Definition: The impostor syndrome is feeling that one hasn't earned his or her achievements - that the achievements are the result of luck. It is very common among high achieving persons, particularly women, who worry that some day they will be "found out" - that others will discover that they really do not know what they are doing. A professor who experiences the impostor syndrome may feel that he or she is faking it and worry that others know that they are really a phony and that their achievements are simply a matter of luck, not ability.
What Is the Impostor Syndrome?
By Tara Kuther, Ph.D., About.com
Build Professional Skills
Writing Your Statement of Teaching PhilosophyPrepare Your CVTailor Your CV
More Professional Skills for Grad Students
Conquer Your Anxiety About SpeakingWhat to Do When Your Article is RejectedCollege Teaching
Explore Graduate School
Must Reads
By Category
- Get into Grad School
- Letters of Recommendation
- Admissions Essay
- GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT
- Admissions Interviews
- Paying for Grad School
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Business and Law Schools
- Medical School
- Psychology/Social Sciences
- Sciences and Mathematics
- Social Work & Allied Health
- Grad-Level Careers
- Surviving Grad School
About.com Special Features
A Smarter Future
Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >
How to Ace the GRE
Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.