Reframe. Reset. Resit: Some Advice On Passing Your ACCA Exam Next Time

So, the September exam results have left you feeling deflated.
Perhaps you very nearly made a pass, with a result in the late 40% bracket - that's really frustrating :(
Now you may be looking at a retake in December alongside studying for the next ACCA exam you hoped to clear this year.
Things happen. And now's the time to pivot. 
The last exam wasn't a 'fail', it was simply your 'First Attempt In Learning' for that particular paper.
Reframe the result and use it as a learning tool to help you pass next time.

'The brain is like a muscle that grows stronger and smarter when it undergoes rigorous learning experiences,'* and the ACCA exams are without doubt, rigorous. 
Many academic researchers have proven that if you believe you'll grow and improve and exercise the muscle of your extraordinary brain, you can reset and get there next time round.
A growth mindset and belief you WILL pass, coupled with an improved learning strategy will help you pass.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Widely attributed to Einstein, this simple phrase rings true. 
If your strategy last time didn't quite work, don't repeat the same study and revision patterns this time round.

5 Ways To Smash a Resit

1. Analyse What Went Wrong Before You Start Again: Was it time management in the exam that let you down? Or did you struggle with the core concepts for this particular paper? 
   Try to pinpoint the areas that cost you marks which will save you hours of guesswork as you create your new study plan.

2. Switch from Reading and Passive Watching to Active Recall:  Reading notes, highlighting, watching video tutorials without actively engaging with all of these may feel productive, but it really isn't. Test yourself regularly, use quizzes or past exam questions with model answers to see if you're really understanding the core concepts. If you're one of our Premium Students, ask your tutor for help on the chat button, if you're unsure or confused about a topic or question.
   If you're an Ultra student, make sure you put your learning into practice and answer the most recent past ACCA exam questions in the marking hub.

3. Space Your Study Sessions: Did you sit for long weekends last time, hours at a time staring at your screen? Cramming can be counter-productive. The spacing effect (backed by research) shows that revisiting topics after short breaks improves long-term memory - so much better for exam recall.

4. Learn From Mistakes Through Feedback: Every incorrect answer is an opportunity. 
   Unpick it, and it will reveal the how's, why's and wherefores of where you went wrong. Learn by trial and error. 
   That's where our Marking Hub becomes your best friend. Our Ultra package gives you access to the marking hub for your paper. You receive personalised feedback on what you're doing well but also where you're losing marks and how you can improve: it's vital for exam technique.

5. Focus on exam technique as much as knowledge and theory: At strategic level, your ability to apply your knowledge to the scenario and act as an accounting professional, is what's going to help you pass. It's not only about the base knowledge of accounting standards and theories, it's all about application and exam technique. Read the most recent ACCA Examiners Reports, watch the videos on Exam technique and make sure you know what the examiners are looking for this time round.

Our advice to anyone resitting is to be courageous. You've started this journey for a reason - maybe to work for a global organisation one day, become a CFO or run your own business - keep that goal in mind despite the set back and keep moving forward with courage.

(*Richardson M, Abraham C, Bond R. Psychological correlates of university students' academic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Bull. 2012 Mar;138(2):353-87. doi: 10.1037/a0026838. PMID: 22352812.)