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Struggling with results and impostor syndrome

Reposting this because I didn’t get any responses the first time, and I’m still hoping to hear from anyone who might relate or have some advice.
Just got my results for my final set of exams and while I passed, they’ve confirmed that I won’t be graduating with honours. Objectively, that’s not a big deal for me. I hope to go into a specialty that doesn’t give points for distinctions, and I already have a national-level surgical prize that’s more significant for applications. So career-wise, this result doesn’t really change anything.
But emotionally, it’s hit harder than I expected.
I’ve never been too focused on grades throughout med school. But seeing my friends smash their finals getting distinctions and top marks has made me feel unexpectedly disappointed. I’m genuinely happy for them, but it’s hard not to compare. I’ve always been seen as the “smart one” in my friend group: confident on placement, strong clinical knowledge, usually the person people turn to for help. So it stings to feel like I’ve fallen short when it matters most.
What’s frustrating is that this year, I actually did try. I revised properly (at least by my standards), but I was still outperformed by friends who worked consistently all year. It’s made me question whether I’m genuinely capable, or if I’ve just been coasting on a decent memory and a strong academic background.
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. I’ve spent this year building my portfolio, but also invested time in hobbies like cricket. Now I’m second-guessing whether I should’ve prioritised research or other “portfolio boosting” activities like my peers have.
On top of that, I can’t help but wonder how much of my confidence and past performance has come from background advantages (I went to private school), and whether I’ve overestimated my own ability. The fear of underperforming in the MSRA and not even getting an interview has been weighing on me.
I think what I’m feeling is imposter syndrome. And I’m trying to make sense of it because it’s easier to tell myself “I didn’t work hard enough” than to believe I’ve already peaked.
If anyone else has experienced something similar or has advice on how to process these thoughts, I’d really appreciate it.

Reply 1

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Reply 2

Original post
by MuffinMan37727
Reposting this because I didn’t get any responses the first time, and I’m still hoping to hear from anyone who might relate or have some advice.
Just got my results for my final set of exams and while I passed, they’ve confirmed that I won’t be graduating with honours. Objectively, that’s not a big deal for me. I hope to go into a specialty that doesn’t give points for distinctions, and I already have a national-level surgical prize that’s more significant for applications. So career-wise, this result doesn’t really change anything.
But emotionally, it’s hit harder than I expected.
I’ve never been too focused on grades throughout med school. But seeing my friends smash their finals getting distinctions and top marks has made me feel unexpectedly disappointed. I’m genuinely happy for them, but it’s hard not to compare. I’ve always been seen as the “smart one” in my friend group: confident on placement, strong clinical knowledge, usually the person people turn to for help. So it stings to feel like I’ve fallen short when it matters most.
What’s frustrating is that this year, I actually did try. I revised properly (at least by my standards), but I was still outperformed by friends who worked consistently all year. It’s made me question whether I’m genuinely capable, or if I’ve just been coasting on a decent memory and a strong academic background.
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. I’ve spent this year building my portfolio, but also invested time in hobbies like cricket. Now I’m second-guessing whether I should’ve prioritised research or other “portfolio boosting” activities like my peers have.
On top of that, I can’t help but wonder how much of my confidence and past performance has come from background advantages (I went to private school), and whether I’ve overestimated my own ability. The fear of underperforming in the MSRA and not even getting an interview has been weighing on me.
I think what I’m feeling is imposter syndrome. And I’m trying to make sense of it because it’s easier to tell myself “I didn’t work hard enough” than to believe I’ve already peaked.
If anyone else has experienced something similar or has advice on how to process these thoughts, I’d really appreciate it.


Hi, I hope you’re okay. I can tell you that you’ve done amazingly. That prize is such a big deal, be proud of yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself, ambition is amazing but when it takes away from who you are and knocks down your confidence it’s not.
I have the same thing sometimes. When I don’t get the grades I spiral and compare myself to others but it’s unhealthy.
I also do the opposite and feel like I don’t deserve my grades when I do well.

You’ve done so well and come so far. Don’t beat yourself up about not being perfect because no one is.

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