Combating Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome in your Pre-PA Journey
Imposter syndrome is a common feeling among Pre-PA students and early on in the admissions process. But don't worry, you're not alone! Here are a few tips on how to address feelings of self-doubt as you work on your application for PA school.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is a collection of emotions and thoughts that can make you feel like a fraud despite your past successes.
It is when you are unable to internalize your accomplishments, no matter how successful you are in your life.
Imposter Syndrome in a Pre-PA can sound like…
“I am not competitive enough to apply, I shouldn’t bother trying.”
“Even though I meet minimum requirements to apply to PA school, I’m afraid my GPA and application aren’t good enough to get in.”
“I don’t look or sound like an “ideal” Pre-PA Candidate”
“I’m having trouble staying motivated, PA school seems too competitive.”
Addressing Imposter Syndrome as a Pre-PA
Tip #1: Remember Medicine is Diverse - just like you!
There is no such thing as a “cookie cutter” ideal PA candidate. So do not be discouraged if you do not see or hear about a candidate with your specific background or experience!
Remember, candidates who get into PA school come from ALL walks of life. This includes diverse backgrounds – whether that is diversity in education, career path, upbringing, culture, socioeconomic status, geographic location, sexual orientation and more.
The practice of medicine is better, if the health care providers reflect the diversity we see in our patients!
Tip #2: Rember - PA Admissions is Holistic, and GPA is not everything!
Especially when looking at PA Class statistics from PA students who have been accepted in past admission cycles, it can be easy to get caught up and stressed over the “average GPA” to get in, or having the “right” health care experiences.
I recommend thinking of the admissions process as an opportunity for PA programs to get to know more about you! And only YOU can tell that story effective – your work and life experiences, extracurriculars, and demonstrating how your soft skills and competencies are a good fit for the PA profession.
Applicants with low, average, and high GPA do get invites to the MMI/PA School interview and acceptance into PA school! If you are interested in/passionate about the PA profession and qualify to apply, you should apply!
Tip #3: Practice self-acceptance
Everyone feels occasional self-doubt and lack of confidence. We tend to demonize negative feelings, however, I like to view feelings (positive or negative) as a way to inform you and motivate you to take action!
In fact, I think feeling self-doublt and lack of confidence is often an indicator of how important this is to you, and that you may also have unaddressed feelings around fear of failure. Just know that having negative feelings in Imposter Syndrome does not actually say anything about your inherent worth, capabilities, past, present or future accomplishments and successes!
Tip #4: Look at the Context & Bigger Picture
Remember that health care programs in Canada (Physician Assistant, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Medical Doctor (MD), Dentistry, etc.) are competitive across the board (it’s not just PA!).
The PA Admissions process (or any application process for that matter) may inevitably bring up feelings of stress and self-doubt in any candidate at any point.
If feelings of imposter syndrome come up, you can use this as an opportunity to practice and develop skills in stress management and regulating your emotions (a skill you’ll need to use regularly as a PA student and future practicing PA!).
Tip #5: Be patient, and trust your ability to learn from past mistakes
There are many examples of successful PA applicants who did not get in on their first attempt.
If you are re-applying, just know that you are now BETTER prepared because you have already gone through this process before!
Use the time between now and the next admissions cycle to see how you can improve (do not submit the same application as last time).
Your patience, hard work and persistence will pay off!
Tip #6: Seek Support & Talk to Someone
Imposter syndrome can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone or figure it all out yourself (life’s big journeys are usually not done alone!).
You can seek support from:
Friends and family
Reach out to a group or community of fellow Pre-PAs and PAs!
A counselor or student advisor at your school
Seek help from a psychologist or therapist (many who offer virtual and in-person sessions).
Think of it this way: you would encourage your future patients and health care colleagues to seek help when they need it – why wouldn’t that apply to you too?
Tip #7: Be KIND to yourself
Imposter syndrome tends to put us into an “All or Nothing” state, especially when we compare ourselves to others.
Don’t feel bad about feeling bad – Rather than cast judgement on your feelings of Imposter Syndrome, observe and acknowledge your feelings and be curious. Where are these feelings coming from? Reflect, write about it and/or talk to someone you trust.
You’re human too, and it is normal to NOT feel 100% happy and confident all of the time.
