Anyone else not telling friends/family?

[VictorsLilSecrt]

I'm a little afraid I won't get in, so I'm keeping the whole application thing on the down low. Wonder how long I can do it...

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[Bacchus]

I'm a little afraid I won't get in, so I'm keeping the whole application thing on the down low. Wonder how long I can do it...

Until something goes to your permanent address and you need them to open it 😉. This haunts me because I don't want my parents opening denials next round ('09). But, I don't want everything coming to my current address because there are times that I am not here.

 

[almo88]

I'm telling my immediate family and best friends, thats about 10 people. Other than that, no one has a clue.

 

[saylorsdad]

Most of my friends, and family know. I'm not afraid of doing this entire process over again.

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

I'm an open sleeve to people who know me. What's the point of keeping your life secret from your friends and family? Why wouldn't you want there support during the stress of the application process?

 

[Tepi]

I told my friends and family. I think it will help to have a support group while going through the process. I do wish that I hadn't told my grandparents, though. They've been incredibly stressful with all the expectations they suddenly heaped on my head. I dont blame you for not wanting to tell anyone, but don't rule family/friends out entirely. They could be a great source for perspective or feedback.

 

[saylorsdad]

I have friends that keep telling me, if you don't get in this year you can reapply next year. They seem pretty cool about that, and completely understanding. For me the thought of reapplying next year is just unthinkable, I would rather go shopping with my wife on the thanksgiving day sale😱

 

[TexasTriathlete]

How the hell could you possibly keep something like this a secret from those who are close to you?

 

[Unknown3234]

my family and close friends know. I usually don't tell others though. I did before, but then people would get this weird attitude when I told them. They also then would ask questions about health care. So I stopped telling them because I'm not a doctor, yet, and I don't know how to treat some crazy disease someone thinks their aunt, uncle, friend, brother, or whatever has.

 

[VictorsLilSecrt]

How the hell could you possibly keep something like this a secret from those who are close to you?

Fill out apps at work. Tell friends/family work really sucks lately. "Seems like all I do at work is fill out paperwork all day long."

Since there's nothing particularly exciting about applying, I don't find it hard at all to keep it to myself.

 

[sexyman]

well when they ask you what you plan on doing with your life what do you say? Marine Biologist? or... I don't i think it would be weird if i was suddenly accepted and no one knew I was even applying.

 

[Med430]

In hindsight, I really wish I hadn't told anyone...too many opinions and people asking questions about the whole process which gives me enough anxiety as it is without having to reiterate to everyone I know.

 

[DiverDoc]

How the hell could you possibly keep something like this a secret from those who are close to you?

Agree. Im proud of what I've accomplished. My friends and family congratulated me, when out and celebrated etc.... I am proud to be going to a DO school, simply because I have no doubt I will be a great physician because of it. 👍

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Not even so much that. I mean I don't think I could keep it a secret if I wanted to. Things like this might pop up:

"Why do you have MCAT prep books?"

"Why are you still taking undergrad classes? You're 30!"

"Why are you too broke to go out with us all the time?"

"You don't get nearly as much action as you used to."

"What's with the med school catalogs?"

 

[VictorsLilSecrt]

Agree. Im proud of what I've accomplished. My friends and family congratulated me, when out and celebrated etc.... I am proud to be going to a DO school, simply because I have no doubt I will be a great physician because of it. 👍

You think this a DO thing? It's not. It's an application thing.

And I thought I was insecure for not wanting my folks to know I'm applying to med school (md & do)...

 

[VictorsLilSecrt]

Not even so much that. I mean I don't think I could keep it a secret if I wanted to. Things like this might pop up:

"Why do you have MCAT prep books?"
desk drawer

"Why are you still taking undergrad classes? You're 30!"
not. done with ug.

"Why are you too broke to go out with us all the time?"
got cash from job. much better than college, when i had no job.

"You don't get nearly as much action as you used to."
i've made a case for it, but gf won't approve 'a little more on the side.'

"What's with the med school catalogs?"
desk drawer

the message i have entered is too short, so i'm lengthening it to more than one character.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I don't have that kind of advanced technology. My desk has a glass top and no drawers. The only drawers I own have my clothes in them.

If you're able to keep this a secret, then maybe you should consider joining the CIA.

 

[DiverDoc]

You think this a DO thing? It's not. It's an application thing.

And I thought I was insecure for not wanting my folks to know I'm applying to med school (md & do)...

Well then..... good luck. It'd be in your best interest not to care what others think though. My .02

 

[runner898]

At first I was going to keep it a secret from friends, but not family. I didn't want to explain the whole denial thing if I don't get accepted anywhere! But then I got to thinking that it really doesn't matter. Plus, people who don't have a clue about the admissions process or even how competitive it is to get in need to know. I know so many people who think you just have to send in an application and they accept everyone who applies! I know a lot of other people who think it is just like applying to an undergraduate program. In my opinion, keeping it a secret is more of a fear of explaining rejection.

Also, it's hard to keep it a secret when you do have MCAT books around and you are returning to school at an old age - like me!

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

Another aspect is the mood swings. I knew a woman who worked with college students, and when she got pregnant they decided to tell everyone right away. Most people were shocked that they would tell so many people before the end of the first trimester. Her response was, "if something happens and I miscarry, everyone will know something is wrong so I would rather them know the truth than guess and spread rumors."

This totally applies to med school applications. The whole process is so stressfull and full of ups and downs--why not let people know the truth instead of letting them speculate.

 

[Dienekes]

How the hell could you possibly keep something like this a secret from those who are close to you?

It's not that hard.

 

[AKN]

My husband knows (obviously). My kids only know that I'm taking some classes. They don't care why.

I told a coworker and my boss (since I needed to work part-time). At least one coworker found out.

I've told people at the college, but they were all strangers.

My parents and siblings are hundreds of miles away. They don't even know I'm taking classes. I don't think they'd be supportive. I'll tell them when I get an acceptance. 😎

 

[Buckeye4life]

I think you should wait until you're done with residency and let everyone know by pulling up in your Benz. Then they'll ask, "what kind of drugs have you been selling?" You can respond, "pharmaceutical grade."

 

[VictorsLilSecrt]

I think you should wait until you're done with residency and let everyone know by pulling up in your Benz. Then they'll ask, "what kind of drugs have you been selling?" You can respond, "pharmaceutical grade."

🙂 I like that one.

I guess part of me feels it's a little presumptuous to start spouting off about med school apps, particularly when I'm not certain I'll get in. Even if I was sure I'd get in, I'm not sure it would be taken well with the crowd I travel in. Maybe I should leave it at that...

 

[tifsahoy]

Another aspect is the mood swings. I knew a woman who worked with college students, and when she got pregnant they decided to tell everyone right away. Most people were shocked that they would tell so many people before the end of the first trimester. Her response was, "if something happens and I miscarry, everyone will know something is wrong so I would rather them know the truth than guess and spread rumors."

This totally applies to med school applications. The whole process is so stressfull and full of ups and downs--why not let people know the truth instead of letting them speculate.

And thats exactly why I tell everyone close to me!

 

[DancerDoc777]

🙂 I like that one.

I guess part of me feels it's a little presumptuous to start spouting off about med school apps, particularly when I'm not certain I'll get in. Even if I was sure I'd get in, I'm not sure it would be taken well with the crowd I travel in. Maybe I should leave it at that...

I couldn't agree more. I learned my lesson last year when I had only just finished my primary application and got to school my senior year feeling on top of the world. I remember telling almost everyone I knew, who I thought would care. It was my first day in this intro history course and I was one of only two seniors, and when making small talk with the freshman next to me I loudly told her that I was applying to medical school. I was on cloud nine when other nearby freshmen overheard and were ooohing and aaahing. It wasn't until after I received my MCAT score that I knew I wouldn't even bother with the secondaries. Ouch. Nothing like eating a bit of humble pie. 🙁

After re-taking the MCAT this summer, I'm coming into the application process much more confident, but still conservative with who I tell.

 

[sexyman]

lol thats great. Now you have a good perspective on what applying to med school is like.

One thing I would like to add for those of you that havent received your first acceptance yet. It is a funny/strange thing the way some of your friends respond when you tell them you are accepted and will be going to med school.

I had one person actually say "anyone can get into med school these days." Another one of my friends responded that he saw a "OSTEOPATH" get arrested for malpractice right after I told him. Many people are just blatantly jealous and bitter. So in retrospect I wouldnt have told as many people because A) they dont give a damn, and B) they most likely like you less haha.

Obviously family and people that you KNOW care about you are an exception but you will find out there are less of them then you thought.

 

[DancerDoc777]

Oh my gosh, those responses are hilarious! The nerve! How on earth do they think they know how hard or not hard it is to get into medical school?! Doesn't that annoy the crap out of you when people outside of the medical community just completely right it off as the easiest thing in the world? Oh well, it seriously just shows how ignorant and uneducated some people can be.

 

[jzeidenb]

there is no shame in rejection from medical school, shame only lies in giving up in the face of rejection. I see no reason to keep it a secret

 

[Darktide]

Shame in rejections comes only when The Adcom springs some $ to buy you an Audio Card----------------

Anxious pre-med gets home after a long hard day, find a thick envelope from his top-tier, #1 choice school. Slides out the beautifully foiled, gilded, and wax-sealed card... as he opens it, he thinks, "This is it, I'm in, the day can't get ANY better!"

Harsh, hoarse, and raucous laughter emits from the card, stinging his ears.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAH, Fail"

-Love,
Adcom

In a split second, his hopes and dreams come crashing down on him, the card, strangely emits one of the cruelest rejections ever conceived by the devils known as adcoms.

~~~~ oh yeah, there would be some shame in THAT rejection.... but mostly... just roll with the blows.

 

[sexyman]

This is my favorite quote and I think it applies here...

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt