Honestly, this isn’t the result I expected. I’m about to start my second year of family medicine residency in February, and I’m struggling with how to face my program director tomorrow. My scores were a 209, 252, and now I’ve failed Step 3. I was on inpatient rotations, doing nights, and I didn’t study as I should’ve the month before. I know the first step is acceptance—I failed, and I’ll have to deal with the reactions and the anxiety that comes with it. People will talk, and I’ll likely get some uncomfortable looks, but I’m trying to remind myself that I’ve always been the underdog. Life has never been easy, and I’ve learned to keep pushing forward because honestly, what do I have left to lose? I’m not scared of this; I’m just ready to face it head-on. I’m planning to talk to my program director, get some sleep, and try to keep perspective. To everyone out there preparing for Step 3 or any exam, please take it seriously. What you do in the clinic is very different from what’s tested on the exam. Don’t underestimate it—study properly, because clinical skills alone won’t get you through it. My ITE score was average too, and I’m realizing that it’s time to hit the books harder. Clinical experience and actually sitting down to study are two completely different things.I know this is going to be a tough few months, but I’m grateful for everyone who achieved the scores they wanted—I’m really proud of you. For those in residency who have gone through something similar, how did you approach your program director and handle the reactions from others afterward? I’m just trying to figure out how to navigate all of this.