I couldnt have put it better myself BigBoeing
Its true, i know plenty of people at the college who got through on their 2nd or 3rd attempt...it is no reflection of how good a controller you will be or indeed how well you will cope at the college. I asked how long i could leave it before i reapplied should i fail and the interviewer said theres no harm in trying again after 6 months.
good luck