It's Not Over! Interview Season Continues

After getting into school shortly before I went home for Christmas I kind of assumed that I was done with the interviewing season and even considered skipping my interview at UIC. Luckily I decided I should go and check out what they had to offer.

Well, what do they say about the best laid plans? I actually loved UIC, they have amazing research opportunities and a lot of great global programs specifically designed for those who are interested in practicing medicine internationally. I left that day feeling really conflicted because now I had two programs I was legitimately interested in. Then the new year rolled in and with it came TWO additional interview invitations in one week. The first was from Dartmouth, without a question the highest ranked school that I applied to. After some deliberation I decided that I had to go. First of all, you can't exactly say no to an interview invite from an Ivy League school and secondly, they have an awesome program! Reach for the stars, right? Two days later I received an invite from the Tufts Maine Track Program which I ended up withdrawing from since I decided I'm not interested in practicing rural medicine in Maine (Vermont now, that's a totally different story!). I have no ties to Portland and the idea of having to switch locations in the middle of medical school was daunting.

So here I am, once again getting ready to attend an interview day but this time I'm feeling a lot more confident. I already have an acceptance in my pocket and that can do wonderful things to your stress levels. I'm super excited about Dartmouth and will update you all after interview day!

Chantal & JournalistDoingScience: The Return

Cryptic post title notwithstanding, I'm sure most of you are curious what this post will be about since it's been eons since I've written. Let's just insert my usual excuses here as to why that may be and move on quickly because I have much to share. Mainly, that I got into medical school.

Cue the deafening silence and then (I would hope), subsequent shattering applause.

I GOT INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL!!!

Shortly before the holidays, as a matter of fact, so it was a lovely holiday gift. 

I'm going to share more on this topic but for now I would just like to thank all of you dear readers for your wonderful support and faith in me. The large number of encouraging messages I've received on here or via Twitter have really helped to lift my spirits whenever I was feeling overwhelmed about the whole maddening process. 

Finally, I want to return that encouragement to the rest of you who are maybe still waiting with baited breath to hear back from schools. I know it's terrifying and demoralizing to sit there wondering if someone else will deem you worthy but you should know that you are and no matter what the admissions committees decide, your hard work and wonderful accomplishments are things to be incredibly proud of. 

That's all for now, I can't wait to tell you all the whole (still currently ongoing) story soon!