I just got the “email of death” what should I do now?

The "email of death", or as I like to call it, the "email of next year" (EONY), is the email from GEMSAS telling you that you haven't got an interview or an offer. It's a blow, especially when your friends are celebrating. Feeling sad, frustrated or disappointed is completely normal.

But this email doesn't decide what you're capable of. Here is how I recommend you approach the EONY.

Step 1: Let yourself feel it

When the EONY first lands, give yourself time to take it in. It's OK to be upset. Medicine is a long, gruelling road, and lots of people got more than one EONY before they finally got in.

Telling friends or family who aren't in medicine can be hard too, especially when they don't realise how competitive it's become. They usually mean well, but it can still feel lonely.

Step 2: Work out where your application fell short

When you're ready, step back and look at your application honestly. It might have been:

• your GAMSAT score
• your GPA or academic record
• CASPer or bonus adjustments (if they applied)
• your interview
• how interview offers were allocated, or your preferences

Also ask yourself whether you saw it coming. A result you half expected is different to one that comes out of nowhere. If it was a surprise, look into why:

• Was it an especially competitive year?
• Were your scores close to last year's cut-offs?
• Did you do worse than you thought in an interview you felt good about?

The GAMSAT Reddit and Discord are great communities, so reach out there. You can also email me at hello@gamsattutorials.org and we can book in a time to chat through your application. I've been there. It sucks, and you don't have to deal with it on your own.

Step 3: Decide what comes next

Once you've had time to think, it usually comes down to one of these:

• try again next year
• take a year off
• look at other careers

If you choose the last one, you are not a failure. Plenty of people decide to give the GAMSAT and the application process a few goes and then head in a different direction if it doesn't work out. I've also had students realise while studying for the GAMSAT that they actually want to do something else.

Step 4: If you're reapplying, do an honest post-mortem

If you're going to have another go, start a "cause of EONY" list and ask yourself:

About the GAMSAT

• How well did you prepare?
• Did you really give yourself enough time and the right resources?
• Which section was weakest, and can you realistically improve it?

If the GAMSAT was the weak point, my Section 1 and Section 2 courses focus on exactly the areas most students struggle with, at a fraction of the cost of other prep companies.

About your application

• What did GEMSAS calculate your GPA to be? Does it meet the usual benchmarks?
• Did you claim every bonus, rural adjustment or other adjustment you could?
• Is your CASPer as strong as it could be?

My CASPer course is closed for 2026 while I rebuild it, and will open again in 2027.

About your interview (if you had one)

• Did you think you did well?
• Did you practise beforehand and get honest feedback?
• Could you handle unexpected questions and pressure?

If you got an interview but not an offer, that's actually a good sign. It means your scores are competitive, and what probably needs work is your interview technique.

Use your answers to make a clear plan for next time. If you skip this step, you risk making the same mistakes again.

Step 5: Remember one email doesn't decide your worth

Rejection hurts, but don't let it knock your belief in yourself. Lots of people are rejected before they eventually get in. Others move into careers that suit who they've become.

If you'd like help looking at your application, planning your next attempt, or you just need someone to talk to, email me at hello@gamsattutorials.org. I'm happy to help you work out a plan.

Getting ready for next year? Sign up below for GAMSAT tips, application advice and honest guidance from a doctor who's been through it. Sign up here