How to get over A Bad Test (aka Post-Test Blues)

Post Test Blues? Yes, I get them many times after a bad test and I learned a few lessons that I'd like to share with you. You will end up learning something from what my surreal experience of always feeling like the odd one out after not performing well.

After I wrote my Calculus test, I felt very unsatisfied with my performance. Generally after tests, I have a habit of consulting my peers and there are one of two reactions: either I get a sympathetic, "Yeah, oh my g-- it was so bad!" or "Oh my g--! What was that test? Was it really that easy?" In the first case, I tend to feel a little better since I have people to sympathize with my level of low-confidence after writing a terrible test. But after my test on Friday, every classmate I talked to gave me the second scenario, which ultimately sucked. I felt terrible when everyone told me that the test was that easy, since I felt like I didn't know half of what I was doing on that test. So, here are some questions that I think help me so I can do better and feel better about tests in the future tests to come.

1. First, admit if there is a pattern of feeling bad after every test. In my case, yes - I felt bad after every Calculus test, and I've written about six tests so far. If no, and this is your first bad test, no worries, because you've picked up this problem right away. So good for you! This question is just to ask if you've neglected looking at the problems and thank goodness you want to learn how to be better starting now.
2. Identify the reasons why you feel bad after your test. Even in the days approaching the test, I'd feel very doomed to fail. My reasons why I felt bad after every test were piled up one atop the other, threatening to fall and wreak havoc. Some reasons include doing enough homework to understand the concepts. Another reason is not leaving enough time to review the concepts that I kind-of understand. Another reason could be believing that no matter what I do, I would still do poorly on the test because of all the aforementioned reasons. So, I felt bad after every test because of mental stress, poor time management and not asking for help.
3. Ask yourself how you can start do better on the next test knowing these reasons. Now that I've identified my problems, I could ask peers who are successful for tips. I could also ask my teacher for extra help when I don't understand concepts. I could do more math homework.
4. Practice what you've learned from your mistakes. Be better. But in the end, it comes down to practicing successful habits to do well. I can philosophize and research all the tips and tricks, but the best way to feel better is practice, practice, practice. Whether it's math practice, or practicing asking questions or practicing good habits, it will make life pre-Tests much easier. Practice makes perfect right?

It seems simple to do it all in writing, but I know I am bound to feel bad before and after my next test. Since I know I'll feel bad, at least I'm conscious of my past failures and I know the possibilities to succeed. For now, my strategy is to do more math. I will put into practice the thing I need most practicing on! 

Post Script: Post-Test Blues and Pre-Test Blues are made up words by me, but they sound like illnesses... The cure is to practice good habits, so carry on with courage and strength!