What got you through qualifiers?
I'm a second year PhD student at a mid-tier public school. Academically, I have struggled enormously through my life, and I got diagnosed with ADHD after I was barred from taking my micro qualifier last summer. Meds have made a world of difference and I got done with the macro qualifier, but I have to retake one of my courses and complete the micro qualifier this semester.
I understand that my school is not as difficult as the top ranked programs- but it still overwhelms me. It sucks because I understand micro and metrics a lot better than macro, but remembering proofs, properties, and mathematical definitions is extremely difficult for me. The fact that my professor was extremely strict and there was no room to write things in my own language did not help. So even though we have a different professor this semester, I'm scared shitless.
Logically, I should be able to do this. They would not have accepted me into this program if they thought I wouldn't succeed. I got accepted despite low scores, zero publications, I didn't mail any professors before applying - people in my cohort have asked me point blank how I even got an acceptance. But I did. I have to constantly remind myself that I was competing with regular, extremely smart people who did not share my plight with no help, and I got where I am through sheer grit. The playing field has never been level for me, but I kicked and screamed and I got myself through it. Nevertheless, I still keep doubting myself, and the fear has started to overwhelm me once again. I assume other people have felt this way before - so I'm looking for some advice.
So, what got you through your qualifiers?