anxiety or poor self esteem?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
anxiety or poor self esteem?
6
Wed, 02-22-2006 - 7:55pm

I have two interviews for PhD programs in the next week. On Friday I am interviewing for a program in environmental psychology at a university here in NYC, and next Tuesday im flying to Boston to interview for a PhD program in public policy. I have spent the past three months feeling like nobody would call me for an interview and that I had no chance of getting into a program. The more time that went by, the more scared and angry I became. Now that i have these interviews i feel SO nervous and im not even sure I want to go into a PhD program anymore, because I am afraid I won't know how to answer their questions and will appear stupid and unprepared.


I feel like this always happens to me....I get all worked up and imagine the worst and then when i get the opportunity to prove my self i feel like i dont want to do it anymore because maybe im afraid of failure? i dont know what it is :( either way, im super nervous about my friday interview, this was one of my top choice schools and i feel like my mind is blank. Ive been trying to research what the faculty there work on, but i feel like my brain isn't absorbing any of the information. they are going to ask me about my research interests/goals/plans and i dont know how to answer those questions.


i dont know if this is my anxiety talking or my poor self-esteem, i wonder if this happens to other people? does anybody else feel like just giving up before they start because they are scared?

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Avatar for glitterngold
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-13-2003
Wed, 02-22-2006 - 8:19pm

Mia,

I feel this way about once a week...usually clinical day. I am usually fine after I get going but before I get there I am scared and anxious. I literally force myself out the door some days. Usually I start to get better mid-semester and gain some self confidence.

Try practicing some "interview" questions and you will be feel more prepared.

Good Luck,

Lisa

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 02-22-2006 - 8:26pm

Mia, I can imagine your mixed emotions!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-05-2005
Wed, 02-22-2006 - 11:04pm

Hi Mia,

That is super isn't that what you have wanted and deserve? Boy If I had a dollar

for every time I was second guessing my choice in becoming a nurse talk about scared,but

I feel more and more maybe it is excitiment, I do tend to get alittle over excited as

you probly have seen. but as Lisa and Sherri Ann both said WOW who wouldn't be nerous..

Keeping my finger crossed also.

(((((BIG HUGS)))) lynn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 02-23-2006 - 12:26am
Pretty much what you have described is the story of my life. To me, it's a mixture of issues. But, I am NO quitter. In fact, I can be very stubborn & have a difficult time when I'm told, *no.* I persevere in spite of the anxious feelings & self doubt. This is a big step for you, Mia. I hope you go for it! I don't want you to have regrets down the line. I am confident you can do well @ either program. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Thu, 02-23-2006 - 8:55am

Mia,


I know that you are nervous but you have accomplished so MUCH already and I'm sure this is not the 1st time you have felt this way.


You know the coping techniques and how to use them. I have no doubt that you will be amazing and be able to do whatever it is you want to do in life.


You will also be about 40 minutes from me so send me a wave!!! ;) Enjoy your day in Boston!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Thu, 02-23-2006 - 9:24am

im so glad to hear im not alone in feeling this way. im sucking it up as my boyfriend always says, and trying not to think negative. I know that if i give up i'll regret it. i'll update you tomorrow on how it went.


btw, i was so nervous last night i could barely sleep, i cant even imagine how im going to feel tonight!

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