In in the event shall you fail an exam

This is the topic nobody wants to talk about.

What should you do when you fail an exam?

first of all, you should realize that failing isn't that rare AT ALL in medical school. It SEEMS rare, because nobody talks about it.

You don't notice the people who disappears after a semeseter or two.
You don't realize your friends who had to resit for exams.
You don't talk about friends who had to leave because s/he failed.
You don't tell everyone that you have failed.

There are many reasons why it would seem that failure isn't common place.

So the very first step to take in every failure, is to accept it. 

Everything worth doing is difficult, so it makes sense that exams in medical school is made to be difficult. but just because it is difficult, doesn't make it impossible.

Second step to take after failing an exam, is Reflection.

The solution is very easy, if you have reflected back and thought hmm. I spent at least 4 hours daily on games and 4 hours weekly on studies. The answer is to study more, and that isn't very difficult.
But the problem comes if you've been studying 4 hours daily (not counting the times you're in university sitting in classes) and sacrificing your sleep, friendship, relationship and health.

you need to think - what made you fail?

a simple trap everyone would fall into is telling yourself "I am just too stupid" - well, it could be true. but you were admitted into medical school, and admission itself must have been tough. Its easy to say you're dumb. you just have to say you are! but it is the most lazy way out as well.

don't start by assuming you're stupid. one question to ask is "did I take the wrong method?" - everyone learns in a different manner. some are more auditory learner so they may learn best from listening. some are kinestetic learner - they learn best when it is hands-on. You need to re-evaluate youself and work to change your learning habits to suit none other than yourself.

Third step to take after failing is Communicate.

This may be hard, but I personally think it is important to have someone know that you're struggling.
That person may be your trusted friend. (If you don't have one... I am sorry for you. there must have been circumstances that you can't make one. You might have to skip this step)

The reason why you should communicate, is because this would motivate you. if you choose the right person to communicate with, that person would help you motivate you, and get you study material, get more help from other people etc... Afterall, nobody can live alone. Humans are social animals and we need someone to rely on, and to be relied on.

fourth step - is Execution

now most people think this is the hardest step - for some people, it may be. but it isn't has hard as the world paint it to be. Once a person starts doing something, the effort to continue is significantly less than the effort to start something. so take the first step! the rest would be much easier.


and lastly, I wish you all the best. It is difficult because it is worth doing. Make this experience a positive one by learning from it! I have seen many people who have failed but pushed themselves back and they always come out better than before in many ways.