So I'm basically writing this hoping that others will read it someday and realize that they're gonna be ok. There are so many rumors about what is/isn't acceptable during the app process, and while you should obviously try to minimize the number of small errors you make, it is also important to realize that some of these errors are going to happen over the course of years of courses/tests/apps - don't destroy yourself over them!! Here are some "mistakes" I made, and even so I received 7 II this cycle (first time applying) and have 3 post-interview acceptances so far
1. spelling mistake in my personal statement - not something obvious (was proofread by 4 people, no one caught it) - but I obviously agonized over this for at least a week after realizing
2. didn't wear stockings to my first two interviews cuz I just didn't realize that was a thing - was accepted at both schools
3. got a C+ in a science pre-req + its associated lab in the same semester
4. didn't form great relationships with a lot of my professors (big lectures and never went to office hours) so I thought I was screwed for LORs, but I made it work by e-mailing a prior professor and simply asking to meet with him about my career aspirations/talk about my resume, and he liked what I had to say so he was willing to write me a rec (I had also gotten As in 2 of his classes, but I didn't have a relationship with him prior to this) **disclaimer - I had some other great recs from people who I DID have good relationships with, but I needed another science course rec and this guy pulled through**
5. I took the MCAT without feeling prepared the first time and KNEW I could have done better. Took it again and improved, but really wish I would have waited and only took it on that second date when I felt prepared
6. literally zero clinical experience (not even shadowing) until my senior year (switched to pre-med during my sophomore year) due to confusion/bad advice/my involvement with other activities - eventually managed to get over 1,000 hours
7. so many little stupid things lol
Long story short, please don't beat yourself up over things that won't, at the end of the day, make or break your future. I was accepted to one of my dream schools last week and my mom cried with happiness, and she laughed saying "remember when you called me crying because you got that C in physics, saying you were never going to get into med school? now look at where you are" ------ SO TRUE. Don't let this process drive you nuts - you're gonna need some of that sanity to take care of patients and change peoples' lives someday
FEEL FREE TO POST YOUR MISTAKES AND SUBSEQUENT SUCCESSES BELOW TO ADD TO THIS LIST!!!!