Failed your ‘O’ Levels? Here are your options

AFTER years of studying, failing your ‘O’ Levels can be a devastating experience.

Even results that are technically passing can get you in trouble if you have many borderline scores like C.

Low or failing scores may crush your hope to qualify for Polytechnics or University.

While there’s no way to avoid the disappointment of this situation, the bright side is that there are numerous ways to continue your academic career or excel professionally.

Before you plan your future after failing the ‘O’ Levels, you may have to change your mindset. Make sure you are taking responsibility for the situation.

Only you can create your success, and it is hard to reflect on what you might need to change in order to succeed academically if you don’t emphasise the importance of your own actions.

Consider what would have to change for you to succeed academically in the future. Is your issue time-management, or is it something else?

Despite the importance of taking responsibility, remember that not everything is in your control. Factors such as stress, time, and resources may not have been on your side and have affected your ‘O’ Level results.

There are many reasons you could’ve failed your ‘O’ Levels that don’t involve you not being good enough. Besides, your ‘O’ Level results do not define you or how much success you can have in the future.

Once you step into a more positive and accepting mindset, it is time for you to reflect upon yourself and your talents. Think about your best skills and about what kind of careers you would be inclined to. This will help you make your decision on where to go next.

After you come to understand where you will excel in the future and what areas you need to improve in, you can begin to look at various options for what to do next after failing your ‘O’ Levels.

Option 1: Enrol into a vocational college

If you have a specific talent in music, sports, or the arts, you can apply to a specialised school or polytechnic college that will help you hone your skill.

These skills allow you to get a diploma in subjects such as Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Agriculture, Broadcast Media, and more.

You can also attend a specialised school in the region or overseas. You may have more luck as an international student, where there tends to be more leniency and your poor scores may hold less weight.

Even if you are not granted admission into a specialised school, you can always try to take your skills to the public by posting videos on social media or performing or showcasing your gifts in your community. This can lead you to unexpected opportunities if you persist.

Option 2: Retake your ‘O’ Levels

If you are younger, you may have the option to retake your ‘O’ Levels. You can choose to not return to your old school and enrol in a private school, or you could even self-study and register for the ‘O’ Levels as a private candidate.

You can also assist yourself in this process by enrolling in a private institution with ‘O’ Level preparatory courses to help you retake the exams in the same year or the next one.

Remember that you should not expect different results if you employ the same study habits and strategies. You will need to be extremely self-disciplined to improve your score, and it could be a good idea to hire an experienced ‘O’ level tutor.

Option 3: Get a diploma first

Various institutions offer foundational diplomas that qualify you to progress to getting a university degree later on.

Option 4: Gain work experience through apprenticeship

It may be a good idea to go straight into the workforce instead of enrolling in a post-secondary education program. This will help give you clarity on your passions and what you are good at, and you will build new skills at the same time. As an apprentice, you may be able to slowly climb the ranks of the business you work for.

You can always take a different route or continue your education in a new way if you don’t find the right job.

There are many jobs you can get without a degree. Be creative and search around your community and you will find the right position for yourself.

If the ‘O’ Levels just aren’t for you, don’t lose hope on building a successful future. With a little bit of self-discovery, you will master your unique skills and prosper in fulfilling employment and academic enrichment, no matter what form it takes. —