r/RD2B

I recently took the RD exam and failed with a score of 22. I’m honestly discouraged because I completed all 1,500 Pocket Prep questions and all 3 mock exams to prepare.
I’m trying to figure out what to change for my retake because I don’t want to put in all that work again using the same method if it isn’t helping me pass.
For those who failed their first attempt and passed their retake, what did you do differently? Did you switch to Inman, EatRight Prep, All Access Dietetics, or another resource? Did you focus more on content review instead of practice questions? Would you recommend a tutor?
I’d especially love to hear from anyone who completed all of Pocket Prep but still failed the actual exam. What helped you make the biggest difference on your next attempt?

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. 💙

Hey everyone,

I've worked at WIC for just over 3 yrs now. While I do enjoy the time off and low stress environment, there isn't any upward mobility or room for professional growth.

I've applied to VA internships near me for the last 2 years (just one 2 years ago, and 3 last year), and have been wait listed both times for the same program. I'm 25, and have my MS in personalized nutrition, but also have grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of impact nutrition education has at WIC, which presumably would be similar or worse at a RD job.

I don't feel any real need to leave my job, but I feel I should soon, since the longer I remain at WIC, the more it restricts my future earning potential and career options. So, basically I'm trying to see if others have found RD jobs that don't seem to be talking to a wall, or if there are other adjacent career paths I might be able to pursue without too much more schooling.

I did work during undergrad in food service and in a research capacity, but don't feel a strong reason to return to those paths.

Hi is anyone interested in selling or splitting the cost/subscription to eat right prep? it’s so expensive snd looking to see if anyone needs it too!

Hello, I see people talking about work experience to get accepted in the program. I don’t know much about what’s down the road to become a dietitian but I am curious to which jobs I should start looking into now in my beginning years of college.

hey guys! i’m currently going to the university of arizona for my undergrad in dietetics. i’ll have my DPD and verification statement after i graduate with my BS. i was looking at an MS in nutrition sciences at UPenn for my masters degree because its an ivy league and want to have a better chance at getting into the Yale DI (i do have backup options as well, but Yale is my top choice). however, im a bit confused if it will fulfill my requirements to become an RDN? based on my research so far, it should qualify, but ive seen other comments of people saying it doesnt? i just want to ensure im not the right track when the time comes to apply to graduate school. let me know!!

If a Servsafe license is required for admission can I wait to get accepted into the internship then take the test? Or would I have to take it before the application is due?