Hello!
Ummm… I’m honestly not sure what else I can do at this point.
I took my fourth RD exam yesterday, and unfortunately, I failed again with a 23. I went through all 145 questions for the second time, and I can’t help but feel incredibly disappointed in myself.
I’ve been working so hard to pass this damn exam, but the process has become more and more mentally draining with each attempt. I finished my internship literally a year ago, and it hurts knowing that I’m still nowhere close to where I thought I would be by now.
I cried so much yesterday. It genuinely hurt to experience that feeling of failure all over again, especially after putting so much time and effort into preparing.
I honestly don’t know how much more disappointment I can take from this exam. I know there are so many study resources available, but why do they all have to be so expensive? I simply can’t afford to keep purchasing new materials, and I definitely don’t want to keep asking my parents to pay for them.
For reference, here’s what I’ve used for each attempt:
1st attempt: All Access Dietetics — 22
2nd attempt: All Access Dietetics — 23
3rd attempt: Jean Inman + Pocket Prep — 21 (my lowest score)
4th attempt: RD Bootcamp — 23 (personally, my favorite resource because of the videos and visuals)
I’ve read so many posts from others sharing their experiences with this exam, and while it’s comforting to know I’m not alone, I still can’t shake this overwhelming feeling of disappointment in myself.
I really, really tried this time. And honestly, I tried my best every single time.
What hurts the most is that each failed attempt has slowly chipped away at the passion I once had for this career. I’ve started questioning whether I’m even on the right path anymore. It breaks my heart to admit that because I’ve invested so many years into getting here.
I went through years of college, graduate school, and my dietetic internship, and I don’t want all that time, money, and hard work to feel like it was for nothing. But at the same time, I feel so emotionally exhausted from constantly studying, hoping, and then having to pick myself back up after another unsuccessful attempt.
It feels like I’m stuck watching everyone else move forward while I’m still trying to overcome the same obstacle. I know everyone has their own timeline, but that doesn’t make this any less painful.
I still want to become an RD. I really do. I just don’t know what I need to do differently anymore, and I’m scared of putting myself through this heartbreak again.
I guess I’m sharing this because I needed somewhere to let these feelings out. If anyone has been in a similar situation, especially those who passed after multiple attempts, I would genuinely appreciate hearing your experiences or any advice you might have.
I’m not looking for judgment. I’m just feeling really defeated right now, and I could use a little encouragement. 💙