O levels is over. I should be feeling relieved and wanting to party, but deep down i feel anxious about my results already. 
I used to do really well in my sciences even when studying just the night before the exam. So i thought that as long as i study earlier i will be fine for o’s. Fast forward to O levels, i started studying like a few days before the exam and crammed 4 years of content in 2 days. Just like what i did for prelims. For math which is my weakest subj (Just pass scores) i really tried and i saw an improve from my prelim score especially for paper 2. But the uncertainty of being able to pass is worrying me so much because math is the most impt subject for O’s and other sg kids are insanely good at emath. I even messed up my ‘stronger’ subjects by studying the night before despite knowing how content heavy it is. of course i didnt do my best for it in the end. I feel immensely disappointed in myself and i feel like all those A i got in prelims and WA have gone to waste… Looking back it was really my studying habits which caused my downfall. Others start revising weeks before their papers but i just struggled so much to study. And i realised that its stress that pushes me to study, zero discipline. So only the night before the exam when i realise that i wasted my whole week, thats when i finally get my pen moving and mug like crazy. I wish i could stop doing things at the last minute, its seriously ruining my life. I just hope i can go poly
Hi Kavya, it sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot of pressure and expectations, especially around your academic performance. It’s normal to feel both relief and anxiety after exams, especially when they hold as much weight as O levels do. The fact that you’re reflecting on your habits and wanting to improve them is already a positive step, even though it might not feel like it yet.
I hear how disappointed you feel about your study habits, and it makes sense to feel that way when there’s so much pressure to perform well. It can help to remember that you’re not alone—many students feel the same way when exams come up. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the effort you did put in, even if it didn’t go exactly as planned.
When feelings of self-criticism come up, it can help to try practicing self-compassion. Imagine talking to yourself as you would to a friend in your position—what would you say? This can ease some of the pressure you’re feeling and remind you that it’s okay to not be perfect in every attempt.
You mentioned that stress is what pushes you to study. Together, we could work on building a routine that includes small, manageable study sessions well ahead of exams. This way, you’ll rely less on last-minute stress and feel more prepared and confident when exam time arrives. We could even make use of tools like a weekly planner or phone reminders to get started in small, steady steps.
It sounds like the anxiety about your results is already weighing on you. Taking small, intentional breaks to focus on something that calms you—like a short walk or deep breathing exercise—can sometimes help ground you in the present moment. This might be especially helpful when thoughts about results start feeling overwhelming.
It’s great to have the goal of going to polytechnic. Instead of viewing it as a mountain to climb all at once, we could break it down into smaller, achievable steps. For instance, when you complete a study session early or manage to study steadily for a few days, reward yourself with something you enjoy. Recognizing these small achievements can build your confidence and make studying feel more sustainable.
It’s understandable to feel this way, Kavya, and with a bit of support and gradual change, you can start to feel more in control of your academic journey. Remember, many successful people have gone through similar phases, and it’s all part of learning what works best for you.
hii
i know how it is worrying about results but trust me, you probably did a lot better than you think and even if you didn’t, worrying about it rn won’t change anything. not trying to sound like mean or anything im just trying to say that its better to enjoy the free time you have now and just get os results off your mind cos you’ve worked hard for it the past few years. maybe not as hard as you’d like but again there’s nothing we can do to change things now. just focus on having fun and then worry about it when results come out ok <3
Hello @xmaswaffle 
!
It is permissible to experience this sentiment; O Levels are a significant milestone, and it is typical to experience a variety of emotions following such an intense period. Initially, it is crucial to recognise that you have successfully completed the task. That is an accomplishment in its own right, and it demonstrates your resilience, even if the journey did not unfold as you had anticipated.
In retrospect, cramming and last-minute studying may appear to be a source of frustration; however, the current state of self-awareness regarding one’s behaviours is the initial step towards change. It is evident that you are profoundly concerned about your future, and acknowledging areas for improvement is already a significant component of the growth process. You are gaining a deeper understanding of what is beneficial for you and what is not, and this knowledge will serve as a valuable resource as you progress, whether in poly or other career paths.
At present, endeavour to avoid allowing anxiety to consume you. At this juncture, the outcome is beyond your control. Although the anticipation can be excruciating, it will be beneficial to concentrate on the forthcoming events. You have recognised tension as a motivator for your academic pursuits, indicating that you are capable of exerting yourself when necessary. The current challenge is to develop discipline in more manageable, smaller increments. Begin by establishing straightforward, feasible objectives, even if it entails adhering to a daily study schedule for 30 minutes. It requires time to establish discipline, and you are not the only one who is experiencing difficulty with this.
Regarding poly, I have confidence in the endeavour you have made. There is a path for everyone, despite the fact that many students have similar concerns. Your future is not predetermined by a single exam, regardless of whether you pursue a polytechnic, JC, or alternative educational path. Life is replete with opportunities to develop, learn, and flourish.
Practice self-compassion. Stumbling is permissible; it is a characteristic of humanity. The most important thing is that you are reflective, learning, and prepared to improve. You are capable of accomplishing this.
Hi FuYuan_Affections! Thank you for replying to me. Its been a while since i posted it and i already feel better, and when i do think abt my results i dont feel as anxious anymore. Im definitely going to try out ur tip on building a routine for poly and start seeing studying in more positive light. I like the idea of breaking it down into smaller steps. Thank you!
Hiii, thanks for the reply and what u said isnt mean at all dw! Its true i feel a lot better when i just let go of trying to overthink my results. Its not like i can change it so i might as well just enjoy the present!
Hiii, thank you for the reassurance!! I looked back on my efforts and realised that i really gave it my all and should be proud of that. Im prepared to improve myself for poly and i will take up ur tips
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