fear of challenges...

Applying to College
1

I know this is not how a person with high goals should think, but I’ve finally admitted to myself- I’m extremely afraid of failure and therefore challenges. While I’ve always found some way around my stressors before, it’s hard for me when directly confronted with making college decisions.

I’m limiting my options because I’m scared I’ll have an even smaller chance of succeeding at a more competitive college… I don’t want to waste my parents’ money, but if I go to a lower ranked school I may not get enough opportunities to succeed there either.

My past posts are a jumbled mess, and this one isn’t much better, but at the moment I’ve decided to aim for med school and am choosing between VCU and UVA. I’ve changed a lot and hopefully it will suffice to say that I’ve realized any career path is difficult and requires immense effort and commitment, so I may as well try to do something that I like and pleases my parents. I don’t have any subject I’m extremely passionate about but I love helping others and also value my family’s wishes. I’m planning to major in bio and would like to minor in chem or a foreign language (but my parents don’t want me to take on the additional stress of extra minors…) That’s as far as I’ll explain my change in job interests…

In terms of finances, VCU is definitely the better option because I received the tuition scholarship there and could possibly room with my aunt who lives in the area if money become an issue. However, my parents just revealed that they are planning to sell the house and downsize, so UVA could be more affordable now (although I’m sure I’ll still have to take out student loans). I do know most ppl on here recommend no debt for premed.

UVA is a great school, and I would be part of the Echols program (which doesn’t seem like anything significant…). If I change my mind about med school, most majors at UVA are still very strong. There are great professors, resources, etc there, but I’m petrified when thinking about the competition and difficulty level there. If I go and get a terrible gpa, I’ll be draining my parents’ bank accounts and fail to get into med school.

VCU seems like an ok option that I may have a better chance of thriving in, and I do like the school; however, I’m deterred by all of my peers. They all are shocked when I mention I’m considering the college even though I’m one of the “top students” … and I am mostly worried about the lack of opportunities and prestige in the eyes of med admissions in comparison to UVA. Also if I decide medicine is not for me, I’ll be stuck at a school that is fairly mediocre in most other majors.

I recognize that there will be challenges and competition at any college, and I need to face them if I ever want a chance at a difficult career… but I’m worried that my fears are clouding my judgment on deciding which college to go to. But also, how do I get over these fears? Am I qualified enough? Will I be able to handle college despite all the horror stories of how good high school students all struggle immensely? How can I cope with the constant feelings inadequacy and hopelessness that rise up whenever I think about college and the future…?

2

If there isn’t another pressing reason, like finances, I would say UVA is very clearly the more highly-regarded school. VCU does, if I recall correctly, have a program with guaranteed admission to its medical school if classwork and grade criteria are met. That could be an attractive option, given medical school selectivity, if it is open to you.

Not to say institutional prestige doesn’t matter, but most medical schools are pretty driven by GPA and MCAT. If you find a school where you are comfortable and thrive academically, and where you prepare for the for the MCATs, you will have improved admission odds. However, keep in mind, medical school admission is tough at all accredited schools.

William and Mary is very well-regarded as well an has a good reputation for producing doctors, so you might want to consider it if you applied. Virginia residents are fortunate to have good in-state options.

3

But don’t assume that getting in to med school from VCU may actually be easier.
They use committee letters.
Not sure about UVa.

4

Just my opinion: I think that you could do very well at either school. If you are more comfortable at VCU, then it is a very good university. Having a aunt in the area is not just helpful to save money if you need to live there, it can also be helpful if you need a hand for some reason.

There are quite a few students who are very smart, but who do not deal well with stress. Choosing a university can be a challenge in this case (and for pretty much everyone else also). However, premed classes at VCU will be plenty challenging, and getting a very high GPA there will be helpful down the road for med school admissions. Saving money for undergrad will also be quite helpful when it comes time to pay for medical school.

Don’t worry about your high school peers. When you get to university you will be surrounded by students who agree with your choice, and who made the same choice. My D2 was the top student in her high school in the US, but decided to attend a small university in Canada. Her friends in the US kept saying “why” and “where?” and “why not Dartmouth College or Bowdoin or Wellesley”. Once she got to university, comments changed to “great university” and she loves it there.

I would suggest that between these two very good choices you go where you are comfortable.