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[medhopeful02]

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[robclem21]

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling with giving up hope and it sounds like you have had a bit of a rough go recently. What you are feeling is common among many people on (and off) this forum who go through the medical school application process and nearly everyone here as been in your shoes in one point or another whether they admit it or not. We have all seen friends, and "rivals" (we've all had people like that in undergrad!) get accepted before us and it is not an easy process. As you know though, there are many paths one can take to becoming a doctor.

While it sounds like what your friend did was definitely over the top in terms of celebrating, I don't think it is fair to be angry at people for celebrating their success, especially your friends. It sounds like you have been friends with this person since a young age, and I would think, despite not achieving your goal yet, that you would be able to be there for her to celebrate her accomplishments. It doesn't sound like she did anything to be abusive or a jerk to you (unless there is a lot you are leaving out of your post), rather that you are jealous of her opportunities and success.

Some people have an easier road made that way by family or opportunities that are presented to them, and others have to grind for every chance they can get, and even then sometimes things don't work out for many years. Others decide early that is what they want to do and spend their time tailoring their opportunities to medicine, and others decide later it is what they want and take a non-traditional pathway. All of these roads to medical school are legitimate and just because one person has an easier time getting accepted, does not take away from your accomplishments and everything you have done on your own. Your path and struggles have helped you grow and made you strong and resilient in your own way. Thos experiences will serve you well when you do finally get accepted and help you overcome even more adversity through your training. Getting accepted really is just the beginning of a long journey. It is not the end of the road by a long shot!

You cannot compare yourself to others in this process. Is it 100% fair? No. Is anything in life? No. It is best to focus on your path and your success and not get dragged down by the success of others. Considering you haven't even applied once yet, giving up now would be a mistake. If it is truly what you want and are dedicated to achieving it, you can. Don't let your friends success be a barrier to you. Support and celebrate your friends' success and then when you get accepted your friends will be there for you in the same way.