sort of off topic...confidence issues?

[sunnex3]

---

Members do not see this ad.

so i totally understand that i don't know ANYONE here personally.
but sometimes i feel like there is no one really i can talk to among my peers, cause everyone thinks i've got it so perfect. but i've been dealing with some personal issues lately, which isn't helping. my dog has a really bad, progressive, inflammatory brain disease called GME and i'm also going through family stuff with my parents, and it's just been really tough lately for me emotionally.

i am constantly fretting and worrying about whether i'm going to get into vet school or not.

i have a fairly good GPA at a school where the science department is notoriously known for grade deflation.

i have really good depth in experience - all SA, but i've worked in a general practice, specialty practice, and an animal shelter. i have also dabbled in lab/research, was president of the pre-vet club at school, and have a couple other extracurriculars. of course, i worry that i don't have any LA experience, etc.

i've known i wanted to be a vet since i don't know when.

yet i find myself worrying ALL THE TIME. sometimes it's all i can think about because i see soo many people who have great stats and experience and for some reason don't get in.

how do you guys deal with the stress and nervousness of applying? i decided to wait a year to apply, even though i could've applied this year because after my junior year finals my brain was fried and i just needed to take some time off. but now i'm worrying that i didn't make the right decision by taking a year off. i am constantly second guessing myself. it doesn't help that i know of some of my friends who have gotten into vet school this year and i just feel like i could've done the same.

i am just sick of feeling like this...i don't know if anyone else is in the same boat.

 

[lailanni]

so i totally understand that i don't know ANYONE here personally.
but sometimes i feel like there is no one really i can talk to among my peers, cause everyone thinks i've got it so perfect. but i've been dealing with some personal issues lately, which isn't helping. my dog has a really bad, progressive, inflammatory brain disease called GME and i'm also going through family stuff with my parents, and it's just been really tough lately for me emotionally.

i am constantly fretting and worrying about whether i'm going to get into vet school or not.

i have a fairly good GPA at a school where the science department is notoriously known for grade deflation.

i have really good depth in experience - all SA, but i've worked in a general practice, specialty practice, and an animal shelter. i have also dabbled in lab/research, was president of the pre-vet club at school, and have a couple other extracurriculars. of course, i worry that i don't have any LA experience, etc.

i've known i wanted to be a vet since i don't know when.

yet i find myself worrying ALL THE TIME. sometimes it's all i can think about because i see soo many people who have great stats and experience and for some reason don't get in.

how do you guys deal with the stress and nervousness of applying? i decided to wait a year to apply, even though i could've applied this year because after my junior year finals my brain was fried and i just needed to take some time off. but now i'm worrying that i didn't make the right decision by taking a year off. i am constantly second guessing myself. it doesn't help that i know of some of my friends who have gotten into vet school this year and i just feel like i could've done the same.

i am just sick of feeling like this...i don't know if anyone else is in the same boat.

Taking a year off was a great decision, trust me. I wish I had more time off in between. However, I know it can be hard to *enjoy* the time off when you've got applying to vet school hanging over your head. Try to enjoy it as much as you can. When you're in vet school (and you sound very well qualified to get there) you'll be up at 2am studying and wishing you had time off 🙂 I think time off is a very good thing.

Do not worry that you don't have much LA experience. It's pretty common. Especially if you've spent more time in cities. I had very little and I know several people who have had little/none. As long as you're experienced in the area you want to work in, I think you're fine.

As for dealing with the stress of applying, I don't have any gems of wisdom. I think it's a very nerve-wracking process for everyone going through it. I know I had a tough time with all the waiting and suspense. Just take comfort in the fact that everyone is in the same boat. You'd be hard pressed to find any applicant that is totally confident about getting into vet school.

Of course if the anxiety is really overwhelming, it might be nice to talk to a counselor. Even when you're in vet school it gets stressful and it can help to talk. Our school has a vet-student-only counselor.

It sounds like you've got all your bases covered. Try to relax - but I know that isn't easy!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

You are definitely not alone!

I almost had a coronary when I first started reading the stats on here.

And I may or may not have had something vaguely resembling a nervous breakdown when I came across some eleven-year-old's "So You Want to Be A Veterinarian" placard at the state fair last summer and spotted the words "REQUIRED GPA: 3.8-3.9" hidden amongst the pictures of adorable puppies and kittens.

And I've pretty much accepted the fact that sleep and I are going to be at odds until this interview thing is over.

So, yeah. I feel you.

I generally de-stress by spending time with my pets, reading, drawing, biking, hitting the gym, driving around aimlessly and listening to music, and hanging-out-with-friends-and-not-talking-about-vet-school. (Emphasis on the not talking about vet school. 😉) Obnoxious tipsy Mad Libs, pizza, and cupcakes nights= preservation of sanity. 'Cause we're dorky like that.

I also have a pet with a (different) progressive neurologic condition, and am no stranger to parental drama... if you ever need to unload, feel free to drop me a line via PM. 👍

 

[lailanni]

so i totally understand that i don't know ANYONE here personally.
but sometimes i feel like there is no one really i can talk to among my peers, cause everyone thinks i've got it so perfect. but i've been dealing with some personal issues lately, which isn't helping. my dog has a really bad, progressive, inflammatory brain disease called GME and i'm also going through family stuff with my parents, and it's just been really tough lately for me emotionally.

PS. This is a great community 🙂 I'm not online here as much, but this was an invaluable resource for me during pre-vet/app times. I think there are some very well rounded people here who have been through the ups and downs of life. Even though you may not know people personally there's always someone here to listen. 👍

 

[kitty613]

not talking about vet school.[/I] 😉) Obnoxious tipsy Mad Libs, pizza, and cupcakes nights= preservation of sanity. 'Cause we're dorky like that.

/QUOTE]

A little wine doesn't hurt either.😛

 

[kitty613]

I generally de-stress by spending time with my pets, reading, drawing, biking, hitting the gym, driving around aimlessly and listening to music, and hanging-out-with-friends-and-not-talking-about-vet-school. (Emphasis on the not talking about vet school. 😉) Obnoxious tipsy Mad Libs, pizza, and cupcakes nights= preservation of sanity. 'Cause we're dorky like that.

A little wine doesn't hurt either.😛

 

[squirrelsrule]

You are definitely NOT alone! This whole waiting game is driving me nuts and it hasn't really even started yet!

I am still taking prerecs. and working so that keeps my mind off applying to vet school most of the time, but it is all I think about (well OK maybe I think about when the first baby squirrel will come in too 😀) in my free time.

For me winter is the hardest. It is the only time of the year I am not swamped with animals (I am a wildlife rehabber) and that leaves lots of time to think about stuff, which is good and bad. I just can't wait until spring, then I will have baby creatures which take my mind off everything. There is nothing more relaxing for me than feeding a baby squirrel, bunny, or opossum 😍. If I were you, I'd try to find something non vet related and let it take your mind off everything that's bugging you and making you nervous.

I think everyone on here is anxious and nervous about whether they will get in (unless they are already in vet school, then they're likely worried about how in the world they're gonna pay off all their loans for vet school!).

This forum is so awesome because everyone is in the same boat. We might not have all the same issues, but we all go through the same application process and have the same fears about getting in to vet school and making it through. We have the same passion and are all hoping to be awesome vets one day, and we WILL get there!

So, don't feel alone. I think you did the right thing taking a year off. I took five years off before realizing that I wanted to be a vet. I needed that time to get out there and explore my options and see what I really wanted to do with my life. Now I know for sure and am ready to go to vet school. Everyone tried to talk me into applying right after college, but at that time I was DONE with school and didn't really know for sure what I wanted to do. I probably could have gotten in and I would have made it through vet school and probably would be a pretty good vet right now, but I don't know if I would know for sure that I wanted to be a vet. There would always be that pull to be an animal caretaker. I'd wish for that kind of less stressful and emotionally demanding life I think. But having taken the time off, I took that route and learned that I want to do more than just care for animals, I want to be there to help them if they need surgery and really save their lives.

You might not need to explore to know you want to be a vet, but believe me, you will be happy to have taken the break. Maybe not now, but once you are in vet school and everyone is burnt out and you are still going strong because you had that time off from school, you'll be happy you took the year off!

 

[SocialStigma]

I am definitely insecure about getting into vet school. Doesn't help that everyone always says "your GPA is so high! there's no way you won't get accepted". Well yeah, but vet/animal experience counts too (and I'm severely lacking in variety in this department), and my MCAT score is just average.

I pretty much just try not to think about it if all possible and tell myself there's always next year if I get rejected this year.

 

[ylrebmik]

I'm incredibly nervous, and every time I see someone's stats... I have to take a deep breath because I don't think I'll ever have that high of a GPA.

But just as others previously mentioned... this forum is great. Everyone is going for their dreams in such a competitive field, yet everyone helps and encourages everyone. It's great. Hang in there!

 

[LetItSnow]

how do you guys deal with the stress and nervousness of applying?

1) By having a plan for what to do if you don't get in. (Improve your chances and try again? Different career?)

2) By finding other ways to use your time to help people. If I'm busy packing lunches to send to poor kids, or serving food in a soup kitchen, or just relaxing and watching the Super Bowl with friends, I don't have time to worry. If they aren't vet friends then we don't talk about it and that's great. If they are, the anxiety is shared. It's a win either way. 🙂

3) By taking the long view: I volunteer at the teaching hospital here, so I've talked to many, many vet students. It's stunning how many of them didn't get in their first time (and not-at-all uncommon to hear stories of it taking three, or even four, tries). That helps me stay hopeful.

4) By taking the short view: I can only do so much in any one day. So long as I've got a long-term plan, there isn't much else to do but plow through each day, or each semester, or each whatever. Any time you undertake a serious task, you need to break it into manageable chunks and give yourself credit for each mini-step on the way; it'll make you feel good about yourself. Celebrate every small success.

Having said all that, my interview was yesterday and I'm more nervous now than ever because I feel like at this stage there isn't anything I *can* do (with regards to this go-around). So... I'm with ya on the anxiety. You just have to take a few deep breaths and trust that things will work out, I guess. 🙂

 

[Packen]

how do you guys deal with the stress and nervousness of applying? i decided to wait a year to apply, even though i could've applied this year because after my junior year finals my brain was fried and i just needed to take some time off. but now i'm worrying that i didn't make the right decision by taking a year off. i am constantly second guessing myself. it doesn't help that i know of some of my friends who have gotten into vet school this year and i just feel like i could've done the same.

For me, I needed a plan of action - it tends to be the way that I tackle most stressful events in my life. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst. So the day after clicking submit on VMCAS, I am already working on what I am/was going to do to help me realize my dream. I also took a hiatus for a while, and while it might not have been the best choice as far as getting in to vet school (obviously you can't get in if you aren't applying), there was nothing I could do to change that, so when I went back to seriously applying, I put all my energy into looking forward.

Everything happens for a reason - I don't really believe in worrying about a decision when you can no longer change it (like not applying this year), because in reality there is nothing you can do about it now. It is only natural to second guess yourself though - everyone does it, but when I find my self doing that I try and force myself to focus on a plan of action from this point forward, instead of focusing on the past.

I also think it is really important to have something to help take your mind off of everything. Whether it's a silly TV show, a weekly girls/boys night out, or even just a date night with your SO where you are not allowed to talk about stressful things, only fun things, I think it really helps.

 

[goldielocks137]

If I understand correctly, you'll have a year off in between undergrad and vet school if you get accepted in next year's application cycle? I applied to vet school last year and was ultimately waitlisted and did not get in. I had friends who did get in, and yes it was rough. But I am SO glad that I got a year to take a break! Undergrad is very stressful, especially with trying to get good grades to get you into vet school. Taking a year off will really be a welcome break and I think that whatever you choose to do will constantly remind you why you want to go to vet school.

Also, the year off is a great time to try to get experience in one of the areas you're lacking. I don't know if you'll stay in the city, but even if you do you'll have more time to drive out and shadow a large animal doc or volunteer at a large animal organization. Also, it has been so much easier this year to plan my interviews without having to worry about rescheduling exams or missing classes! And as a plus, the interviewers are likely to ask you what you've done with your time off and having a solid answer for that will help show your dedication and your new experiences might help set you apart.

 

[goldielocks137]

For me, I needed a plan of action - it tends to be the way that I tackle most stressful events in my life. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst. So the day after clicking submit on VMCAS, I am already working on what I am/was going to do to help me realize my dream. I also took a hiatus for a while, and while it might not have been the best choice as far as getting in to vet school (obviously you can't get in if you aren't applying), there was nothing I could do to change that, so when I went back to seriously applying, I put all my energy into looking forward.

Everything happens for a reason - I don't really believe in worrying about a decision when you can no longer change it (like not applying this year), because in reality there is nothing you can do about it now. It is only natural to second guess yourself though - everyone does it, but when I find my self doing that I try and force myself to focus on a plan of action from this point forward, instead of focusing on the past.

I also think it is really important to have something to help take your mind off of everything. Whether it's a silly TV show, a weekly girls/boys night out, or even just a date night with your SO where you are not allowed to talk about stressful things, only fun things, I think it really helps.

👍 Some great advice

 

[nuevaburra]

I don't have any groundbreaking tips for dealing with stress, except that always make time to be with friends, and yes, talk about stuff other than vet school. My friends and my horses keep me sane.

As far as taking time off, I took off time before undergrad, after undergrad before grad school, and will have some time between grad school and vet school, even if I DO get in on the first try. I HAVE NOT REGRETTED A SINGLE SECOND OF IT. Even when I was doing stupid stuff like working temp jobs in a factory, or in retail, the time I had to grow and mature as a person and really know myself and feel sure about my goals, was utterly worth it. Plus you can have time to do really cool stuff, too, like travel or volunteer at a donkey farm in spain ( which I did and LOVED). Even if it's not vet related, it will make your application stronger because it will show you are a more mature and well rounded person, and I can pretty much guarantee that it will help you be more focused in vet school if you've had the extra time to grow and think about what you really want. Hope that helps, and good luck!

 

[ninjacat]

You are NOT alone!!!! I worry all the time. My friends/family keep saying " I don't know what you're so worried about, youre GOING to make it in" and they dont understand that its not that easy.

 

[squirrelsrule]

You are NOT alone!!!! I worry all the time. My friends/family keep saying " I don't know what you're so worried about, youre GOING to make it in" and they dont understand that its not that easy.

I think that makes it harder! So many people don't understand how hard it is to get in (I can't believe how many people at work have asked me if I am in vet school and if I am going to go to the community college for vet school ). My boss asked me TWICE if I would be working through vet school. Both times I told him that will be a little hard since 1. vet school will take up all my time, and 2. the closest vet school in Ohio State which is 3 hours away . No matter how many times I tell people they just don't seem to get it.

 

[Cautionary Tail]

You are NOT alone!!!! I worry all the time. My friends/family keep saying " I don't know what you're so worried about, youre GOING to make it in" and they dont understand that its not that easy.

Yes. This! I get that they mean well, but this is even more frustrating for me than getting the standard "You do realize nobody gets in, right? Why not just go to med school?"

"What are you freaking out about? Of course you'll get in... you really want this, and you're going to make a great veterinarian!"

Yeah, me and the other six gajillion applicants... many of which have far better stats than I. 😉

A little wine doesn't hurt either.😛

I'm more of a tequila/vodka person, but... no, no it doesn't. 😀

 

[LetItSnow]

Yeah, me and the other six gajillion applicants... many of which have far better stats than I. 😉

Yeah, I think we're all in the same boat. I just try to appreciate that people are being supportive, even if they're being a bit naive about the odds and the competition. I try to remind myself that most people have absolutely no clue that vet school is as (or in some cases more?) competitive than med school.

As far as I can tell, the general perception about vet medicine appears to be "it's just animals, so it must be easier, quicker, and cheaper to learn." That goes a long way towards explaining the sticker shock people experience at the cost of care.

In the end, I just accept the well-wishes with a smile and try to be grateful that I've got friends. 🙂

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Yeah, I think we're all in the same boat. I just try to appreciate that people are being supportive, even if they're being a bit naive about the odds and the competition. I try to remind myself that most people have absolutely no clue that vet school is as (or in some cases more?) competitive than med school.

As far as I can tell, the general perception about vet medicine appears to be "it's just animals, so it must be easier, quicker, and cheaper to learn." That goes a long way towards explaining the sticker shock people experience at the cost of care.

In the end, I just accept the well-wishes with a smile and try to be grateful that I've got friends. 🙂

Very true... although, for whatever reason, I commonly encounter doctors and dentists who know exactly what the odds are, and feel compelled to remind me and attempt to sell me on their specialty of choice.

I get it. I really do. Now stop depressing me and yank out my wisdom teeth already, dude. 😉

I guess, on the up side, it's a plus that they think I'm not too incompetent to consider going into their field, but... man. I'm strapped to the chair, you've just reduced my arm to swiss cheese, and there are sharp, pointy things in my mouth. Now? Is not the time.

 

[that redhead]

My approach was to take things one step at a time. The trick (for me, at least) was looking forward but not too far forward. Keep your eye on the prize, of course, but don't always be thinking about vet school; think about the things that are on the path to admission like grades, experiences, etc.

I kind of "took a year off" in the sense that I didn't graduate after four years of undergrad. Do I hate myself for it sometimes? Yes. But I recognize that this past year has been absolutely, 100% crucial to my maturing into an interview-worthy candidate. I had to make a bit of a lifestyle change since grades are by far my weak point and although I threw myself into it headlong, I still needed this year to mature to my full potential. (Sorry this all sounds so cheesy and cliche, but it's true!) Anyway, long story short, you are not the only one feeling this way. I would guess that almost, if not all, candidates feel this way. There's really nothing you can do for the stress; you need to learn to look past it by using other meaningful activities to fill your time. Good luck!

 

[ylrebmik]

Yeah, I think we're all in the same boat. I just try to appreciate that people are being supportive, even if they're being a bit naive about the odds and the competition. I try to remind myself that most people have absolutely no clue that vet school is as (or in some cases more?) competitive than med school.

As far as I can tell, the general perception about vet medicine appears to be "it's just animals, so it must be easier, quicker, and cheaper to learn." That goes a long way towards explaining the sticker shock people experience at the cost of care.

In the end, I just accept the well-wishes with a smile and try to be grateful that I've got friends. 🙂

YES! I was just talking to my mom. She doesn't want me to become a vet because "it's just animals, why would you want to do that?" She thinks that my gift of compassion would be best served for humans, as if having compassion is a waste for animals.

It's so nervewrecking to think about applying for 3 or 4 cycles! I don't know what my backup plan would be....

 

[kaydubs]

yet i find myself worrying ALL THE TIME. sometimes it's all i can think about because i see soo many people who have great stats and experience and for some reason don't get in.

how do you guys deal with the stress and nervousness of applying? i decided to wait a year to apply, even though i could've applied this year because after my junior year finals my brain was fried and i just needed to take some time off. but now i'm worrying that i didn't make the right decision by taking a year off. i am constantly second guessing myself. it doesn't help that i know of some of my friends who have gotten into vet school this year and i just feel like i could've done the same.

i am just sick of feeling like this...i don't know if anyone else is in the same boat.

You are totally not alone (if you couldn't tell by the other posts 😉) My stress reliever: working out & staying so busy that I collapse into bed. No time to think about vet schools not getting back to me or my upcoming interview if I'm exhausted. Once I get back to school I'll give myself some time to think about everything but until Monday, I'm repressing my stress. I also love music. It's the ultimate pick me up!

I really admire you and anyone else who has the courage to take time off. I've been an overachiever my entire life and, it's come up many times to consider taking a semester off, but I'm still graduating on time and will hopefully be in vet school come fall.

The best part about SDN for me: it is a stress reliever in and of itself. I know 1 person applying to vet school this cycle at my school. It gets sooo lonely being the only one in a sea of professional students. SDN is like a home where everyone essentially supports you all the way. I hope you enjoy your time on this forum!!

I almost had a coronary when I first started reading the stats on here.

I generally de-stress by spending time with my pets, reading, drawing, biking, hitting the gym, driving around aimlessly and listening to music, and hanging-out-with-friends-and-not-talking-about-vet-school.

I also have a pet with a (different) progressive neurologic condition, and am no stranger to parental drama... if you ever need to unload, feel free to drop me a line via PM. 👍

Wow, I've got nothing on those 11 year olds! haha My cat is the best and am gonna miss her soooo much when I get back to school Sunday :'( Totally agree with the last bit. I'm at home with my family & I can't wait to get out of my house for even the hour I'm at the gym. As long as we know we're all going through similar situations, opening up in a board post or a PM is such a relief!

This forum is so awesome because everyone is in the same boat. We might not have all the same issues, but we all go through the same application process and have the same fears about getting in to vet school and making it through. We have the same passion and are all hoping to be awesome vets one day, and we WILL get there!

👍 raised to the google power!

I am definitely insecure about getting into vet school. Doesn't help that everyone always says "your GPA is so high! there's no way you won't get accepted". Well yeah, but vet/animal experience counts too (and I'm severely lacking in variety in this department), and my MCAT score is just average.

I pretty much just try not to think about it if all possible and tell myself there's always next year if I get rejected this year.

I totally know this feeling. It's hard when you have everyone being so insanely positive. But, keep your chin up, SocialStigma! Don't lose hope! I'm similar (so-so GPA, limited vet hours, and decent GRE scores) & have heard good news recently.


Even though people around you might not take vet med as a dream seriously, people on this forum do. It's so nice to know 😍😍😍 be realistic and you'll go far!

 

[crazycatduncan]

vet/animal experience counts too (and I'm severely lacking in variety in this department), and my MCAT score is just average.

Do you mean GRE? Are there any schools that accept the MCAT?

 

[SocialStigma]

Do you mean GRE? Are there any schools that accept the MCAT?

Unfortunately I meant the MCAT. I'm applying to OVC and they only accept the MCAT from Canadian applicants 👎

 

[libster06]

This site is okay, but it can be your worst enemy... it has a bunch of textbook overthinkers- well-suited for and the main kind you find in vet school.

Its probably best not to listen to a lot of the stuff on here [GPA/GRE stuff, how hard classes are, how many schools people got into because they had 15 years of experience, etc.], because, although its solicited advice, it can stress you out more than help you. Also, you have to remember that this is an internet forum with tons of input from tons of schools... so just because someone excelled in Class X at this school, doesn't mean Class Y at another school is on the same level, as it might be much harder (or the other one exponentially easier?).. even classes within schools taught by different teachers are like that. Vet school is not a cut and dry format. You sell yourself.... and tailor your application so that it frames you in the best light. Then you interview, and really sell yourself. And if they don't pick you, you try again. It WILL happen eventually.

I feel the same way about vet school, now that I'm in it. I am not an overthinker, I sometimes think too little or too fast... but I am around 85 other students for 8 hrs a day who are major overanalyzers.... and while I rely on a lot of my peers for help, there are times that I just can't listen to them anymore because they stress me out, they stress themselves out, they stress each other out... and we just have to pull things back into perspective. Some times you just gotta tune everyone out and focus on what youre doing. Not what youre doing in comparison to what someone else is doing over at U Penn or UC Davis... you just focus on you and your strengths and what makes you marketable. You'll destress right down.

 

[twelvetigers]

For those of you that keep on trying to get the "of course you'll get in!" people to understand how difficult it is, try getting rejected a couple of times. Shuts them right up. 🙄

 

[drforwhiskers]

For those of you that keep on trying to get the "of course you'll get in!" people to understand how difficult it is, try getting rejected a couple of times. Shuts them right up. 🙄

Exactly. I have a bunch of friends who are convinced I have a 4.0 and can get accepted wherever I want. It's encouraging, sure, but I have far from a 4.0, and I've already been rejected from several schools, including my IS.

Of course, I'm waiting until I hear from all of my schools (I have 1 I interviewed at and 1 to hear from) until I tell them that. It is annoying to have to dodge the "oh when do you hear from .. blah blah".

BTW: I love the song in your sig 🙂

 

[CatVet2B]

I am so sorry about your dog.

Everyone stressed out about the wait. It's not easy, and you'll be a ball of nerves for months, once you apply. There is no getting around it. But, you sound like you're a good candidate. A good GPA, a variety of experience, and a good GRE score are all needed, and it sounds like you already have that.

Also remember, if you don't get in the first time, re-apply. MANY people apply twice. There is no shame to it.

 

[LetItSnow]

Also remember, if you don't get in the first time, re-apply. MANY people apply twice. There is no shame to it.

👍

I volunteer at the teaching hospital here at the university, which means that I have a lot of contact with rotating 4th-year students. It didn't take long to realize that many, many of them didn't get in on their first try (if not the majority). I was absolutely floored by how many told me it took two or even three tries. One woman finally got in after 6 years. One told me she applied to 13 schools (!) her first go-around, and got interviews at none of them.

And yet here they are, all in their fourth year... taking boards... set to graduate... making plans for jobs.

I'm the type of person that absolutely hates to fail, but talking to so many students who took multiple attempts to get in really helped me when I didn't get in my first try.