Why am I so terrified to begin public health school?

Question

I've just registered for my first courses in a graduate program for an MPH. I'm planning to concentrate in epidemiology and biostatistics. I'm absolutely terrified, as I keep thinking they made a mistake in admitting me (though I know it must be irrational because I was accepted everywhere I applied.) I haven't done any serious math since high school, and I just can't shake this hideous anxiety that I'm going to fail out and be a laughingstock. Does anyone else have a similar story or suggestions to make me more confident about beginning school?

Answer 1

My dear, this is actually a sign that you are meant to go to graduate school!

I advise graduate students, and your feelings are absolutely normal, and quite common. I call this anxiety and this feeling of unworthiness "academic disease." Perhaps a bit ironically, this "disease" will most probably recur throughout your course of study if you are passionate about your study and dedicated to your work, and will ebb if you are not.

This is because smart and passionate people always face a good deal of self-doubt, because the more they learn, the more acutely aware they are of how much they DON'T know. Folks who are less driven undergo much less anxiety because they are much more impressed with their own achievements. ;)

You'll be fine. I promise. You will even laugh about this with your new colleagues when you begin your program in the fall. (Ask them about their "academic anxiety" dreams... you'll be surprised by the common themes, and you'll start to forge bonds with your cohort.)

Answer 2

I am also feeling anxious about beginning graduate school. I have a master's degree, but I didn't choose my MA program based on academic rigor, so I wasn't as nervous then as I am this time around, going into a more rigorous, specialized PhD program. I too feel like "they have an awful lot riding on me--I'd better deliver! Do they know what they're doing, admitting me?!" and the like. But the truth is, they admitted us for a reason; they're good at determining what kinds of students are well-suited for study in their programs, so we have to believe it too! I tend to overprepare in order to quell some anxiety--read a lot, do some writing, ask questions, etc. I also started talking to the others in my cohort (there are only a few of us), and knowing that we all feel the same way has helped tremendously.

I work in a graduate school, and I can assure you that you are not alone! Our incoming students have expressed many of the same feelings you have, and more. See if your dept. can connect you with current students in your program; talking to a 2nd year student by email or phone will help you feel better as you can hear about how s/he felt at your stage AND will help you know someone when you arrive at school in the fall. If the dept. isn't helpful on that end, contact some folks in the school's student organizations. They'll be happy to share their experiences with you, most likely.

Email me, if you like (my username at yahoo), and if not, good luck this fall!

Answer 3

Yeah I know exactly what you mean. I took 2 years off before going back to grad school and it was scary going back. You just have to remember that they didn't make a mistake in admitting you and that school will probably be hard and a lot of work but it'll be worth it in the end. Just remember that. And there are always people to help you. Schools have a huge support network out there for you, so don't feel that you're alone. And ask for help if you need it, don't feel silly about it. People don't mind helping. Form a study group if you need help with math. Bottom line, you're not alone and it'll be ok :)

Feel free to contact me for more advice or whatever. I've probably gone through all kinds of things that you might have a question about for grad school