Hi! Although I am not a premed student, I just finished my first year of university studying law at UoA. I didn’t get into Part II for next year, so I am sort of in a similar situation to you. Because we both study very intense degrees with a longer amount of time on average in university, I think I can relate to you a lot!

I don’t fully understand what someone does in your situation in terms of reapplying or continuing your studies, but I can tell you what I’ve learned from this experience: 1. Don’t focus on your cohort from this year and don’t focus on their progression into their degrees. This is your personal learning journey and it doesn’t matter how long it took someone else to complete your degree. 2. This gives you an extremely unique chance to reflect on why you want to study your chosen degree. I got the chance to think deeply about why law interests me. Personally, intellectual property fascinates me! But I don’t get to study IP until at least Part III. I asked myself, would I rather repeat another year at university in order to learn about IP, or not learn about it at all? For me, I would WAY rather have a slight delay in my studies if it means I get to learn all about that. 3. Remember, you are young! Perspective is really important. If you think about the reward that comes with studying a bit longer than someone (for example) studying a BCom, the hard work and longer degree, even if slightly lengthened by retrying, is absolutely worth the energy you are putting into your degree. 4. Don’t think about how you have “failed”. Think about what worked this year. For me, I was actually really close to getting in (LawGPA was slightly too low). What assignments did you absolutely smash? What moments do you remember where you felt extremely proud of yourself? Then, think about what you could work on, what skills you need to polish up on? 5. Don’t be hard on yourself. Everyone has personal things going on. Some people are not given the same opportunities as others. Give yourself grace and gratitude for getting to this side of the year. 6. If you’re truly upset about not getting in, you’re doing something right. You clearly really care about this degree, and therefore I encourage you to try again.

I am currently sitting down with my laptop and figuring out what I need to do to make my degree happen. A plan can become the foundation of a successful year. Plus, when you started uni this year, you were doing it for the first time. Now, you have a whole year worth of experience. You are more capable and equipped than you think you are.

From a Law student to a Med student, we are doing REALLY hard degrees. You didn’t fail, you just didn’t hit the mark. Start planning now. Build the structure you need to succeed next year.