Hello everyone,
Full disclosure: I matched.
For those who did not match I offer my sincerest sympathy. I can imagine the pain you will go through over the next few months because I did not match last year. For those who did match, I exhort you to please, please, please be considerate of those who did not.
Some advice for those who did not match from someone who has stood where you are now:
For those who did not match definitely do what is necessary to numb the shock tonight. Go to a movie, get dinner, do miniature golf, play videogames, etc. If you want to go out with your friends, thats fine. If you do not, that is fine as well. Dont feel obligated to offer an explanation to ANYONE. Its none of their business and now is not the time for them to ask anyway.
In the next few days youll probably be very angry with this whole system. Heres the thing: You should be furious. You have essentially just been denied your degree from a bunch of strangers you met for about an hour or so (perhaps less) and for many, you will never be given a reason. As a student you have a right to feel wronged because the system lacks a mechanism for accountability. Those who do not match should be given feedback on why they did not match so that they may work on perceived shortcomings for the coming year. I hope you dont forget this moment when you eventually do match, otherwise the system will remain complacent and others will experience what you are experiencing now.
To end on a positive note for those who did not match, consider that the clearinghouse is still an option. After this weekend, pick yourself up and get back in that saddle on Monday. Call in favors from other grad students to assist you in this endeavor. If the Clearinghouse does not work out (and for most, it will not) take this next year to improve your stats. Finishing the dissertation, diversifying your therapy experience, and working on external funding are all worthy goals. Next year, when you match (think positive!!), remember how precarious this whole process is, and remember to avoid being smug.
Again, to those who matched I congratulate you. You are the recipient of good news because of hard work, but also in part due to no shortage of incredibly good fortune. Have fun tonight. As for myself I plan on taking this good news in stride and will probably see a film.