Hello everyone,

Dr. B believes that many families are currently filled with excitement and anxiety as the TCAS Round 1 (Portfolio) results are about to be announced. Many of you may feel your hearts racing, waiting for the moment you see your name—or your child’s—on the list of those who passed the selection, right?

But with every fulfilled hope, disappointment often walks hand in hand. I want to tell everyone—it’s okay if the outcome isn’t what you expected. It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to cry. But please remember, the TCAS exam is just one step in life, not the final destination.

Understanding TCAS Round 1 and What Students Have to Face

The TCAS exam is Thailand’s university admission system, divided into four rounds. Round 1, or the Portfolio Round, does not require a written exam, but instead uses a portfolio to showcase students' skills and experiences in various areas, such as activities, academic achievements, or special talents. This round provides a unique opportunity for outstanding students, but it can also create considerable pressure, as not everyone will be selected in this round.

When the results are announced, we often see students smiling with joy, while many others might feel as if the world is crashing down. The pressure, the sadness, and the comparison with friends who passed might lead students to feel like they’re "not good enough" or "have no future," which is absolutely not true.

The Pressure Faced by Both Students and Parents

It’s not just the students who feel stressed; parents do too. We want to see our children succeed and may unknowingly place too much pressure on them. The fear of them "failing" can cause us to compare them to other students or worry beyond the reality of the situation.

I would like to invite everyone to take a deep breath and understand that university education is just one path in life, not the entirety of success.

How to Take Care of Your Heart When Facing Disappointment

If the results didn’t turn out as expected, I want everyone to slowly step through these feelings together.

• Acknowledge Your Feelings
  Disappointment is normal. It’s okay to cry and feel sad, but remember that this disappointment can become the driving force that helps you move forward stronger.
• Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
  Everyone has their own path. Just because a friend passed doesn’t mean you won’t have great opportunities in the future. Comparisons can make you feel bad unnecessarily.
• Set New Goals
  Missing out this round doesn’t mean opportunities are gone. There’s still the next round where you can improve and prepare even better than before.
• Reward Yourself
  

  No matter the result, don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, rest, and recharge before moving forward.

How Can Parents Help Their Children Through This Time?

Many parents might not know how to comfort their child when they’re disappointed. Here are some tips from me:

• Hug and Encourage
  Sometimes words are less important than a tight hug, telling your child, “We love you no matter the outcome.”
• Listen Without Judgment
  Try to listen to what your child is worried about without rushing to judge them as weak. For them, this is the biggest challenge they’ve faced in their life.
• Create a Safe Environment
  Make your home a place where your child can rest their heart. It should not be a place full of criticism and pressure.
• Help Your Child Plan for the Future
  If your child wants to try again, support them with hope and help them explore other options together.

Finally, I want to tell everyone that no matter the result, be proud of yourself. Your efforts are always valuable, and there are many more paths ahead for you to explore.

If you feel too stressed or anxious, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. Your mental health is just as important as success in life.