Interview Burnout?

[NapoleonBonaparte]

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I've been very fortunate with my cycle and am currently sitting at 14 interview invites. Because nearly all of them came beginning of this month, I was only given a window in September and October to schedule an interview at each school, meaning that I have been cramming interviews non-stop. I'm a senior in college and during these first 3 weeks of school, I attended 5 interviews and by next week I will have attended 7. I never knew I would say this, but I'm starting to dread interviews and my health (physical and mental) is rapidly deteriorating. I chose the easiest possible course load, but missing 2 days every week for interviews means that I am always playing catch-up with school work and missing out on sleep. I thought about not attending some of them, but I couldn't get myself to do it (5 or top 10 schools, all are top 20 schools). Is it better to start turning down interview invites or should I simply suck it up and attend them all? I'm feeling all kinds of burnout and any help would be appreciated.

 

[deleted972488]

I can relate, but it’s part of the process, and we’re lucky to have so many interviews to go on. You could ask to reschedule some for later, rather than cancel them or turn them down. Good luck.

 

[82Scout]

I think you should attend all of them until you get at least one acceptance, then only attend ones for a school you would rather go to over thatacceptance. Try reaching out to some of these schools and see if you can push back into November/January.

It is totally understandable though, reach out to your professors. As someone who attends night school and works full-time I have communicated with my team and instructors and they have been very supportive and accommodating. It is definitely difficult to manage, but remember this too shall pass..

 

[deleted804295]

I think you should attend all of them until you get at least one acceptance, then only attend ones for a school you would rather go to over thatacceptance. Try reaching out to some of these schools and see if you can push back into November/January.

It is totally understandable though, reach out to your professors. As someone who attends night school and works full-time I have communicated with my team and instructors and they have been very supportive and accommodating. It is definitely difficult to manage, but remember this too shall pass..

We can't get acceptances until October

 

[deleted804295]

I'm sorry. I have labs 3 days a week and my professors already hate me even though I haven't attended as many interviews as you.

It's an exhausting process. Never thought I'd say this but I hate airplanes now. We just gotta get through it. Use anki while flying

 

[u_raptor]

I've been very fortunate with my cycle and am currently sitting at 14 interview invites. Because nearly all of them came beginning of this month, I was only given a window in September and October to schedule an interview at each school, meaning that I have been cramming interviews non-stop. I'm a senior in college and during these first 3 weeks of school, I attended 5 interviews and by next week I will have attended 7. I never knew I would say this, but I'm starting to dread interviews and my health (physical and mental) is rapidly deteriorating. I chose the easiest possible course load, but missing 2 days every week for interviews means that I am always playing catch-up with school work and missing out on sleep. I thought about not attending some of them, but I couldn't get myself to do it (5 or top 10 schools, all are top 20 schools). Is it better to start turning down interview invites or should I simply suck it up and attend them all? I'm feeling all kinds of burnout and any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to the process lol, I think I did about 10 this month. It is rough for sure. But try to treat each II as precious. While you feel burnt out rn, it will feel horrible if you are unfortunate enough to get no As come May. However, I will say, if it is possible maybe ask some of the schools you *aren't so keen on* if they could reschedule you for further down the road. I know how hard it is to miss class, and it is a fine line of balance for sure. I am sure they would understand or at least give you some options! Mental health is just as important!! Good luck and congrats 🙂

 

[notsobabydoc]

I've been very fortunate with my cycle and am currently sitting at 14 interview invites. Because nearly all of them came beginning of this month, I was only given a window in September and October to schedule an interview at each school, meaning that I have been cramming interviews non-stop. I'm a senior in college and during these first 3 weeks of school, I attended 5 interviews and by next week I will have attended 7. I never knew I would say this, but I'm starting to dread interviews and my health (physical and mental) is rapidly deteriorating. I chose the easiest possible course load, but missing 2 days every week for interviews means that I am always playing catch-up with school work and missing out on sleep. I thought about not attending some of them, but I couldn't get myself to do it (5 or top 10 schools, all are top 20 schools). Is it better to start turning down interview invites or should I simply suck it up and attend them all? I'm feeling all kinds of burnout and any help would be appreciated.

maybe prioritize the ones you really want?

 

[deleted987519]

 

[Booksandshoes]

I have been in a similar situation with a work schedule. It is hard and exhausting physically and mentally, but I found that focusing on how fortunate I am to have received these II's and these opportunities to prove myself. That and caffeine, naps, and built in down time help somewhat. Good luck and stay strong!

 

[710118]

Try 23 interviews. I have done 8 this month and 2 more this week. It’s def tiring but honestly kind of fun. I love when people ask me questions about my life.

 

[deleted972488]

Try 23 interviews. I have done 8 this month and 2 more this week. It’s def tiring but honestly kind of fun. I love when people ask me questions about my life.

Yikes.

 

[907914]

I personally am intentionally scheduling interviews for later in the cycle because most of the schools I actually want to go to already have interviews at save for a few so that I can turn down the others if I am lucky enough to get an early A....

 

[Jeremy Bearimy]

I personally am intentionally scheduling interviews for later in the cycle because most of the schools I actually want to go to already have interviews at save for a few so that I can turn down the others if I am lucky enough to get an early A....

Do you feel very confident that the ones you are scheduling for later are for sure bottom of the list for you? That's one thing that makes me nervous about that strategy, but I'm feeling low on money, so considering it.

 

[deleted972488]

Do you feel very confident that the ones you are scheduling for later are for sure bottom of the list for you? That's one thing that makes me nervous about that strategy, but I'm feeling low on money, so considering it.

"Later" is relative. If you interview this calendar year it will unlikely impact your chances at admission.

Edit: also, I clearly haven't been stalking you well enough; congrats on all your recent IIs

 

[907914]

Do you feel very confident that the ones you are scheduling for later are for sure bottom of the list for you? That's one thing that makes me nervous about that strategy, but I'm feeling low on money, so considering it.

Well, so far I’ve only scheduled case for later… and we all know what they say about Cleveland… So, so far yes I am.

 

[907914]

"Later" is relative. If you interview this calendar year it will unlikely impact your chances at admission.

Edit: also, I clearly haven't been stalking you well enough; congrats on all your recent IIs

Same! I only knew she was in one school not multiple! That’s awesome girl

 

[710118]

Do you feel very confident that the ones you are scheduling for later are for sure bottom of the list for you? That's one thing that makes me nervous about that strategy, but I'm feeling low on money, so considering it.

I personally scheduled a lot of schools that I am definitely interested in later on. I am definitely more polished on my 8th or 15th one than my first interview. Theres only so many questions someone can ask on my application. The schools that are rolling I tried to schedule as early as possible tho

 

[Jeremy Bearimy]

"Later" is relative. If you interview this calendar year it will unlikely impact your chances at admission.

Edit: also, I clearly haven't been stalking you well enough; congrats on all your recent IIs

Same! I only knew she was in one school not multiple! That’s awesome girl

😍 Thank you guys! It’s been an insane week, and clearly I didn’t expect this because I did NOT budget in these flights. But exceedingly grateful for it.

 

[Moko]

Minimize your course load if you can. Also attend as many interviews as you can afford without causing too much stress. Study on flights, in the airport, etc. Clinical rotations and residency are going to be worse time crunches, so best to learn how to relieve stress and multitask now

Instead of canceling, let schools know that you are unable to make the current dates due to previously scheduled plans and mandatory academic commitments, and ask for alternative dates. Most schools will be open to this and don't want lack of interview availability to be the main reason to lose out on a stellar applicant.

 

[907914]

Most schools will be open to this and don't want lack of interview availability to be the main reason to lose out on a stellar applicant.

Did you just assume we are stellar applicants?

 

[Moko]

Did you just assume we are stellar applicants?

Some people here, yes. No one sits on 10+ interviews at this point in the cycle without having a compelling application. I see you just missed the mark with 8.5 II's, though I'd still see you as "probably good". 😛

 

[907914]

Some people here, yes. No one sits on 10+ interviews at this point in the cycle without having a compelling application. I see you just missed the mark with 8.5 II's. 😛

I also didn’t apply to 30+ schools. Jus’ sayin’ 😉

Also, this thread is probably extraordinarily anxiety provoking for the majority of applicants who have nothing or very little at this point, should we stop or can we put a warning in the title or something?

 

[Moko]

I also didn’t apply to 30+ schools. Jus’ sayin’ 😉

Also, this thread is probably extraordinarily anxiety provoking for the majority of applicants who have nothing or very little at this point, should we stop or can we put a warning in the title or something?

The absence of 10+ interviews doesn't mean someone doesn't have a compelling application either. 🙂

 

[907914]

The absence of 10+ interviews doesn't mean someone doesn't have a compelling application either. 🙂

Very very VERY true.

 

[meepdog]

The absence of 10+ interviews doesn't mean someone doesn't have a compelling application either. 🙂

Well I'm here with some compelling encouragement to us low statters 🤣🤣🤣

To the thread's original point, I'm in a little bit of an unusual situation in that I took a leave from work (very little scheduling flexibility, long story) and while most of my colleagues use this time to go home, see friends and drink copious amounts of beer/whiteclaw, whatever the hell that is, I'm pretty monopolized prepping and traveling to interviews. I'm grateful for the opportunity but I wish I could make more time for friends in the process