In life, it’s crucial to balance optimism and realism. While staying positive and hopeful is important for achieving the best outcomes, being honest with oneself is equally essential to avoid false hope. Today, I want to share my personal journey—a testament to this balance—as I navigated my way into the field of Dentistry.
From Iran to the UK: A New Beginning
My journey began in Iran, where I completed high school with high scores. Despite my achievements, I faced a significant setback: I did not pass the university entrance exam, which is critical for admission to higher education in Iran. Instead of retaking the exam, I decided to pursue my education abroad, aiming for new opportunities and challenges.
Upon arriving in the UK, I encountered another challenge. My Iranian diploma was not sufficient for direct admission into a Dentistry course. To meet the entry requirements, I embarked on a two-year A-level course. When I received my A-level results—A*AAB—I was disappointed to find that my B in Biology and less-than-ideal UCAT scores were insufficient for Dentistry admission. Faced with this situation, I made the difficult decision to retake both the A-level Biology exam and the UCAT.
Honest Self-Assessment: A Key to Realistic Planning
During this period, I took a step back to analyze my abilities and limitations. I sought advice from teachers, parents, and friends, striving to make an honest assessment of what I could and couldn’t do. While I was confident that I could improve my A-level Biology grade, I realized that achieving a high UCAT score was a significant challenge for me.
Determined not to give up, I explored alternative pathways. I discovered that I could enroll in a Biomedical Science course at Plymouth University and apply to transfer to a Dentistry program after my first year. This route allowed me to focus on my strengths and avoid the UCAT, which had been a source of anxiety.
The Outcome: Success Through Perseverance
My decision paid off. I worked diligently, achieving a first-class result in my Biomedical Science course and an A* in A-level Biology. This combination of qualifications allowed me to finally gain admission into a Dentistry course—the goal I had been striving towards all along. I was overjoyed to reach this milestone without having to retake the UCAT, a challenge that had loomed large throughout my journey.
Lessons Learned: Finding Your Path
My pathway into Dentistry was not the easiest or most conventional. It was stressful and filled with challenges, but ultimately, it was a success. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this exact route to others due to its difficulty, I do believe it serves as an example of the importance of exploring alternative pathways.
If there’s one key takeaway from my experience, it’s this: there is always a way to achieve your goals. You need to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, make a realistic plan, and stay committed. Trust in your abilities, remain patient, and don’t be swayed by false hopes. By doing so, you can navigate even the most challenging journeys and emerge successful.
Remember, the road to your dreams might not be straightforward, but with perseverance and a clear, honest self-assessment, you can find your way.