Didn't think through interview response fully, feel dishonest

[RandomPremed1]

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So I interviewed at my top choice recently, and when asked about a non-profit I work for, I talked about how I am involved in the behind the scenes operations of the organization, and explained that I didn't go on the mission trip last year. In my haste, I went on to say 'but I plan to go this year,' which I really hadn't thought too much about as it is so far off and I am not sure exactly what I will be doing at that point. I really was/am unsure if I will go, as there are many factors that will go into consideration.

When prompted by the interviewer, I caught myself, and said it would depend on finances (which is definitely a factor). Basically I feel dishonest for saying I 'plan' on going versus saying something like 'I am considering going' or 'theres a chance I will be able to go.'

What do you guys think, am I being too hard on myself? I think by saying I plan on going makes me seem more assertive which is good, as opposed to saying I am thinking about going. But of course, I didn't want it to come across as untrue.

Neuroticism 10/10

 

[NotASerialKiller]

You. Monster.

 

[nwts]

Don't worry at all about it. You said that you planned to go, not that you're going for sure. If somebody somehow found out later that you didn't go, they would totally understand that people's plans often change. Besides that, your admissions decision will not hinge on whether or not you plan to go on this mission trip. Let it go, and relax!

 

[RandomPremed1]

I know, I just feel guilty about it because I hadn't really "planned" on going at this point, more of entertained the idea of going and part of me doesn't really want to go because its expensive and in a dangerous area. I obsess over stupid things like this.

 

[nwts]

I know, I just feel guilty about it because I hadn't really "planned" on going at this point, more of entertained the idea of going and part of me doesn't really want to go because its expensive and in a dangerous area. I obsess over stupid things like this.

I understand how that could make you feel guilty because you feel like you may have given them the wrong impression, but try to let it go. You didn't say it with the intention of deceiving them.

 

[RandomPremed1]

I understand how that could make you feel guilty because you feel like you may have given them the wrong impression, but try to let it go. You didn't say it with the intention of deceiving them.

Well I mean I knew it would sound better to say I was planning on going versus I am debating going. I knew it sounded lame that I didn't go on the trip last year, thus why I said I was planning on going next year, and thus the guilt.

 

[RandomPremed1]

Does that make it deceitful, or me just trying to sell myself as an applicant?

 

[Lost in Translation]

Don't worry so much about it.

 

[Spector1]

its fine.

 

[nwts]

Does that make it deceitful, or me just trying to sell myself as an applicant?

No, it really is fine. It's just the use of one word that is slightly different. They probably wouldn't even really notice the difference between "plan to" and "am deciding if I will." Deceit is something along the lines of saying: "I frequently volunteer at the animal shelter," when you only volunteer at the animal shelter twice each year.

Really, don't worry about this. Just be proud of yourself for having gotten an interview and try to enjoy the good things that have happened for you in this cycle 🙂

 

[wagonwheel23]

YOU ARE FINE.

Now, celebrate interviewing at your first choice!

 

[Psai]

It's not a big deal op

 

[MrLogan13]

Chill out.

 

[Goro]

We look upon mission trips as being medical tourism anyway.

I know, I just feel guilty about it because I hadn't really "planned" on going at this point, more of entertained the idea of going and part of me doesn't really want to go because its expensive and in a dangerous area. I obsess over stupid things like this.

 

[ortnakas]

Saying you went when you didn't would have been dishonest.
Saying you absolutely will go when you know you won't would have been dishonest.
Saying you plan to go is fine. Plans change, people get it.

 

[RandomPremed1]

Saying you went when you didn't would have been dishonest.
Saying you absolutely will go when you know you won't would have been dishonest.
Saying you plan to go is fine. Plans change, people get it.

agreed, my initial concern was that I used 'plan to go' when there is a decent chance I wont go, due to various reasons (ie cost like I had mentioned), and I hadn't really thought about it too much, just merely entertained the idea.

Thanks everyone, I am finally chilled out, lol

 

[ZedsDed]

I love it. @gonnif will probably get a kick out of this thread.

 

[Doug Underhill]

Oh, no! They're gonna run you through the wringer for that one, OP. They'll send you to prison, or worse, the Carribbean.