The "hurry up to wait" aspect of pre-med applications.

[Back 5]

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I feel this is the worst, or most difficult, aspect about the application season. We worked hard studying for the MCAT, made sure our aacomas was polished and ready to go, have been churning out secondaries within a week of receiving them....only to wait.

As soon as the interview invite comes, it's a few weeks of prep, making sure you research the school, the interview feedback portion of the site, getting ready for the big day...only to wait for a decision.

Then we finally get the acceptance phone call...only to wait upwards of 8-12 months to matriculate

This will be a very arduous process I think.

 

[NontradCA]

It reminds me of the military. Now is a good time to pick up some hobbies; Id suggest exercise, it will significantly reduce stress and increase confidence.

 

[pre med 2014]

It reminds me of the military. Now is a good time to pick up some hobbies; Id suggest exercise, it will significantly reduce stress and increase confidence.

I exercise a lot. Still stressed about the process!!

 

[Back 5]

It reminds me of the military. Now is a good time to pick up some hobbies; Id suggest exercise, it will significantly reduce stress and increase confidence.

I'm in the gym training 4 days a week. Running the other 3.

The hurry up to wait component is worse with this because we are so vested in the results. Undergrad is different because there is always something next to look forward to. Semesters are only ever 1 month apart give or take.

 

[koan]

Med school is more of the same. Spent 6 months (Jan-June) studying for boards, took two 8+ hour exams (usmle and comlex) and waited >4 weeks for the results. You just have to learn to distract yourself... make a stiff drink, go see a movie, climb a mountain, not necessarily in that order lol.

 

[Ost3oclast]

I feel this is the worst, or most difficult, aspect about the application season. We worked hard studying for the MCAT, made sure our aacomas was polished and ready to go, have been churning out secondaries within a week of receiving them....only to wait.

As soon as the interview invite comes, it's a few weeks of prep, making sure you research the school, the interview feedback portion of the site, getting ready for the big day...only to wait for a decision.

Then we finally get the acceptance phone call...only to wait upwards of 8-12 months to matriculate

This will be a very arduous process I think.

Yeah its no fun. Unfortunately, it only gets worse. Will I get a secondary? Will I get an interview? Will I get an acceptance call? You'll see people on SDN get an interview or a secondary on a day and you didnt, you'll automatically go super-neurotic and think you are finished at that school. I think the stress is normal though, pick up new hobbies, realize that you will make it through and as crazy as it sounds, try to enjoy the ride as much as possible. Regardless of what happens, its a crazy roller coaster ride that can be filled with some pretty high moments.