It’s Okay to Try Again

Life often surprises us in ways we never expect. We grow up with a plan to study hard, pass exams, get into the best medical school, and start living our dream. But what happens when things don’t go according to that plan? What if you don’t get the scores you hoped for? What if your medical college dreams seem out of reach? For those of you who are preparing to give the MDCAT or AKU entrance exams again, let me tell you something important: it’s okay to try again.

You are not alone. Every year, more than 200,000 students across Pakistan register for the MDCAT exam. Out of this massive number, only a small fraction make it to their dream medical colleges on the first attempt. While that statistic might seem daunting, it also tells us something incredibly valuable: dedication is just as important as intelligence. The fact that you are considering giving it another shot, that you’re not backing down, speaks volumes about your character.

You are not a “repeater.” You are an improver. And being an improver means you are taking control of your journey. It means you are not giving up on your dream just because it didn’t happen in the timeline you initially set. A dream delayed is not a dream denied, and taking one more year to prepare and refine your knowledge doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re giving yourself the chance to come back stronger.

Consider this: Some of the most successful people in history didn’t get everything right on their first try. Thomas Edison famously failed thousands of times before he successfully invented the light bulb. In his words, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” So, what if this year is your chance to find your way? Your dream is still within reach, and this is just another step toward it.

During this year, you can take time to focus on what truly matters. Perhaps last time, you were cramming information without understanding it deeply. Maybe you focused on rote learning instead of truly mastering concepts. Now, you have the opportunity to slow down, look at the areas where you need improvement, and tackle them head-on. Use tools like Topical MCQs and Flashcards to reinforce your learning in key areas. These resources aren’t just study aids, they are stepping stones to your success.

And while it’s tempting to think of this year as lost time, it’s anything but that. This is the year you become more resilient, more determined, and more knowledgeable. It’s the year you make mistakes and learn from them. It’s the year you build the mental toughness that will serve you not just in exams, but throughout your medical career.

The truth is, life rarely goes exactly the way we plan. But the most successful people are those who adapt, who see setbacks not as failures but as opportunities to grow. This is your chance to grow. This is your chance to improve. Keep going, because the finish line is closer than you think.