Accepted! But real apprehensive...

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FIREitUP

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I know that after two cycles I should be stoked to get into my state school that I was aiming to get into as my top choice; but this doesn't feel right. I almost feel upset that I got in, maybe because it took so much out of my to get this far, I don't know. Am I crazy? Does anyone else feel this way?
 
FIREitUP said:
I know that after two cycles I should be stoked to get into my state school that I was aiming to get into as my top choice; but this doesn't feel right. I almost feel upset that I got in, maybe because it took so much out of my to get this far, I don't know. Am I crazy? Does anyone else feel this way?
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I don't know... maybe you should talk to some of the people that are holding only rejection letters to realize you're in a position thousands would kill for.
 
getdown said:
I don't know... maybe you should talk to some of the people that are holding only rejection letters to realize you're in a position thousands would kill for.
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this says everything
 
FIREitUP said:
I know that after two cycles I should be stoked to get into my state school that I was aiming to get into as my top choice; but this doesn't feel right. I almost feel upset that I got in, maybe because it took so much out of my to get this far, I don't know. Am I crazy? Does anyone else feel this way?
Click to expand...


It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
 
Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years... For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...
👍
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you chose was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate.
Click to expand...

+1. This is great advice. I know a lot of people that have dealt with the med school equivalent of post-partum depression. You spend months and months hoping for and dreaming about that acceptance, and when that baby finally arrives there's a brief moment of joy and then you're just stuck thinking that you should be happier than you really are.

Getting an acceptance is not a magic ticket to a perfect life. The stress of whether or not you'll get into med school is replaced by other stressors.
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...

Haha, that's actually pretty true. Maybe i'll finally go scuba diving; I just feel WEIRD. I thought I'd be really excited, but I kind of got the opposite reaction.
 
Perrotfish said:
the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that.
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I thought med school would put off adulthood for another four years. 😕
 
elmnt61 said:
I thought med school would put off adulthood for another four years. 😕
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LOL, I actually think med school (at least the first two years) kinda stunts your growth socially to some respect. You're in the library studying so much that you almost forget how to socialize with people, not up on current news, your mind jumps to the medical topics at any thing that remotely reminds you of medicine...
 
getdown said:
I don't know... maybe you should talk to some of the people that are holding only rejection letters to realize you're in a position thousands would kill for.
Click to expand...
IMO this is a terrible line of reasoning. Regardless of situation you can find someone worse off. The fact that there are unaccepted applicants should have no bearing on the OP's situation
 
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FIREitUP said:
Haha, that's actually pretty true. Maybe i'll finally go scuba diving; I just feel WEIRD. I thought I'd be really excited, but I kind of got the opposite reaction.
Click to expand...

It's kinda like sex: it's good, but not as good as you imagined it to be.
 
bleargh said:
IMO this is a terrible line of reasoning. Regardless of situation you can find someone worse off. The fact that there are unaccepted applicants should have no bearing on the OP's situation
Click to expand...

The OP said he's feeling a little blue at the anti climactic feeling of getting accepted finally. Yes, I agree that it's not the most relevant response but my point remains that some perspective is needed. You may not get that jump-up-and-down-scream-out-loud feeling but it's an accomplishment many aspire to and will never achieve. He's entitled to his feelings but at the end of the day he's accepted and should be happy or, at the very least, not feel upset about it.
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this. Really needed to hear this today.
 
getdown said:
The OP said he's feeling a little blue at the anti climactic feeling of getting accepted finally. Yes, I agree that it's not the most relevant response but my point remains that some perspective is needed. You may not get that jump-up-and-down-scream-out-loud feeling but it's an accomplishment many aspire to and will never achieve. He's entitled to his feelings but at the end of the day he's accepted and should be happy or, at the very least, not feel upset about it.
Click to expand...

you're right, I'm going to eat my vegetables for those kids in africa, too. thanks, you just reduced my risk of heart disease.
 
NickNaylor said:
It's kinda like sex: it's good, but not as good as you imagined it to be.
Click to expand...
You're doing it wrong, yo
getdown said:
The OP said he's feeling a little blue at the anti climactic feeling of getting accepted finally. Yes, I agree that it's not the most relevant response but my point remains that some perspective is needed. You may not get that jump-up-and-down-scream-out-loud feeling but it's an accomplishment many aspire to and will never achieve. He's entitled to his feelings but at the end of the day he's accepted and should be happy or, at the very least, not feel upset about it.
Click to expand...
Even if your reasoning is sound, which I disagree with, you're trying to inject reason & perspective into an inherently irrational situation. Emotions can be hard to control.
 
rhesuspieces said:
+1. This is great advice. I know a lot of people that have dealt with the med school equivalent of post-partum depression. You spend months and months hoping for and dreaming about that acceptance, and when that baby finally arrives there's a brief moment of joy and then you're just stuck thinking that you should be happier than you really are.

Getting an acceptance is not a magic ticket to a perfect life. The stress of whether or not you'll get into med school is replaced by other stressors.
Click to expand...

This post-partum parallel is right on! I got accepted only 4 days ago after 2 years of working toward it since graduation. I just told my friend yesterday that I was feeling overwhelmed and a little despressed. Then of course I felt guilty about it, thinking I should be happier.
 
startswithb said:
This post-partum parallel is right on! I got accepted only 4 days ago after 2 years of working toward it since graduation. I just told my friend yesterday that I was feeling overwhelmed and a little despressed. Then of course I felt guilty about it, thinking I should be happier.
Click to expand...

So no more waitlist kittehs? 🙁

JK. Congratulations!
 
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Do you feel that you worked so hard to get into something that you ll regret? Is this really what you want? Answer that question and then you ll feel better.
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...

Definitely needed to hear this too. Obviously I am glad I was accepted but the emotional angst never seems to stop.
 
Perrotfish said:
Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.
Click to expand...

truth.
 
FIREitUP said:
I know that after two cycles I should be stoked to get into my state school that I was aiming to get into as my top choice; but this doesn't feel right. I almost feel upset that I got in, maybe because it took so much out of my to get this far, I don't know. Am I crazy? Does anyone else feel this way?
Click to expand...

I know how tough the application process was for you, so you deserve the acceptance more than anything. Don't worry about what it took to get this far, just move forward, enjoy your summer, and go to med school.

You don't really have to think about anything right now.🙂

Oh, and congrats, by the way.
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...

One of the most mature responses on SDN in a while. Describe the situation of this time of year quite eloquently.
 
It's okay to feel nervous. Once the excitement of getting in goes away, you realize that you've probably just gotten yourself into the most difficult years of your life (academic-wise). Also, whenever I got into my top choice I actually felt a pain in my chest. After all these months of stress, sending LOI, and praying that I'd get in, it's hard to just be "happy" (although I did jump up and down when I found out). Once the initial shock gets through to you, you'll be more excited I bet.

But anyway try and enjoy your summer and tell yourself YOU DID IT!!!! All that hard work finally paid off.
 
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Maxwell7301 said:
I know how tough the application process was for you, so you deserve the acceptance more than anything. Don't worry about what it took to get this far, just move forward, enjoy your summer, and go to med school.

You don't really have to think about anything right now.🙂

Oh, and congrats, by the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Max! It's just been such a dehumanizing process, that I've been so trained to expect let downs I really can't process good news anymore 🙂
 
Hopefully I get accepted to know what you're talking about
 
FIREitUP said:
Thanks, Max! It's just been such a dehumanizing process, that I've been so trained to expect let downs I really can't process good news anymore 🙂
Click to expand...

I feel you on that one, man. The angst from the medical school application process transcends daily stress, especially for those with multiple attempts. From the beginning to the end, a part of your mind and body is occupied with factors that are completely out of your control, yet have so much weight on your future. Ordinary people break out into panic attacks waiting for job interview decisions no longer than a few days to a few weeks. Some pre-medical students have to learn how to manage this feeling for 2-3 years. The situation forces one to be as mentally strong as possible or break down. In any regard, it is inhumane because it’s not as simple as, “Just quit then!”.

Congratulations on the accomplishment and you obviously were mentally strong. There really is something to all those quotes about, adversity makes opportunity. Make the best of it and know that your struggles have given you a unique insight into the art of patience and determination.
 
startswithb said:
This post-partum parallel is right on! I got accepted only 4 days ago after 2 years of working toward it since graduation. I just told my friend yesterday that I was feeling overwhelmed and a little despressed. Then of course I felt guilty about it, thinking I should be happier.
Click to expand...

I think it's more like 9 months before that. AHHH, I'm finally pregnant (accepted to medical school)! Woohoo!

...

Oh dear God, that means I'm actually going to be a parent (doctor) and be responsible for another life (my patient's lives!). S*** just got real!!! 😱 😱 😱 😱

IMO, we should save the PPD comparison for after we graduate medical school and are overworked, stressed, and exhausted beyond all rational thought as residents and wondering why we're not happier that we're living our dream, even though newborns and internships really just aren't very fun a lot of the time. 😉
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...

I LOVE THIS! thank you!
 
My current "med school acceptance" PPD is making me real nervous to ever have kids! Not to mention my fam, in reaction to me choosing to attend a "lower-rank" school, RUINED May 16th/any ensuing celebrations for me.

And to think I used to think this time would be full of beer and road trips and karaoke. Need to make that happen ASAP!
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...

👍

I don't think I could have said it better. I remember when I got accepted, I felt this immediate rush of jubilation (that lasted ~ 1 hour) only to be replaced with the feeling of "oh sh** what did I get myself in to?"

I think it's completely normal, even healthy, to be timid at the task that is facing you. A lot of times while going through the rigors of the application process, you have to lose sight of the ultimate goal just to focus on the next hurdle in front of you. You're focusing on the trees, but once that acceptance letter is in hand, you take a moment, step back, and see the whole forest.

The good news is, that timid / anxious / uncomfortable feeling really will only help you succeed in medical school. Anyone that doesn't have moments of apprehension - well, those are the ones I would actually worry about.

But as the post before me so eloquently put, enjoy this time. Spend time with your friends and family. Travel. Paint. Do whatever makes you happy! If the nagging thoughts really don't go away, consider talking to a professional. No, I'm not calling you crazy 🙂 I just think sometimes it can really be helpful to get an outsider's perspective who has absolutely no agenda (unlike your friends / family / etc). And getting established with a shrink is one of the best things you can do for yourself before starting med school anyway, IMO. Helps you keep your sanity.

Anyway, good luck!!
 
I should have pursued my career as a male model instead.
 
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NickNaylor said:
It's kinda like sex: it's good, but not as good as you imagined it to be.
Click to expand...

So that means, it's def not like day old cold pizza. Cause no matter how much you think it's going to be meh. When your hungover ass gets a bite of that pizza, life is awesome.

Dr Love said:
You need a different girlfriend/boyfriend.
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest a different hand 😉
 
...and relief sets in. Thanks for the support guys, I got my swagger back.
 
Perrotfish said:
It's a pretty common. Part of it is just letting up on the stress, which gives you time to finally freak out a little. Part of it is also realizing that you now have no excuse not to go to medical school and work very hard for at least 7 years: the universe had a chance to save you from being an adult for another year or two and declined, and I'm sure some part of you is disappointed by that. Finally there's the reality that you just went from someone who could do anything to someone who is going to be a doctor. The narrowing of possibility, even if the possibility you ended up with was your top choice, is depressing.

The trick now is to do make the time from now to medical school all about you. For this brief period you are free from both responsibilities and guilt: quit your lab, don't study, and if possible do something you've always wanted to do (travel, dive, cimb, whattever). Go celebrate. By the time orientation comes around you'll be back to being stressed and happy again.
Click to expand...

I plan on using med school as an excuse to avoid being an adult for 7 years... amidoinitrite?
 
cloudysh said:
My current "med school acceptance" PPD is making me real nervous to ever have kids! Not to mention my fam, in reaction to me choosing to attend a "lower-rank" school, RUINED May 16th/any ensuing celebrations for me.

And to think I used to think this time would be full of beer and road trips and karaoke. Need to make that happen ASAP!
Click to expand...

I kind of thought this too, but i don't think my summer is going to be as eventful and fun as I want it to be. Need a roadtrip buddy? lol
 
getdown said:
I don't know... maybe you should talk to some of the people that are holding only rejection letters to realize you're in a position thousands would kill for.
Click to expand...

Just because thousands of people want what you have doesn't make it right for you. And it doesn't make you not have your own feelings about it.

Being apprehensive is normal. The next 4 years are a wild ride and you will be more exhausted than you can even understand right now. It is a whole new level and it's amazing, but it's rough.

If it weren't tough, everyone would be a doctor.
 
slowbutsteady said:
Just because thousands of people want what you have doesn't make it right for you. And it doesn't make you not have your own feelings about it.

Being apprehensive is normal. The next 4 years are a wild ride and you will be more exhausted than you can even understand right now. It is a whole new level and it's amazing, but it's rough.

If it weren't tough, everyone would be a doctor.
Click to expand...

I love this thread.

Luckily my PAD (Post Acceptance Depression) only lasted a week. I am now back to being excited and completely overwhelmed about all the paperwork I have to do.

Come July, it'll probably be a different story...
 
startswithb said:
I love this thread.

Luckily my PAD (Post Acceptance Depression) only lasted a week. I am now back to being excited and completely overwhelmed about all the paperwork I have to do.

Come July, it'll probably be a different story...
Click to expand...

+1..tired of paper work. soon i'll be tired of picking through fat and fascia. i wonder what's worse.
 
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