Waiting

I'm in a weird spot. Let me explain: the journey to medical school, which started with optimism in June 2023 through applications to 26 schools, has unfolded into a complex landscape of acceptances, rejections, and silence. To date, the outcome has been 18 rejections, placement on two pre-interview waitlists—a spot that just feels like a stop on the train to rejection—and two actual waitlists, with four schools yet to respond.

The silence from these remaining schools is deafening. My greatest hope hinges on the waitlist positions at Penn State and UColorado. This current standing leaves me confronting much uncertainty. Without a clear idea of where I might be living or studying in the coming months, the practical realities of life—such as the impending end of my lease in Boston—demand attention, and difficult decisions need to be made without definitive answers.

The possibility of not gaining admission to medical school this cycle forces me to contemplate alternative paths, including the possibility of entering the job market. However, this option presents its own set of challenges, not least the ethical dilemma of engaging with potential employers without being able to commit fully, given the chance of a last-minute acceptance from a medical school.

Should this cycle conclude without an acceptance, I am faced with the prospect of moving back home—a safety net for which I am grateful. Yet, it is a situation far removed from the independence and growth I have experienced living independently. This raises further questions about the direction of my career and life, including what types of positions to pursue that align with my aspirations and skills; what can I do to make me a more competitive applicant in the future?

Navigating the uncertainties of the medical school application process has given me an appreciation for the present moment. This waiting period, filled with unknowns, has paradoxically become grounds for personal growth, pushing me to cultivate patience, resilience, and adaptability. These virtues are not only crucial in the realm of medicine but are foundational for navigating life's inherent unpredictability.

This application journey has taught me the value of embracing the process, complete with its highs and lows, enriching my professional outlook and personal evolution. Through this, I've learned to remain even more flexible and open-minded, facing the future with a blend of optimism and preparedness for any outcome.

Just keep truckin'