Hi Mitch, I think its great that you have a blog that speaks to students about all the ups and downs in their road to success! Great job.

I know you will be writing a blog on acceptance next, but I'm so riddled with anxiety I have to ask you now.

I have actually been accepted into a M.S. program in counseling psych, and I have high hopes of going on to a PsyD program in clinical psych. Until then, I really like the program I'm in. It's not that I applied to a PsyD and got rejected; I just wanted to take my time before applying to a doctoral program and learn a few things in the Masters level before I take that big leap! I play it safe most times.

But I find that I'm worried about it. I start this coming fall semester and the closer it gets the more worried I become. Thoughts of "Can I really pull this off" or "What if I flunk statistics" really sends my anxiety up the wall! In college I was regarded as the "genius," which is so not true =) and now I'm really doubting my abilities. Did you experience the same thing? I'm sure most students do but I'm really a pessimist when it comes to the unknown sometimes, espeically when my future career is at stake.

As you probably already know, graduate school is challenging, but it appears even more so when you're trying to survive in a psychology program. My Masters program, however, is not competitive and that's what I need in order to survive! That's one positive I've acknowledged thus far.

Because you've already been through a Masters level program, could you tell me a little about what it was like? Were your classes overwhelmingly challenging? Would you say, now that you're in a doctoral program, that there is a slight or big difference between the classes and expecations?

I know I'll be okay. It's just a matter of me using the summer before next fall in the appropriate ways to prepare myself for that time.

Thanks, I'd appreciate your response.
Toylin

p.s. for those of you who have not been accepted, not being accepted can really discourage you. When I applied to my first college, after being home-schooled, I didn't get into my first choice. I had to reassess what it was that got me rejected, them or me. Eventually I got up enough courage and submitted another application to another college and I got accepted. Sometimes you just need a time out and some time to think and try it again. I wasn't a good fit for my first choice, but I was for the second choice.

A flip side of that is that perhaps not being accepted will give you a chance to use your book knowledge in the world, getting a job that strongly compliments your area of study. Graduate schools love "real world" experience, especially if it's something that can boost your maturity and work ability. Not being accepted can also give you time to rest your mind! I'm sure lots of graduate students are wiped out after college and then their brains are no good for the tedious work of graduate school. Psychology often speaks about those graduate students who are constantly depressed and chronically stressed. This is a reason and perhaps a time out is what you need. Good luck. Things will work out either way.

Thanks so much Mitch! I appreciate that. I will certainly keep your email for emergencies :)
I will also try to go into the new program with a clear and open mind, a clear and open mind that will open the doors for a new start and hopefully a good one. It is stressful just trying to get into college and graduate school, once you do, it's stressful trying to manage the unknown and sometimes even the known. Even though there are those who survived, the thoughts of it for those applying and those who have been rejected/accepted, can really diminish confidence.

I'm learning, as I'm sure you have, that graduate school is a time when mastery of the material is achieved. This is encouraging espeically if you're doing something you love.
Because of people who have spoken to me, such as yourself, and personal readings that I have done, graduate school doesn't seem all that bad once you embrace it. The psychology of graduate school can be summed up in two words: preconceived notion! These notions are what brings on the anxiety!

If we can get around those, we'd be in good shape! Even for those who haven't been accepted to the grad-school of their choice.

For those who may have been rejected reading this: I also would like to mention a few words of encouragement. Being rejected from either college or graduate school doesn't make you a failure, which I'm sure you already know. It only provides an opportunity for you to examine your strengths and weaknesses and perhaps achieve a higher level of strength in your area of weakness. For me...this is statistics and even though I've dreaded the thought of having to take the GRE for a doctoral program, I know that if I don't do well, that doesn't make me a failure. I don't get stats, but I do get a lot of other things (especially if given ample time to understand it).
One of the things I think the educational system fails to explain to students is that school is a place where you grow, not compete or beat yourself up,and if you realize your limitations (which may or may not include graduate school) embrace what you've got and go on. Essentially, if you're feeling down because you didn't get in, don't take it personal. There are many things about one human species that makes them intelligent and many things in life to make you knowledgeable, graduate school is only one of them.

Thanks again, and good luck!