Freaking out...

[dreamlife]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello all! I officially start my DPT program next Monday. However, despite the fact that PT is what I want to do more than anything, I've started freaking out about the sheer volume of work that will be necessary for me to complete during a semester.

To give you a better idea of where I'm coming from... I got my bachelor's degree in four years flat; single/no kids. I'm not a procrastinator by any means and people typically refer to me as a highly organized person. I took my undergraduate studies very seriously and didn't party/waste time/etc.

Taking my personal background into consideration, do any 1st year 2nd semester or 2nd/3rd year SPTs have any advice?

This is feasible right? Can I make it through 3 years without developing an anxiety disorder or losing my mind?! 😉

 

[DSOLoSt]

I'm not a PT student, but I'm pretty sure you will be fine. Many students get through it, and you seem to be motivated and serious.

 

[dizzy88]

I'm not going to lie. There's a lot of information. You have to retain it. There's a lot of work. Frustrating classes. You're going have a lot of moments where you question why you're doing this. Lol.

But it's doable 🙂 my biggest advice is to just keep up on things. If you don't let yourself fall behind and you study regularly, it will be ok.

Also make time for yourself. I definitely would not survive if my life revolved around school/studying/eating/sleeping every day. I make time to work out. Go out with friends. Etc. Keeps you sane!

 

[rangardrum]

I also get worried about this. I seemed to already get stressed out a lot just in undergrad classes, which as I understand it are going to be laughably easy compared to DPT school. It should be a big adjustment, but it's one I'm hoping I'll be able to make and get at least somewhat accustomed to the new pace.

 

[Fiveoboy11]

Enjoy PT school because it's fun. Be frugal with student loans.

 

[riseboi]

Not knowing what your initial classes will be, here's some general advice.

One class at a time, one day at a time, one week a time.... don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed. Yes, it will be a lot to take in initially, but nothing you can't handle if you prioritize your time. You seemed to have done well making it through undergrad. What makes you think you cant do that in grad school? No reason to start second guessing your self now. Take a deep breath and relax. You're gonna be ok.

(wow, reading that over, I sound really hokey. )

I'll also echo the sentiments above about making time for your self. One of the things that was stressed to me by my school is that "We study hard, we play hard." Set free time for yourself and friends.

Good luck and welcome to the world that is PT school.

 

[PT Dad]

My daughter was always a high achiever in school. In her senior year of undergrad she was so stressed out by the amount of work for her senior thesis along with applying to PT school she developed an anxiety disorder. Her physician tried a few different medications and finally found one that enabled her to continue performing at a high level without falling apart. She graduated with highest honors and was accepted to every PT school she applied to. Although PT school has been a struggle at times, she will graduate next May with a good GPA. There were times she felt overwhelmed by the amount of work in PT school but she was able to remain focused and never panicked The medication made all the difference. I suggest that you see your family doctor or even a psychiatrist to see if you have a similar problem.

 

[markelmarcel]

I also worry about being able to "cut it" because I am a career changer... I have always thought that I was more intelligent than what my original degree would allow me to be, and I enjoyed succeeding in the prereq science courses, although at times I wanted to pull my hair out... (And I do have anxiety issues, although I don't take anything for them.)

I hope that even though there will be hard times, that I'll be able to make it through and excel like I so badly want to! 🙂

 

[rangardrum]

I also worry about being able to "cut it" because I am a career changer... I have always thought that I was more intelligent than what my original degree would allow me to be, and I enjoyed succeeding in the prereq science courses, although at times I wanted to pull my hair out... (And I do have anxiety issues, although I don't take anything for them.)

I hope that even though there will be hard times, that I'll be able to make it through and excel like I so badly want to! 🙂

Hey, I'm a career changer too. I was originally going for law, but it was definitely not my thing once I got a job in the field and saw how it worked up close.

I'm guessing the high anxiety is probably not that uncommon among high achievers. In many ways it can help in that you don't slack off or take things for granted. Of course, I'm sure you and I both know that it can go too far though and be counterproductive when you're excessively worrying over something that you're doing just fine with in reality. I'm hoping that classmates will provide a supportive environment (like fellow soldiers going through the same experience and relating to each other in that sense) to help get through the most stressful moments.

 

[mtm34]

Don't stress it is a lot of work/time but it has been done before. The best advice I can give is to save your energy- I'm a 2nd year and I have seen so many of my classmates just constantly freaking out about this and that... essentially it is all the same in the end and you will get it done and it will be fine. You will pass your tests so don't study 5x the necessary amount, you will get out of class assignments done on time so don't start emailing your group 2 months in advance, take the good with the bad when it comes to clinical assignment and regardless if it is within your interest just try and take whatever out of every opportunity you can. Drink lots of beer and only use the hard stuff prn. Have fun you made it.

 

[thorn22]

Breathe.

 

[Yohan]

Don't stress it is a lot of work/time but it has been done before. The best advice I can give is to save your energy- I'm a 2nd year and I have seen so many of my classmates just constantly freaking out about this and that... essentially it is all the same in the end and you will get it done and it will be fine. You will pass your tests so don't study 5x the necessary amount, you will get out of class assignments done on time so don't start emailing your group 2 months in advance, take the good with the bad when it comes to clinical assignment and regardless if it is within your interest just try and take whatever out of every opportunity you can. Drink lots of beer and only use the hard stuff prn. Have fun you made it.

Post of the year!

 

[dreamlife]

First week done.

I'm going to be just fine!

 

[markelmarcel]

First week done.

I'm going to be just fine!

Glad to hear it!!!