Assignment results

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I just got my first assignment back for 2nd year uni and again it’s not the grade I hoped for.
It’s starting to mess with my self confidence and getting imposter syndrome big time.
I know I need to change but at the moment I feel like I don’t have what it take, which makes me feel pathetic because I was the one who put myslef in this situation in the first place

Reply 1

AllThingsCCCU

Official Rep

10

Original post

by chisa

I just got my first assignment back for 2nd year uni and again it’s not the grade I hoped for.
It’s starting to mess with my self confidence and getting imposter syndrome big time.
I know I need to change but at the moment I feel like I don’t have what it take, which makes me feel pathetic because I was the one who put myslef in this situation in the first place

I’m really sorry to hear how you’re feeling. It’s completely normal to feel knocked back when a grade doesn’t reflect the effort you put in, especially in the second year when the pressure feels higher. Please don’t be hard on yourself; feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re not capable.
What usually helps is looking at the feedback with someone who can break it down with you. Your module tutor, academic adviser, or the Learning Skills Team can help you understand exactly what to improve and how to approach your next assignment with more confidence.
You do have what it takes sometimes; it just takes a bit of guidance and reassurance to get back on track.

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by chisa

I just got my first assignment back for 2nd year uni and again it’s not the grade I hoped for.
It’s starting to mess with my self confidence and getting imposter syndrome big time.
I know I need to change but at the moment I feel like I don’t have what it take, which makes me feel pathetic because I was the one who put myslef in this situation in the first place

Hi there,

I am so sorry to hear you are feeling like this. I know it is tough when you don't get the grade you are hoping for, and I struggle with this too.

My best advice is to talk to your tutors about your grade, or if you have a personal tutor or academic advisor talk to them about it too and see if they can talk you through it so you can see where you might have gone wrong so you can improve for next time. It is always worth asking and you can use a combination of this and your feedback on the assignment to see where and how you can improve.

You could also talk to your peers and see what they have done and maybe where they got marks where you didn't. Nobody is perfect and they may have missed marks too, but if you help each other you can all see where you can improve and what you missed out on.

Talking to the skills team at your uni is a good idea too as they can help with things such as referencing, structure, critical skills all to make your work the best it can be. These are often part of the library so have a look as this could really help you .

Try and remember that you are at uni for a reason and you deserve to be here! I know bad grades are disheartening but you will improve and learn from it to do even better in the end. Don't doubt your abilities because you are here for a reason and you deserve to be there.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

18

Original post

by chisa

I just got my first assignment back for 2nd year uni and again it’s not the grade I hoped for.
It’s starting to mess with my self confidence and getting imposter syndrome big time.
I know I need to change but at the moment I feel like I don’t have what it take, which makes me feel pathetic because I was the one who put myslef in this situation in the first place

Hello @chisa
i'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way.
Being a student myself in my third year, i can tell you second year is tough, however you should try to take these results as learning point, and see where you could do better for your next assignments.
Do not let these results get you down as they do not define you and definetely does not show that you are not capable of anything.
I suggest speaking to some of the academic staff within your course, they may be able to break down your results for you and let you know where you could do better for your next assignment. Speaking to the health and wellbeing team of your university can also greatly help with your self confidence and any anxiety you may be feeling.

Sanam - Forensic Investigations - Coventry University

Reply 4

Manchester Met - Student Rep

Official Rep

16

Original post

by chisa

I just got my first assignment back for 2nd year uni and again it’s not the grade I hoped for.
It’s starting to mess with my self confidence and getting imposter syndrome big time.
I know I need to change but at the moment I feel like I don’t have what it take, which makes me feel pathetic because I was the one who put myslef in this situation in the first place

Hey,
I am genuinely sorry that this result has knocked your confidence. The feeling of disappointment and imposter syndrome is incredibly tough, especially when you’re working hard. I totally get that feeling! I remember getting a grade back for a specific module that I’d worked really hard on, and feeling incredibly disappointed in myself.
Please know that you absolutely deserve to be here, and getting a grade you didn’t hope for does not reflect your overall ability. The jump from first to second year is a lot; the expectations shift dramatically.
Here is a clear, three-step plan to tackle this situation actively:
Challenge the Imposter Syndrome: You earned your place here. The feeling of inadequacy is the imposter syndrome talking, not reality. You simply need a new strategy to meet the higher academic bar of Year 2.
Request a Meeting with Your Tutor: Book a time with the module leader or your Academic Tutor right away. Focus only on the feedback. Ask them: “What are the top two things I must change in my structure or analysis to score higher next time?” This turns worry into an actionable plan.
Use the Academic Skills Support: Reach out to the Academic Skills Centre or Library Support. They can help you specifically with critical writing, essay structuring, and using sources, which are the exact skills needed to excel in Year 2.
By getting targeted feedback and seeking specific skill support, you actively change the situation.
Hope this helps!😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism

Reply 5

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

13

Original post

by chisa

I just got my first assignment back for 2nd year uni and again it’s not the grade I hoped for.
It’s starting to mess with my self confidence and getting imposter syndrome big time.
I know I need to change but at the moment I feel like I don’t have what it take, which makes me feel pathetic because I was the one who put myslef in this situation in the first place

Hi @chisa

Sorry to hear you are feeling this way, I have been there!

Already some great advice given so thought I would just add a couple previous posts I have done if you are looking for further advice on how to move forward
How to Utilise Feedback and Improve on Grades - The Student Room
Making the Most of University Resources this Exam Season - The Student Room
How to Prepare for Exam/Deadline Season - The Student Room

Hope this helps :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 6

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

20

Original post

by chisa

I just got my first assignment back for 2nd year uni and again it’s not the grade I hoped for.
It’s starting to mess with my self confidence and getting imposter syndrome big time.
I know I need to change but at the moment I feel like I don’t have what it take, which makes me feel pathetic because I was the one who put myslef in this situation in the first place

Oh but you do have what it takes.

I think it's a pretty wide phenomenon that the first assignment of the year is always disappointing. For as long as I can remember, the first assignment of every academic year has shaken my self-confidence and making me question what the hell is it all for. But you'll improve. Request further feedback. Find a friend who does relatively well and ask him how he does it. And, easier said than done, but don't be too hard on yourself. It gets better. You got this!

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