Revision and exams: How to be resilient

Shay It's really important to remember that there is an end to the exams. You definitely can do it.

Dr Colton Whether you're studying for your exams, trying to get into university or applying for jobs, it's important to understand that you might have setbacks along the way. This doesn't mean being negative about your prospects, just accepting that you can't control everything.

Rohan When I get feedback from my teachers, I just remember that they're trying to better me so I can get a better grade for my exams. Don't take it personally if it's not always positive.

Shay I think feedback from teachers is really important. At the end of the day, it's their job to make sure you can pass the exam. Listen to what they say. Don't take it too personally and make sure you can apply it to the questions next time.

Dr Colton A setback doesn't define you. Use the feedback to help you understand any errors or misconceptions and then clear them up. Whatever happens, don't panic. They'll be an option for you, even if it's not the exact one you were working towards.

Jacintha GCSEs were a huge learning curve. You learn a lot more about your character, how determined you are and where your values lie in terms of academic success. When you come out the other end of GCSEs, you're going to be a lot more resilient and have a lot more clarity about what you want to do with your life.

Josh Resilience is an essential quality in life, even when you come across things you don't know or an exam doesn't go as you intended. Believe in yourself and keep going.

Lauren I really try to stay as positive as possible, so what I did was I wrote down five things that I enjoyed in the day or that I was just really happy for. Just before I went to bed. It just put everything else into perspective.

Joe One thing I did when I was getting really low is watch motivational videos online, and it would make me want to do the work.

RohanWhen it comes to my positive affirmations, I like to say things out loud, such as "I'm going to pass my exams, I'm going to do well", and it just keeps you motivated to get you through these exams.

Josh Don't forget to celebrate the little wins. Give yourself rewards, such as watching an episode of your favourite boxset.

Dr Colton Just remember the most successful people are often those who've had setbacks.

Lauren Anytime your teacher says you've not got something quite right, all they want you to do is get the best grades you can. You've got time to make them little tweaks before you go into your exam, that's what we do mocks for. That's why we do practise questions.

Dr Colton It's essential to look after yourself. Staying connected to your friends and family is really important. Meet friends for a walk or even just to chat on the phone. Staying connected with people you enjoy being with helps prevent you from getting lost in your thoughts and worries.

Josh Nobody can stay positive all the time, and that's OK. Remember, that feelings don't equate to facts. The best thing you can do when you experience a negative thought is to check it out. Look for truth and be open to see how it's possible that your thoughts may not be accurate. It could be really helpful to chat to a friend, teacher or parent and get another perspective on things.

Dr Colton During your GCSEs or nationals, you'll get loads of feedback, good and bad. How you deal with the negative feedback is really important. Try and use it constructively and don't dwell on the setbacks, but celebrate the positives. It's great advice for life, not just for now.

Ellie Simmonds Hello, I'm Ellie Simmonds, a British Paralympic swimmer. A message I'll say to my sixteen year old self is: use that support system around you - Your parents, your coach, your team mates, your friends. For me, I was having to manage training for London 2012 Paralympics with taking my GCSES, doing those exams, having to train, go abroad on training camps and do my GCSEs at international schools. It was a lot of pressure on my shoulders and at that time I thought I could cope with it.

I'm very lucky that my personality is… I'm very time management, very organised, very much love to be in control and sometimes that's important. Yes, that's good but also being aware that you can use other people to help you and especially other team mates who are a lot older, friends, family. They've all been through it before and using that to help you and have that support network is really, really important.