yeah....Things will only get better

He is a bright student, at least brighter than most of us. His passion for the field he specialises is second to none.

However, you need more than just brillance to clear your papers, to accumulate enough points to gradaute. You need to obtain passes in areas that you're not expert in.

Getting a "S" (satisfactory) requires a "C" grade. If you don't get it, you get a "U" (Unsatisfactory). And if you don't clear that, you don't graduate, as simple as that. This is harsh. No one would ever expect something of this nature. We seldom come across such instances.

But it has to happen to him. This is the nature of the game. Someone has to get it, and he is that someone.

I believe he will bounce back. As silly as it might sound, he would have to stay back for another semester just to get a "S" grade for a module in order for him to graduate. Not too sure how would this have an impact on his dreams to persue a career in academia?

I wish you all the best my friend.