Cycles of Confidence and Dispair

[About28]

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Hey guys, so I charged into this cycle with a lot of confidence (Just over 70 LizzyM score and decent ECs with a few unique ones) but with very little information. I applied super super late to a very poorly planned school list. I turned any shot I had at an interview into an interview waitlist by applying late. I even met with an ADCOM member who told me my app looked great and I should reapply right away.

Now I'm writing my PS and pre-writing my secondaries to a very carefully selected school list but it seems every week my feelings change. One week I'm very confident about the coming cycle, thinking I stand a good chance. The next week I think to myself "I didn't get in this time and I probably won't next time." Anyone else experiencing the same cycles of hope and hopelessness? Any good ways to deal with the hopelessness?

 

[WillburCobb]

Hey guys, so I charged into this cycle with a lot of confidence (Just over 70 LizzyM score and decent ECs with a few unique ones) but with very little information. I applied super super late to a very poorly planned school list. I turned any shot I had at an interview into an interview waitlist by applying late. I even met with an ADCOM member who told me my app looked great and I should reapply right away.

Now I'm writing my PS and pre-writing my secondaries to a very carefully selected school list but it seems every week my feelings change. One week I'm very confident about the coming cycle, thinking I stand a good chance. The next week I think to myself "I didn't get in this time and I probably won't next time." Anyone else experiencing the same cycles of hope and hopelessness? Any good ways to deal with the hopelessness?

I went through the exact same feelings last year. I found that just accepting my outcomes, moving on, and being very proactive about preparing to re-apply helped the most.

 

[Zelda840]

I have definitely experienced this and what I'm doing is basically throwing all my free time into volunteering. Helping people who are way less fortunate than you can really put stuff in perspective.

 

[About28]

I went through the exact same feelings last year. I found that just accepting my outcomes, moving on, and being very proactive about preparing to re-apply helped the most.

I have definitely experienced this and what I'm doing is basically throwing all my free time into volunteering. Helping people who are way less fortunate than you can really put stuff in perspective.

It's good to know I'm not alone, I guess a good idea is to just take this stuff one thing at a time and try not to think too far ahead?

 

[WillburCobb]

I have definitely experienced this and what I'm doing is basically throwing all my free time into volunteering. Helping people who are way less fortunate than you can really put stuff in perspective.

This too. I started putting in a lot more time at hospice which I really enjoy and have had the opportunity to meet some really awesome patients and families.

 

[WillburCobb]

...I guess a good idea is to just take this stuff one thing at a time and try not to think too far ahead?

Exactly, you can't change the past. Everyone makes a couple mistakes when applying. You've learned from this past cycle, so just make the neccesary changes, continue to build ECs, and just do things that you genuinely enjoy.

 

[Stoptheclot]

Definitely not uncommon!! I was there last year - something that made a huge difference was training for a marathon. I had to set weekly goals, not to mention pushing through really ****ty weather/emotions, to accomplish my goals. As I look back, the training in parallel with the reapplication helped me with structuring time as well as finding some form of motivation to KEEP PUSHING FORWARD!!

I would highly recommend finding something that you enjoy and set a goal that helps you feel good about what you're accomplishing - it puts everything else into perspective! Best of luck!

 

[pasdebourree]

You are totally not alone, you've summed up my feelings pretty much exactly. One minute I feel like I might actually be able to pull this off, and the next minute I feel like I'm wasting my time. I find that if I devote a lot of energy to application prep, such as essay pre-writing, on the days that I'm feeling really good about everything, my writing style reflects that, which makes me feel more confident. On the other hand, when I'm feeling really down, I make a point to put my energy into something unrelated, but that will give me a sense of accomplishment (good workout, fulfilling day at volunteering, etc.) Just try to keep everything balanced, and more importantly, keep your chin up! Fingers crossed that you will get that phone call that will change your life and make all of this emotional expenditure feel worth it! 🙂

 

[sobored]

Take comfort in the fact that you're a normal person who experiences normal human emotion, rather than some stoic psychopath creep.

 

[About28]

I find that if I devote a lot of energy to application prep, such as essay pre-writing, on the days that I'm feeling really good about everything, my writing style reflects that, which makes me feel more confident. On the other hand, when I'm feeling really down, I make a point to put my energy into something unrelated, but that will give me a sense of accomplishment (good workout, fulfilling day at volunteering, etc.)

Wow that actually sounds like a great way to do it. I do have time on my side this time around so I can pick and choose what days are good to work on this stuff. I guess I just have to accept that ups and downs are all part of this process. Unfortunately I'm at roughly the lowest point in the cycle today, hence the post. I'm also not trying to turn this thread into a pity party. I've gotten some great advice so far.

 

[Goro]

For re-apps, you must demonstrate tot he school how you've improved over the past year.

Invest in MSAR and apply strategically, and early.

Hey guys, so I charged into this cycle with a lot of confidence (Just over 70 LizzyM score and decent ECs with a few unique ones) but with very little information. I applied super super late to a very poorly planned school list. I turned any shot I had at an interview into an interview waitlist by applying late. I even met with an ADCOM member who told me my app looked great and I should reapply right away.

Now I'm writing my PS and pre-writing my secondaries to a very carefully selected school list but it seems every week my feelings change. One week I'm very confident about the coming cycle, thinking I stand a good chance. The next week I think to myself "I didn't get in this time and I probably won't next time." Anyone else experiencing the same cycles of hope and hopelessness? Any good ways to deal with the hopelessness?

 

[chillaxbro]

Sounds like textbook bipolar disorder. Trust me I'm a pre-med

 

[About28]

For re-apps, you must demonstrate tot he school how you've improved over the past year.

Invest in MSAR and apply strategically, and early.

I bought it and I'm putting together what I think is a great list. I also luckily kept up on most of my ECs and got a few great new LORs so there is hope I think. Talking to the AdCom member who told me to reapply right away helped a lot too.

 

[Augstartcodon]

Take comfort in the fact that you're a normal person who experiences normal human emotion, rather than some stoic psychopath creep.

I resent that comment

 

[sobored]

I resent that comment

Why? Are you a stoic psychopath creep?

 

[malaika]

Is this guy having a bad day? https://plus.google.com/103488786418978849574/posts/gXfNvhhAT63

 

[AliciaAccepted]

Hey guys, so I charged into this cycle with a lot of confidence (Just over 70 LizzyM score and decent ECs with a few unique ones) but with very little information. I applied super super late to a very poorly planned school list. I turned any shot I had at an interview into an interview waitlist by applying late. I even met with an ADCOM member who told me my app looked great and I should reapply right away.

Now I'm writing my PS and pre-writing my secondaries to a very carefully selected school list but it seems every week my feelings change. One week I'm very confident about the coming cycle, thinking I stand a good chance. The next week I think to myself "I didn't get in this time and I probably won't next time." Anyone else experiencing the same cycles of hope and hopelessness? Any good ways to deal with the hopelessness?

Take a deep breath! It's important that you change as much as you can on your application before reapplying. It can be helpful to:

1. Read through your previous AMCAS application
2. Look for areas that you can improve
3. Make a list of all the things that you can change before you reapply

After deciding how much you can change on your application, create a timeline. This timeline can help you stay on track and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

I do recommend that you spend as much time as you can researching schools. The more carefully you select the schools you will apply to, the greater your chances of acceptance. I recently wrote a blog about how to select medical schools, attached here. I wish you success!

 

[Augstartcodon]

Why? Are you a stoic psychopath creep?

Yep