Psych me up to withdraw

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Z_C

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hi all, I have relapsed and have looked at this website again. I have been fortunate to have been accepted at several medical schools so far. There are a couple that I almost certainly would not plan to attend given my current situation. I know it is the kind and just thing to withdraw my application in those cases, but I am emotionally having trouble doing it. Please psych me up to do this? Thanks : )
Are you talking about withdrawing from schools where you have an acceptance?

How's about this to psych you up:

We are pleased to announce that the AMCAS Choose Your Medical School tool is now available within the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) application. Only applicants with at least one (1) current acceptance that has been reported to the AMCAS program will be able to see and use the tool. The tool should be used at the direction of the schools to which you have applied.
 
Also... from Q&A: Heidi Fuchs, Touro College of Pharmacy Admissions - SDN (email to prehealth advisors)

Rx for Saying NO and Avoid Ghosting-How to 'Adult'

So, you have applied to a doctoral program and in just a few short years you will be in the real world treating real patients and interacting with their real loved ones.

Here are three tips to help you handle declines like real adults instead of disappearing into the void:

1. Ghosting is NOT an Option-Just Hit Send

Ignoring emails won't make them go away. Admissions teams can see that you have opened our emails and notice when you vanish, and it can and will hurt your reputation. A short, polite message like "Thank you for the opportunity, but I've decided to go in a different direction." takes 30 seconds to send and keeps you in good standing.

2. The Sooner, The Better

Dragging it out just makes it worse. If you know you're not attending an interview, accepting an offer, or paying your deposit, let the program know ASAP. This helps others get opportunities and shows maturity. Plus, you avoid the risk of the common app administrators flagging your application and your college being notified.

3. Keep Doors Open-Future You Will Thank You

You never know when you might need to reapply or cross paths with the same people again. A professional and respectful decline ensures you leave on good terms. Burned bridges aren't fun to rebuild!

Bottom line: Adulting means communicating-even when it's uncomfortable. Don't be that person who just vanishes!


Don't make me whip out the Cher/Moonstruck GIF.
 
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Two reasons - one unselfish, one selfish:

1. Think about how elated you felt when you got your acceptance. You have the ability to give that feeling to someone else (multiple someone elses if I read your post correctly) - that is going to feel great!

2. People think that they are happier "keeping their options open", but you'll actually be happier once you make the irrevocable decision, per The Paradox of Choice (Amazon.com)
 
To play devils advocate:

Until you have all financial information, it might be smart to wait. One of the schools I didn’t think I would ending up going to gave me a full tuition scholarship, and in doing so, shot themselves to number 1 on my list. They just also happened to be the first one I heard from regarding financials (which in theory could change once I hear back from the others)

So in my head I’m imagining: what if they were the last one to give me financials? And I withdrew before finding out about this scholarship just because I didn’t think I would go. Then I would be in $400k worth of debt instead of $150k simply because I was antsy.

You also said “given my current situation”, which idk what your current situation. But just some food for thought!!
 
To play devils advocate:

Until you have all financial information, it might be smart to wait. One of the schools I didn’t think I would ending up going to gave me a full tuition scholarship, and in doing so, shot themselves to number 1 on my list. They just also happened to be the first one I heard from regarding financials (which in theory could change once I hear back from the others)

So in my head I’m imagining: what if they were the last one to give me financials? And I withdrew before finding out about this scholarship just because I didn’t think I would go. Then I would be in $400k worth of debt instead of $150k simply because I was antsy.

You also said “given my current situation”, which idk what your current situation. But just some food for thought!!
I fully agree with this. I'd only drop acceptances you're sure you would not attend even if the financial aid were better at these schools. Like if you got in at a program so good you'd never go to others even if they gave you a full COA scholarship or something. Otherwise it makes better financial sense to see what you can get/negotiate in aid first, then drop the ones who can't compete financially.
 
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