The Waiting Game

We’ve all been here before. Waiting to hear back from a school. Read about how I dealt with the anticipation.

I turned in my applications in early September and now it’s November 1 and I’m beginning to worry. Well, most of my applications aren’t due till Dec. or Jan. 15 (UGH). This means they won’t even look at the application until the due date has passed. Other schools offer rolling admissions and based on when you completed the application. I like this option better because you’ll at least be offered an interview while waiting. I’m constantly contacting each school to follow up on my application. I know it may seem like I’m bugging them –and I am, but I can’t just sit around and wait for them to reach out to me first can I?

Matter of fact, I do, sit around and wait for them to review applicants. This process has made me so weary and anxious. I check my Gmail account every free chance I have, in hopes of a school decision or an interview offer. I persistently check the student doctor network (A website for future doctors) to check the status of other applicants. This process has made me feel like my life is paused. Essentially, my life is on pause I can’t devote my time anywhere because the anticipation is killing me. My entire life plan is in the hands of the admissions committee. To make matters worst you are competing for a 25-35-class slot when over 800 students are applying.

I always tell myself all I need is an interview and I would feel more comfortable about my chances. I don’t feel that a sheet of paper and grades can portray my devotion and passion.

Since September, I’ve given thought to how I want to proceed moving forward. I started with anticipation and I feel like I’ve turned that into something greater. My anticipation has given me growth. I have a little bit more time on my hands since I finished applying to school so I decided to pick up some hobbies:

Crocheting 

Scrapbooking

Reading 

Meditating 

Writing

My hobbies have given me the opportunity to take my head off of the application process and focus on myself. Sometimes we worry about our life plans because we want it to be set and turn out perfect. The truth is, nothing is set in your life and nothing is guaranteed. I choose to let go, and let God handle my future. I have put forth my best effort. If I don’t get accepted this time around there’s nothing stopping me from reapplying. 

So I’m choosing not to stress over the anticipation and I choose to press play, so I can live my life without constant fear.