Feeling doubts about applying to dentistry
I often second-guess my choice to pursue a course that seems to hand out rejections like candy. I dread the thought of preparing for the UCAT tests and later for interviews.
As an introverted person, I'm constantly thinking that I am not good enough for the UCAT or interviews. However, these assumptions only come to my mind because I feel uncomfortable heading into a situation that I have never been in before - which is natural. I have never sat the UCAT before, just like all the first-time applicants for the 2024 cycle, nor have I been interviewed by a panel of experts. It is only natural to be wary and fearful of a situation where I have no control over the outcome. I also remind myself that assumptions are only there to shake me, and it should not make me put me off pursuing dentistry entirely. I have spent hours searching up other courses that I could potentially be more interested in, but in the end, all the fingers point to dentistry.
It is hard to forget that I am not the only one going through the process of applying to a competitive course because the journey often can feel rather lonely. I am wary of seeking out help from my peers, who are also thinking of dentistry because I can only see them as competition. I recognize how negative mindset this is, so I remind myself that focusing and comparing ourselves to others has absolutely no real benefit.
Competition should not drive us apart instead it should bring us closer because we all hope we get accepted, in my and my peers' case, into a dentistry course. I remind myself that we should only ever wish for success on our peers - the success of others does not equate to the failure of ourselves. I often overlook that I have worked tremendously hard towards my grades and extracurriculars, so don’t forget to congratulate yourself on how far you have come, even if you feel like any of it has been the ‘bare minimum’ (for any perfectionists out there that feel like the work they have done is insufficient).
It is normal to be afraid, but I will not allow it to define me and diminish my passion. Don’t let it diminish you either.
Written by Adelene G
Moderated by Joanna
