I posted this last year, but figured another class could use it.
For all you guys struggling through this process: it will be okay. I remember reading all these posts back after my sophomore year when I applied to all these summer research programs. The result- I was rejected from every single one (all 10, and no top programs) and felt pretty crushed. Despite that, I used my summer to work on the MCAT, work a full time job at a restaurant, and do a little bit of clinical volunteering. While it was hard to see all these other people going off to these big things, you can still find other ways to show your passion and pursue your dreams. Find something you really love to do and it will all be okay.
Skip to the end of my story-I ended up having a great MD/PhD application cycle. 20 apps, 14II, 12 interviews, 9 acceptances (including multiple top 10 type programs I didn't even consider applying to for summer research) and am now a happy M1 at an incredible school. I even was able to be in a position to turn down interview invites at schools that had previously rejected me for these type of summer programs. Your life (and pursuit of medicine/science) does not end with these rejections/acceptances.
Keep fighting!
