Welcome to VATSIM and VATUSA Josh! It's good that you weren't discouraged by your first test results. This is an amazing hobby, and a pretty faithful parallel to the real thing, especially for those who want to really learn ATC, whether for fun or for real. Find yourself a facility to join, retake your test when you can, and get on board! This is a very friendly community, and there is a ton of help available.

Failing tests has been the norm for me since I was in high school.  It 'always' took at least 2 or 3 tries until I would pass the test.  Same methodology would apply though, realize where I failed and improve on it.  The only tests that I have not failed believe it or not have dealt with my first responder and firefighter examinations.

I'm definitely interested in working as close to the realm of "real" as possible.  I've used the program ATC Simulator 2 before in the past and really enjoyed that but it just didn't exactly capture it all.  So I'm extremely eager to work from the ground up, literally.

I do have a question though, I have I believe four or five days remaining before I can take the test again.  Isn't this a bit extreme?  Shortly after taking the basic test I found the training material and read through it.  A couple of times now as a few days passed.  

I'm also looking forward to working with either the KIND or KORD divisions.  I live almost roughly 3 hours away from both airports.