OP- what you are experiencing is so common that there is a name for it- and people who study the phenomenon (Google “Buyer’s Remorse”).
You wouldn’t be human if you made a big decision and then started second-guessing yourself as to all the reasons why it was the wrong decision. But I’ll bet you dinner that if you’d picked Hofstra you’d be feeling exactly the same way-- except regretting Hofstra, choosing to be close to friends, shutting down the physician pathway too early, etc. That’s what Buyer’s Remorse is all about- regretting the choice and the process of experiencing uncertainty, not any tangible issues with the actual path you are taking.
You’re getting excellent advice here. I will echo WayoutWest mom’s suggestion to be ahead of the game when it comes to review sessions, office hours, etc. If you got accepted to the accelerated program, there’s no doubt in my mind that you can become a successful physician. The only variable here is you- making sure you understand the material your classes are covering (they will move VERY fast compared with HS), devoting enough time to each of your classes, taking studying seriously. And maintaining your own health of course- eating regular healthy meals, getting exercise, sleep.
You will find many other kids in your situation at NYIT. They’ve left their close friends behind – at home, to other colleges, in other parts of the country. No, you aren’t going to find your BFF in the first five minutes. But everyone else is feeling strange and lonely and weird, and so it will be easier than you anticipate to start a conversation with a stranger and see where it goes.
Some friendships last past HS and others do not, and from my experience, it has nothing to do with how far apart the colleges are. There are best friends who decide to become roommates at college and by Thanksgiving they are no longer speaking and are begging their college’s housing office to switch rooms. It happens.
You’ve got this! Put the decision behind you and don’t worry that your natural regrets mean you’ve made the wrong decision. It means you are human- that’s all.
Good luck!!!