When I was in my second year of medical school, a third-year student came to speak to our class about being on the wards. He gave an animated talk about how important it was to recognize that when residents, attendings, or nurses hollered at us on on our clinical rotations, 99% of the time, it wasn’t personal. He likened the situation to Boston traffic – how drivers lean on their horns for little cause because they are simply frustrated about their days.

It’s not personal, he said.

I am saying the same to my clients. I’ve had applicants complain that faculty interviewers mixed them up with other candidates or were wholly unprepared – reading their applications for the first time during the interview itself. Remember: It’s not personal. This process is arduous and long, and most candidates, faculty, and program coordinators are tired and doing their best. When things are rough, give others the benefit of the doubt. It will help you get through this stressful process with your sanity intact.