How to say I almost missed my exam?

Question

If "J'ai failli rater mon examen" means I almost failed my exam, how would one say I almost missed my exam? Seems like there is some ambiguities in the word rater in this context. Thanks.

Accepted Answer

«J'ai failli manquer mon examen» perhaps?

Answer

Bonjour Winston,
Maarten has translated the phrase impeccably. 
A few more details on 'rater', it is also a verb that is used as a synonym of 'manquer' (= 'to miss') in a very familiar or an oral context.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée!

Answer

Bonjour Celine, in the context of being synonymous with manquer, does je te rate mean you miss me or I miss you?

Answer

Bonjour Chris,
As mentioned earlier ‘rater’ can be used to replace ‘manquer’ in a very familiar context. I have included some examples to clarify:
‘manquer [qqn/qch]’ / ‘rater [qqn/qch]’ = ‘miss [sb/sth]’
Tu l’as manquée / ratée de peu = you’ve just missed her
Tu viens juste de la manquer / rater = You’ve just missed her 
J’ai manqué / raté mon train = I missed my train
Le tireur a manqué / raté sa cible = the sniper missed his target
 
Attention: ‘rater’ can’t be used in the context of ‘to miss [sb]’ (= to feel a void). You will use ‘manquer à [qqn]’
Tu me manques = I miss you
Je te manque = you miss me
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !