Writing essays was sometimes tedious and required a lot of thought and combing through my past to find viable topics, but I am really appreciative of the experience, especially now that I've moved on to the interview stage. I feel MUCH more prepared to answer questions about my life, my accomplishments, my struggles, etc. now that I've written ~50 essays about these topics. Writing my PS was similar, as it allowed me to very thoughtfully and articulately lay out my reason for wanting to be a physician, which I can now smoothly reiterate for my interviews (instead of trying to figure out the best way to phrase the jumbled, disconnected fragments and excitement that previously occupied my head about the topic). So... writing was not the hardest for me, though I certainly understand why some people really disliked this part.
I think the most difficult part is going to be balancing interviews with school, and trying to stay focused on the thing I'm currently doing instead of stressing/worrying about what's happening later that week or month. While at interviews, I need to be present in the interview and not think about the test that's tomorrow that I am not currently studying for because I'm in an interview. While at school, I need to listen to the lecture and do my homework instead of daydreaming about the trip I'm taking in a few days. On top of that, just balancing and keeping up with everything that's going on in both realms while staying sane.
Waiting is hard too. Doubting yourself is really painful, and wondering if you're good enough or if you're worth it or if you'll make it. I did my fair share of that this summer, and it was definitely a low point. I guess that's a good way to sum everything up... This process is such a rollercoaster of emotions, and it's difficult to stay steady when experiencing these massive highs and sudden swooping lows every few days (yay I got an interview/small pool!!!! to oh I got rejected/failed a test due to being at an interview and missing class).
