role you’re applying for. 

Gear your certification to the area in which you wish to work. For example, you might explore sales, human resources, or project management credentials to highlight your skills and build your CV. Alternatively, you can add CV-boosting details with Professional Certificates on Coursera, which are available in various fields. 

Next steps

A low grade doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goals. Building a plan to improve and having a backup in the form of certifications and experience still make you a valuable prospect for employers. 

Why not build on your CV writing and interview skills next? Coursera lists a range of online courses, including Interviewing and Resume Writing in English Specialisation and Land Your Next Role, delivered by Aptly to help you prepare for your career.