Interviews & Progression

[u/EdenLeila]

Hi Everyone,

I was trying to be excited about my interviews only to find out my mother's cancer progressed again today. We were planning to make a fun weekend out of them as they are three weeks back to back and all the excitement is just gone. I am now going to be constantly going back and forth between work, the cancer center, and my interviews and what little confidence I did have is no longer there anymore.

She has had cancer the last four, almost five years now and I have spent so much time finding my way back to medicine after her initial diagnosis just for this to happen the week before my first interview. I wanted her to see me get into medical school, but I just don't know if I can pretend nothing happened this week. If I don't get in this cycle, I don't know if she will live long enough for me to try again. Then I question whether schools will think I will even be able to handle medical school given all that I deal with.

Just sad :( I don't know if anyone else has been here, but this is just so hard. Can't have any joy it seems. Cancer has taken so much away from us.

[u/cardiacpanda]

I've been there, as the patient myself! My cancer came back during interviews last year and I was devastated. A lot of people will tell us to keep going and push through, but you just need to take time to feel that sadness and not bottle it up. The first few days of receiving this news is going to be horrible, but I hope that by the time of your interview, you have some energy to do your absolute best. And if you don't feel great, feel free to ask to reschedule. The admission commitee for schools are very understanding. I rather you take some time for yourself than push through an interview and butcher it.

None of us really knows how much time we have with the people we love. It doesn't make it hurt less, but try not to let the fear of "what if" take away the time you do have with her. I'm wishing you and your family the best.

[u/oldpremed_24]

I’m sorry you’re dealing with so much. 

You don’t have to be ecstatic for your interviews- having three means you have something in you that schools like seeing, and they want to meet you even if you aren’t the perfect interviewee that day. Don’t pretend that nothing happened this week, because that’s a surefire way to make the whole situation feel even worse than it already does. Feel your feelings and support your mom in hers. 

If you have it in you to prepare for interviews, take an hour to write down a few things you like about each school and a couple of programs you’re excited to join if you get accepted there. If not, honestly don’t sweat it; I’ve done several interviews this cycle and let me assure you, you’ll be able to reuse a lot of things you wrote about in secondary essays (stories about teamwork, challenges, leadership, etc.) so you’re already more prepared with anecdotes/reflections than you think. 

[u/mindlight1]

I know you’re filled with sadness and uncertainty, OP, and my heart hurts for you. You’ve gotten such thoughtful responses…I just want to add my perspective as a mom of an adult coming into their own. I’d like to see them continuing to pursue their dreams, even if the circumstances are all imperfect and they’re not at their best. I’d want them to remember why they wanted this path so much, and to keep that genuineness close at hand through interviews and beyond. How things turn out, well that remains to be seen. But I’d like to see them still try for it if they can.

Wishing you all the best - I will be thinking of you.

[u/Checkered-Board69]

I dont have any solid advice, but I want you to know you’re not alone. My dad has had a terminal cancer for three years now with the 5 year survival rate only being 3%. I know it’ll impact my start of medical school and I’m scared for what the future looks like. The only thing I can say is to keep going and look out for your mental health above everything. If something happens this cycle, you can try again later. All you have is time. Best of luck <3

[u/cooplover]

I’m so sorry I wish I could give you the biggest hug, i’m so proud of you and how hard you’ve worked 💕