Just getting some anxiety out

[MrRed]

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Have no friends who are hoping to go to medical school (or any graduate program that requires any rigorous pre-reqs for that matter) and really have no one to talk to about the journey of getting into med school who I feel can really relate to it.

I feel like I'm doing everything right (3.9+GPA, volunteering, getting into research, etc.) and yet... I get so damn nervous. When i try to talk to my friends about it they just tell me to take it easy, don't fret over the grades etc., they just don't know. I'm already halfway through undergrad yet I'm more worried than ever. Worried about grades on my next exams, the MCAT, if I'll even get into med school... I'm sure they're all very normal things to be worried about and yet I feel alone with it all?

To be honest I'm not quite sure what sort of replies I'm expecting to this (if any at all); just wanted to get it out there, just have some slowly growing anxiety that I like to relieve every once in a while with a nice honest semi-anonymous internet post.

I don't think I've ever wanted anything in my life so much as I'd like to have the chance to practice medicine; not sure why I'm so nervous today...

Anyways back to studying for A&P II! Nice to just get it out somewhere, hope everything is working out for all of you on the same path as myself.

 

[Ace-Co-A]

We've all been there, man. College can be very stressful.

However, the anonymity of these forums does not lend itself to providing useful feedback for you about how to cope. Seek out help with your school's counseling office. School stress / test anxiety / etc. are all very real things, and shouldn't be taken lightly.

 

[Goro]

Go have a chat with someone at your school's counseling center.

Have no friends who are hoping to go to medical school (or any graduate program that requires any rigorous pre-reqs for that matter) and really have no one to talk to about the journey of getting into med school who I feel can really relate to it.

I feel like I'm doing everything right (3.9+GPA, volunteering, getting into research, etc.) and yet... I get so damn nervous. When i try to talk to my friends about it they just tell me to take it easy, don't fret over the grades etc., they just don't know. I'm already halfway through undergrad yet I'm more worried than ever. Worried about grades on my next exams, the MCAT, if I'll even get into med school... I'm sure they're all very normal things to be worried about and yet I feel alone with it all?

To be honest I'm not quite sure what sort of replies I'm expecting to this (if any at all); just wanted to get it out there, just have some slowly growing anxiety that I like to relieve every once in a while with a nice honest semi-anonymous internet post.

I don't think I've ever wanted anything in my life so much as I'd like to have the chance to practice medicine; not sure why I'm so nervous today...

Anyways back to studying for A&P II! Nice to just get it out somewhere, hope everything is working out for all of you on the same path as myself.

 

[PakiMDDreamer]

Lower that anxiety level, my friend!!! You clearly have a killer GPA and yes, you are doing the right things. Keep your head down and you'll get there. Look at all the other ones around us who have.

 

[Ersh]

It's okay, dude. Applying to medical school is stressful, and it doesn't help if your support network doesn't fully understand how hard it really is.

I was in your situation last year. I was so worried that I wasn't good enough. My GPA wasn't high enough, I didn't have enough clinical hours, I didn't have enough shadowing, my research wasn't good enough, blah blah blah. Surprisingly, a lot of the anxiety went away as I got closer to submitting my application. My profile is what it is and can't really be changed, and that has been a huge relief for me. I couldn't go out and get 5 publications and 1000s of clinical hours in a few days, but I could come to terms with my application and appreciate it as a reflection of me and who I am as a person. You don't need to compare yourself to others. Other applicants have different personalities, goals, values, etc., so of course their applicant profiles will be different. Besides, half of the people on this website are grossly exaggerating/lying. The best thing you can do is to focus on yourself and ignore the rest.

As an aside, carve out a few minutes in your schedule each day for a hobby, exercise, reading a good book, or anything else that helps you relax and puts you in a good frame of mind. You'll feel much better and function at your best. Some stress and anxiety from time to time is normal. But if you feel like you're constantly overwhelmed and that your pre-med anxiety is hurting your ability to function normally, please seek help. Your own well-being is infinitely more important than any acceptance letter.

 

[BrCo]

Take Goro's advice. I had anxiety and nervousness as well, mostly from a skewed perspective on myself. Having someone to talk to can help tremendously. I think what helps me is to know that I'm not alone... There are legitimately thousands of people who share similar worries. Same with med school - my friends tell me it's easier to go through such rough curriculum by realizing everyone is in the same boat.

Some of it too for me has just been faith. Not in a religious way or anything, but just realizing that if I put my best foot forward I'll be able to reach my goals.