Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Student

Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon, with 9% to 82% of people in a 2020 medical study experiencing it at some point. As a student, you may feel inadequate despite your academic accomplishments and fear exposure as a fraud. This condition can lead to reduced confidence, low self-esteem and self-doubt. Imposter syndrome in students can ultimately hamper academic performance and personal growth. Luckily, here are a few practical tips to overcome imposter syndrome as a student and achieve your goals.

Don’t Target Perfection

One of the primary reasons for imposter syndrome is believing you need to be perfect to succeed. However, striving for perfection is often unattainable and unrealistic, contributing to burnout and self-doubt. As a student, accept that mistakes are a natural part of learning and focus on doing your best. Celebrate your achievements or improvement regardless of how minute they are.

Join a Support Community

Joining a support community can also help you overcome imposter syndrome. Talking to others who may have experienced similar feelings will help you realize that you are not alone in your struggles. Knowing that successful students have gone through the same experiences and overcome their doubts can be an inspiration.

Sharing your feelings also reduces loneliness and invites others to share what you think about your potential. Pick a trusted individual who doesn’t necessarily have to be your peer to minimize comparison. An empowering community or space can provide you with the support, validation and empathy needed to navigate imposter syndrome as a student.

Learn About Imposter Syndrome and Identify Its Symptoms

Like other negative emotions, learning about imposter syndrome and recognizing its symptoms can help you overcome it. A few symptoms you may experience include

• Fear of being viewed as a failure

• Feeling unworthy of the teacher’s attention

• Holding back from achieving your full potential

• Downplaying your achievements

• Attributing luck or reasons other than hard work to your achievements

In addition, although anyone can experience imposter syndrome, some factors increase the risk like

• Being part of a marginalized population group

• Growing up alongside a gifted sibling

• Having anxiety or depression

• Experiencing a new challenge or recent success.

Once you recognize the distortions and chances of developing imposter syndrome as a student, you can take measures to overcome it.

Focus on the Micro

As a student, there are plenty of tasks to complete that may overwhelm you. Breaking down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps can help you feel less overwhelmed. Focusing on the micro and taking things one day at a time can help improve your confidence. Celebrate each small win and use them as motivation to continue moving forward.

Make Healthier Comparisons

Making healthier comparisons can also help you overcome imposter syndrome. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Instead, compare yourself to your past self. Look back at how far you have come and celebrate your achievements. In addition, remember that many successful people have had failures and rocky beginnings.

Consider Working with a Support Mentor at MedCerts

Imposter syndrome is a significant obstacle for students but is manageable. You can use practical tips such as letting go of perfectionism, joining a support community, learning about imposter syndrome, focusing on the micro and making healthier comparisons.

In addition, speaking with an expert can also help overcome imposter syndrome. At MedCerts, we have Student Success Advisors you can talk to and navigate your feelings. With our tutelage, you can gain the necessary tools and support to overcome doubts and fears.