2012 APPIC Internship Application Thread

[4410]

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Inflation. Adjust. The Royal Road...

It is somewhat relative, as I believe I had more money in my pocket when I was only making $24,000 dollars per year in the 80's. I bought a brand new 1982 Honda Accord for around $7000 bucks and I thought it was over priced. My first house, a three bedroom one bath house sold for $22,000 dollars and I lived there for three years and sold it for $24,000 bucks and thought I made a killing.

I know MD who apparently make good money but are cash poor as they drive BMW or Mercedes with $600 per month payment and have a large mortgage payment every month. Some of these guys are working long hours and barely breaking even with their MD degree.

 

[erg923]

It is somewhat relative, as I believe I had more money in my pocket when I was only making $24,000 dollars per year in the 80's. I bought a brand new 1982 Honda Accord for around $7000 bucks and I thought it was over priced. My first house, a three bedroom one bath house sold for $22,000 dollars and I lived there for three years and sold it for $24,000 bucks and thought I made a killing.

I know MD who apparently make good money but are cash poor as they drive BMW or Mercedes with $600 per month payment and have a large mortgage payment every month. Some of these guys are working long hours and barely breaking even with their MD degree.

You sure know alot of people. Long on stories/anecdotes, short on persuasive argument. but thats ok. We arent lawyers.

 

[Duck Duck Goose]

You sure know alot of people. Long on stories/anecdotes, short on persuasive argument. but thats ok. We arent lawyers.

I think your reaction to the JD/PhD thread is bleeding into this one. 😛

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! 😍

 

[4410]

You sure know alot of people. Long on stories/anecdotes, short on persuasive argument. but thats ok. We arent lawyers.

Right, Right--- You have all the correct answers. 🙂

 

[ClinApp]

Anyone else on here having difficulty sleeping? This is not sustainable, as we still have 9 days until we find out about the match. About 90% of my stress is attributable to the big question of "if" and about 10% to "where" - I wish this rechecking process didn't take so long! Hang in there, everyone, hope you're finding good ways to manage the stress.

 

[Quynh2007]

Anyone else on here having difficulty sleeping? This is not sustainable, as we still have 9 days until we find out about the match. About 90% of my stress is attributable to the big question of "if" and about 10% to "where" - I wish this rechecking process didn't take so long! Hang in there, everyone, hope you're finding good ways to manage the stress.

I don't mind. I think this is a lot better than waiting to hear about interviews. At least there's some light at the end of the tunnel. Waiting 3 weeks to hear back about my first interview was worst.

 

[ClinicalABA]

And its people with attitudes like yours that help maintain that salary supression. 🙄

If you are fine toiling in underpaid settings that don't value your work/profession as they should (or else they would pay more), that is fine and honorable, but dont put your altruism onto others. It does nothing but pepetuate the crazy notion that because you are in a "helping profession," you should't expect to make good profit from your work. FUBAR!

I concur with erg. I am paid well and expect to be paid well if you want me to do the job. Most of my Grad School Cohort are paid similarly well. The masters level clinicians who work for me are paid well too. They are well trained, work hard (with large and complicated caseloads), and they expect to be paid well. I don't know if we meet any criteria for "wealthy," but we're not just scraping by either.

 

[readytobedone]

YES! I am having difficulty sleeping too. Both falling asleep and staying asleep.... the suspense!

 

[psydperson]

hi everyone, does anybody have the stats on match rates depending on how many sites applicants rank? i have been trying to find it but cant...
thanks 🙂

 

[4410]

YES! I am having difficulty sleeping too. Both falling asleep and staying asleep.... the suspense!

The whole process in some respects is stressful and I guess it is meant to be that way. Oh...the hurdles and hoops you have to jump through or maneuver around on the quest to be a licensed psychologist. It is amazing that more of us don't drop out...or maybe the smart ones are the ones who drop out and become successful with the BA or BS degree.

After the interviews and ranking, my head was just not right but here lately I have reached some calmness and improved confidence about this stage of my progress. Next hurdle will be opening up the email on February 24 and then either plan on going to phase II or making a phone call to the site I will be working at.

 

[erg923]

YES! I am having difficulty sleeping too. Both falling asleep and staying asleep.... the suspense!

Do a CBT-I protocol on yourself. 😀

 

[moneyphd]

What are people doing to distract themselves? I am reading listservs, taking it slow, signing this petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/psychology-internship/

and eating various goat-cheese- and pastry-related finger foods.

 

[psychwanabe]

hi everyone, does anybody have the stats on match rates depending on how many sites applicants rank? i have been trying to find it but cant...
thanks 🙂

Here's the site that has last year's survey results: http://www.appic.org/Match/MatchStatistics/ApplicantSurvey2011Part2.aspx

But I think this is what you're looking for:

13. Number of interview offers received:

1 to 2 interviews Match rate = 52% n = 385
3 to 4 interviews Match rate = 69% n = 516
5 to 6 interviews Match rate = 85% n = 538
7 to 8 interviews Match rate = 92% n = 433
9 to 10 interviews Match rate = 95% n = 355
11 or more interviews Match rate = 99% n = 417

 

[psydperson]

Here's the site that has last year's survey results: http://www.appic.org/Match/MatchStatistics/ApplicantSurvey2011Part2.aspx

But I think this is what you're looking for:

13. Number of interview offers received:

1 to 2 interviews Match rate = 52% n = 385
3 to 4 interviews Match rate = 69% n = 516
5 to 6 interviews Match rate = 85% n = 538
7 to 8 interviews Match rate = 92% n = 433
9 to 10 interviews Match rate = 95% n = 355
11 or more interviews Match rate = 99% n = 417

Thanks 🙂

 

[Qwnpixie]

Our cohort is required to attend class on the morning of the match to 'process' whatever we may be feeling.


What a load of you know what!

As if the process isn't bad enough.


So I'll be in class all morning. Can't think beyond opening my email.

 

[ClinApp]

Our cohort is required to attend class on the morning of the match to 'process' whatever we may be feeling.


What a load of you know what!

As if the process isn't bad enough.


So I'll be in class all morning. Can't think beyond opening my email.

Umm, that sounds abusive, especially if anyone in your cohort didn't match, but also if anyone has some mixed feelings about where he/she matched. Not cool! I'd be tempted to rebel myself.

 

[moneyphd]

Our cohort is required to attend class on the morning of the match to 'process' whatever we may be feeling.


What a load of you know what!

As if the process isn't bad enough.


So I'll be in class all morning. Can't think beyond opening my email.

I believe it's unethical to require anyone to "process" anything, let alone in a professional setting, as a group. It sounds thoughtless and insulting. What will they do if you don't go, deny your match?

 

[Duck Duck Goose]

I believe it's unethical to require anyone to "process" anything, let alone in a professional setting, as a group. It sounds thoughtless and insulting. What will they do if you don't go, deny your match?

I've had two classes that required process in a group/class setting during each class. Other classes have had it frequently but not as a stated requirement of the class. And in those classes where it was required, you would not only be penalized gradewise but also socially if you didn't both verbalize your thoughts on the process occurring in the class and agree with your professor's/classmates' opinion of the processing.

Sounds like this program is trying to score high marks on the "I felt supported by my classmates/faculty" questions on the APPIC survey. 😛

Also, are most people still taking classes when they're about ready to match for internship? This is my 2nd year applying but I had finished classes months before applying the first time. Just wondering.

 

[moneyphd]

I've had two classes that required process in a group/class setting during each class. Other classes have had it frequently but not as a stated requirement of the class. And in those classes where it was required, you would not only be penalized gradewise but also socially if you didn't both verbalize your thoughts on the process occurring in the class and agree with your professor's/classmates' opinion of the processing.

Is this true for others? I hate the thought that people are required to do this, but maybe it's not as intolerable as it sounds. If anyone in my doctoral program requested students process stuff as part of a class, I would explain that multiple roles taken by faculty are ethically suspect.

 

[Duck Duck Goose]

I would explain that multiple roles taken by faculty are ethically suspect.

I completely agree. Kind of a waste of time (at best) to "process" by stating what you know you're supposed to (at worst, it was really a negative, alienating experience). I spoke to another faculty member and the head of the program about my concerns and was told just to document everything (implied statement: in case you get screwed later). But the classes are still conducted in the same way.

The professors in these classes explained that the process was an important part of learning because it allowed for an in vivo / experiential component that we would otherwise not have (true but we could have gotten these experiences outside the classroom and come to the same conclusions by thinking critically about the material).

I hope other programs don't have these requirements. There's a lot about my program that I think is unethical. (The psychologists who decide if students are ready to apply for internship or if they can complete an APPIC internship are the people whose salaries are paid by those students' tuition dollars, for example.)

 

[DrivenDoctoress]

Wow, I'm glad I have no classes or meetings on Fridays so that I don't have to worry about that. That would be tough for me I think. I don't like processing in a group, especially if it's bad news.

I agree that at that point the 'forced therapy' of processing with your profs in a group setting is a bit ethically suspect.

As far as being consumed by this evil process, I'm in the same boat as some of you. It's really difficult for me to concentrate, sleep, or otherwise be a normal, functioning human being, much less a productive/prolific student or professional. :-/ I can only concentrate in bursts and then not on the task at hand. 😛 I agree that this is NOT as bad as waiting to hear back for interviews, at least there's no reason to constantly stalk my email and phone like there was for that process. It feels nice knowing that I have the whole 'doing' part behind me and now I just get to wait (impatiently). And it is reassuring to feel like I am in a good place statistically (not geographically limited, accred program, seemingly successful interviews, etc.) to match. Surprisingly though, none of my self-talk or reassurances are actually helping with the anxiety. 😛

Strange question, but is anyone hoping that they DON'T match to their #1 choice? Geographically my number choice is the worst for me, but it's one of those top notch training sites that I couldn't give up a chance at. Sort of hoping I get a better geographic placement instead though, which I feel weird/guilty/selfish about.

 

[RayneeDeigh]

I'm late to the party but...


1. Are you planning to be at your computer and ready to get the email the minute it arrives?

Actually, I have to be in an ultrasound! haha. I found out three months ago I have a gigantic ovarian cyst and wouldn't ya know the second ultrasound was scheduled for the morning of match day. I tried to reschedule but the next available was six months from now! So that's where I'll be. Faaaantastic. That's not awkward at all. "Hey lady, could you pass me my cell phone? I have to check my email while you do that."

2. Will you open the email yourself, or have someone read it for you?

Myself. I don't want anyone else getting the news before me, and I'll need to process either emotion before I'm ready to share.

3. Have you made other plans for that day?

Not really, but I have a massage scheduled for the day after because my massage therapist is a good friend and that way I'll have someone to talk to either way.

Good luck everybody!!!

 

[ClinApp]

I guess I'm even more of a control freak than I thought (cue Janet Jackson). I found it much easier waiting for interviews because I felt like I had a good shot at getting at least a few interviews, and then I also felt that there was still a fair amount that I could do to influence the final outcome. I find this waiting so much more difficult because there is absolutely nothing I can do to change my fate at this point (at least until Phase II, should it prove necessary). As much as I am aware of the various match statistics and know that the odds are in our favor, I'm still one of those irrational beings who cannot take comfort in probabilities - I much prefer certainties!

I'm trying to develop a positive attitude, however - usually I gird myself to prepare for the worst, but perhaps there is more benefit in expecting the best? I'm still working on it 🙂 Wishing the best for all of you out there, and I especially appreciate those of you who are helping me deal with my anxiety and restlessness by posting your own experiences here for all of us to share.

 

[Member1461]

Our cohort is required to attend class on the morning of the match to 'process' whatever we may be feeling.


What a load of you know what!

As if the process isn't bad enough.


So I'll be in class all morning. Can't think beyond opening my email.

Cruel and unusual punishment! I, on the other hand, will be on the opposite coast at a conference... Let's hope that I won't have a teary ride home! 🙁

 

[Member1461]

What are people doing to distract themselves? I am reading listservs, taking it slow, signing this petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/psychology-internship/

and eating various goat-cheese- and pastry-related finger foods.

Wine goes well with goat cheese 🙂 That's my choice of APPIC-induced food/drink!

 

[MsBella13]

Our cohort is required to attend class on the morning of the match to 'process' whatever we may be feeling.


What a load of you know what!

As if the process isn't bad enough.


So I'll be in class all morning. Can't think beyond opening my email.

Last year I had an elective class that was held Fridays 9am-12pm and we HAD to be there on Match Day; especially because, in my program, you are only allowed 2 absences per class per semester (or else you fail the class) and so many of us had already missed all/most of January due to interviews!

It was just so weird 'cause 1) all of us who applied were trying to figure out who matched and who didn't, so a lot of whispering and head nodding/shaking was going on, and 2) I don't remember the professor saying anything about the Match! I think she taught like it was any other day, which is not surpring since she is not a process person, but some acknowledgment would have been nice.

 

[psychwanabe]

Last year I had an elective class that was held Fridays 9am-12pm and we HAD to be there on Match Day; especially because, in my program, you are only allowed 2 absences per class per semester (or else you fail the class) and so many of us had already missed all/most of January due to interviews!

It was just so weird 'cause 1) all of us who applied were trying to figure out who matched and who didn't, so a lot of whispering and head nodding/shaking was going on, and 2) I don't remember the professor saying anything about the Match! I think she taught like it was any other day, which is not surpring since she is not a process person, but some acknowledgment would have been nice.

This (and the person who HAS to attend a class match day to "process" the experience) just goes to show that a doctorate in psychology does not a kind human being make. It's ridiculous and I would not go. We had a mandatory meeting every other Friday morning last year and the people who were in it who were waiting for match day flatly told the prof that they would not be there. He was the type who thought school obligations come before everything (births, deaths, illnesses) but even he conceeded that the class should be cancelled. Either that or he didn't want to be sitting there by himself. 🙄

I understand the fears associated with missing a class when you've maxed out your "allowed" absences, but bear in mind those absences were necessary in order to fulfill a part of your degree requirement. Ridiculous.

...my $.02.

 

[mcs207]

We just booked a vacation to Disney word in May! YAY! So match or no match, I am going to Disney World, which provides me with some temporary relief from the big ball of anxiety that I have been!🙂 Never got to go as a kid, so I couldn't be happier!🙂

 

[erg923]

Can I assume people will also take out their frustrations with this process by signing the petition?!

Dont wait and tell your cohort mates too! Over 800 students (out of 4000 or so) CANNOT match. Thus, I expect that we can get at least that many signatures, no?

 

[readytobedone]

We just booked a vacation to Disney word in May! YAY! So match or no match, I am going to Disney World, which provides me with some temporary relief from the big ball of anxiety that I have been!🙂 Never got to go as a kid, so I couldn't be happier!🙂

I did this too! I'm going to Hawaii for a week in the beginning of April... I figured that phase II will be done by then and I deserve some time on the beach (hopefully celebrating having matched in either phase)!

 

[MCParent]

Can I assume people will also take out their frustrations with this process by signing the petition?!

Dont wait and tell your cohort mates too! Over 800 students (out of 4000 or so) CANNOT match. Thus, I expect that we can get at least that many signatures, no?

🙂

I've coped through my normal method of being awesome.

 

[moneyphd]

A jug fills drop by drop. - Buddha

While the signatures are important to indicate solidarity, it's important to remember that the issues are well described in the petition and the letter is cohesive. An argument is made in the context of a history of unsuccessful efforts to get APA to act and the relevant research is presented clearly. Very interested in how APA will choose to respond to each of the points made.

 

[edieb]

Could one of you brave souls post a link to the petition on the APPIC network listserv? I have already posted a link to it on the APPIC post-doc listserv but have no access to the former

 

[Qwnpixie]

I believe it's unethical to require anyone to "process" anything, let alone in a professional setting, as a group. It sounds thoughtless and insulting. What will they do if you don't go, deny your match?

kills a large percentage of your grade for the class. It's stupid. Sorry. Wish I had a more elaborate word to describe the whole thing- but really, really, just STUPID.

 

[Qwnpixie]

I've had two classes that required process in a group/class setting during each class. Other classes have had it frequently but not as a stated requirement of the class. And in those classes where it was required, you would not only be penalized gradewise but also socially if you didn't both verbalize your thoughts on the process occurring in the class and agree with your professor's/classmates' opinion of the processing.

Sounds like this program is trying to score high marks on the "I felt supported by my classmates/faculty" questions on the APPIC survey. 😛

Also, are most people still taking classes when they're about ready to match for internship? This is my 2nd year applying but I had finished classes months before applying the first time. Just wondering.

I finished classes (except dissertation development) in May of last year... but there is one course that the program requires during the match process and is timed to be taken during internship applications.

 

[MCParent]

Could one of you brave souls post a link to the petition on the APPIC network listserv? I have already posted a link to it on the APPIC post-doc listserv but have no access to the former

I've avoided doing it solely because me posting it everywhere makes it look like I'm chasing windmills. Someone could post it as an FYI, without making a specific advocacy toward signing it. If anyone wants to do that and is worried, you can email me (here, FB, or my real email; it's pretty clear who I am) and I can help.

 

[DrivenDoctoress]

Can I assume people will also take out their frustrations with this process by signing the petition?!

Dont wait and tell your cohort mates too! Over 800 students (out of 4000 or so) CANNOT match. Thus, I expect that we can get at least that many signatures, no?

I already signed it. 🙂 I'm sure others will be interested in a little over a week when the chips fall as they will.

So guys, T minus 8 days. Wahoo!

 

[psychtime101]

I feel both excited and incredibly anxious as the day grows near. Hearing some of you that must go to class on match seems so difficult. My class is lucky as only a small number apply to match each year and we are incredibly supportive of each other and supported by our faculty- which is lucky. I think for myself I will open it alone immediately when the email arrives. I will probably share the information with my boyfriend, parents, advisor and classmates. The process would be much more difficult without my classmates.

 

[psyunknown]

I too am going back and forth between being excited for my future and being very very anxious about not matching. Everyone keeps telling me I will match and I should not be worrying; but as the day gets closer I get more scared that I wouldn't match. Sigh.

 

[Duck Duck Goose]

I too am going back and forth between being excited for my future and being very very anxious about not matching. Everyone keeps telling me I will match and I should not be worrying; but as the day gets closer I get more scared that I wouldn't match. Sigh.

As someone who didn't match last year (and who is honestly okay with matching or not either way this year), I can tell you that it isn't the end of the world not to match. Even if you don't get an internship position in Phase II, you'll do something worthwhile with the rest of your year (even if no one in the rest of your life understands the process 😛).

I don't know how many interviews you got but chances are good (1-2 interviews = 52%, more interviews = better stats) that you will match, so good luck.

 

[DrivenDoctoress]

Ya know, if I didn't match I'd be okay with that as far as what I would do with my year. I could finish my evil dissertation and that would be wonderful and relieve a lot of stress. BUT the part of that equation I'm NOT interested in is having to all of this over again and spend another 3k on apps and interviewing costs (planes, hotels, food, clothing, etc.), and then just having to emotionally go through the same process again... that's the part that I don't like. I could totally live with the year of dissertation work and extra pracs.

 

[Ringingbel]

As someone who didn't match last year (and who is honestly okay with matching or not either way this year), I can tell you that it isn't the end of the world not to match. Even if you don't get an internship position in Phase II, you'll do something worthwhile with the rest of your year (even if no one in the rest of your life understands the process 😛).

I don't know how many interviews you got but chances are good (1-2 interviews = 52%, more interviews = better stats) that you will match, so good luck.

I didn't match last year and at first it was devastating. I'm at an APA approved PhD program that usually has a 100% match rate, and last year only two of us were up for so because of me it became 50%. Oops. The shame!

What did I do with my unexpected extra year? First I basically dropped out mentally for a few months. I moped. I felt like a total failure. Then I got a cat. That was the best part. Then I got a boyfriend. That was a great convenient distraction. Then I started a new challenging practicum and grew a lot as a clinician. I finished my dissertation. I pouted some more. I used this extra year to finish my MFA in creative writing, which I wouldn't have been able to do if I was on internship.

This time around I thought more about what I wanted out of a internship. I wanted specific things out of a placement rather than just an internship. I'm in such a better place as a therapist and as psychologist in training. I'm so happy I didn't match last year! It was the best possible thing that could have happened. It was heart breaking. It was so hard to show my face at school (despite everyone being so supportive), yet it was right. I don't know if I will match this time around either. But either way, I know I will still have my cat (Astronaught Goodkitty).

 

[niknok]

I too am going back and forth between being excited for my future and being very very anxious about not matching. Everyone keeps telling me I will match and I should not be worrying; but as the day gets closer I get more scared that I wouldn't match. Sigh.

I feel exactly the same. I feel guilty and scared to plan if I match because I might jinx it then end up feeling more disappointed than before I didnt plan. I think the biggest fear I have is not matching and the shame that goes along with it specially with my family. Gotta save face

 

[MsBella13]

This (and the person who HAS to attend a class match day to "process" the experience) just goes to show that a doctorate in psychology does not a kind human being make. It's ridiculous and I would not go. We had a mandatory meeting every other Friday morning last year and the people who were in it who were waiting for match day flatly told the prof that they would not be there. He was the type who thought school obligations come before everything (births, deaths, illnesses) but even he conceeded that the class should be cancelled. Either that or he didn't want to be sitting there by himself. 🙄

I understand the fears associated with missing a class when you've maxed out your "allowed" absences, but bear in mind those absences were necessary in order to fulfill a part of your degree requirement. Ridiculous.

...my $.02.

👍 I dig your 2 cents!

 

[docma]

I think it is great that some of the noble "not-matched" are telling their stories, as a whole bunch of well-qualified folks will join that club through no fault of their own and it does not help to let shame take root. It is not a useful emotion but sometimes is reinforced when the real experience is helplessness. In the present circumstances helping each other find resilience and alternative paths to get over, around and through the obstacles to completion is important.

 

[terrybug]

In moments like these, I let my animal spirit guide me safely through the stress.
Oh, and my animal spirit is totally the HONEY BADGER.

 

[DrivenDoctoress]

Well, I'm officially experiencing the 'sleeplessness' phase now. Third day in a row. Chamomile tea is not helping. I think I know what will help... February 25th.

 

[erg923]

I didn't match last year and at first it was devastating. I'm at an APA approved PhD program that usually has a 100% match rate, and last year only two of us were up for so because of me it became 50%. Oops. The shame!

What did I do with my unexpected extra year? First I basically dropped out mentally for a few months. I moped. I felt like a total failure. Then I got a cat. That was the best part. Then I got a boyfriend. That was a great convenient distraction. Then I started a new challenging practicum and grew a lot as a clinician. I finished my dissertation. I pouted some more. I used this extra year to finish my MFA in creative writing, which I wouldn't have been able to do if I was on internship.

This time around I thought more about what I wanted out of a internship. I wanted specific things out of a placement rather than just an internship. I'm in such a better place as a therapist and as psychologist in training. I'm so happy I didn't match last year! It was the best possible thing that could have happened. It was heart breaking. It was so hard to show my face at school (despite everyone being so supportive), yet it was right. I don't know if I will match this time around either. But either way, I know I will still have my cat (Astronaught Goodkitty).

These are indeed great stories to hear. However, just keep in mind that what CAN turn out to be a be benefit to many, can't and wont apply to everyone.

Some of us (myself actually...and I did match last year thank goodness) are probably a couple years older than than mean grad student and have a wife, a young family, and a MORTGAGE payment to think about (not to mention saving for retirement and college funds). Hanging around another year on 15k stipend, working for free, and putting off growing your family arent very pleasant options for people's lives...even if they do help your career a bit.

 

[Duck Duck Goose]

These are indeed great stories to hear. However, just keep in mind that what CAN turn out to be a be benefit to many, can't and wont apply to everyone.

Some of us (myself actually...and I did match last year thank goodness) are probably a couple years older than than mean grad student and have a wife, a young family, and a MORTGAGE payment to think about (not to mention saving for retirement and college funds). Hanging around another year on 15k stipend, working for free, and putting off growing your family arent very pleasant options for people's lives...even if they do help your career a bit.

I get that you're trying to point out the negative impact that psych training has on students' lives and attempting to empathize with it but I think your statements just add to the free-floating stress about not matching ("Oh man, it's awful, a real burden not to match.").

Keep in mind that many people's families (just like yours would have, most likely) will support someone who doesn't match, emotionally and probably financially to some degree. I have put off starting a family for a year and a half now due to not being sure what would happen with matching. It is ...annoying... but if waiting were truly a problem for me, I wouldn't have made the choice to put it off. I've got a husband and a mortgage. We're still paying the bills.

Lots of people who are unmatched get paying jobs, finish their dissertations, and sometimes get licensed at the masters level. It seems like having an adult "gap year" to pursue self-improvement before moving on. Have you ever heard someone who was unmatched say that the year they had was a waste of time or just awful, in hindsight? I never have. I think the vast majority of people make the best of it, even if it stings at first.

 

[KillerDiller]

I get that you're trying to point out the negative impact that psych training has on students' lives and attempting to empathize with it but I think your statements just add to the free-floating stress about not matching ("Oh man, it's awful, a real burden not to match.").

I think I see where Erg is coming from and thought I'd add a little bit of my own take on the situation. It is helpful to hear stories from unmatched people last year and to remember that not matching is not the worst thing in the world. However, if I do not match this year, I'm going to feel sad and anxious about money and angry and, yes, even ashamed. I'm ok feeling that way, those are perfectly normal reactions. I think it's important not to rush through those feelings straight to looking on the brightside. It's important not only because it moves us to take action against a rather effed up process, but also because learning to not avoid negative emotion is important in its own right. (Ok, can you tell by the last part that I'm an ACT therapist? 😉)