Applying for a postgraduate degree at a top institution might feel like something you want to do in secret, lest you face rejection from your top choices. Unfortunately, the fact that you need to ask for references means that you can’t quite be as secretive as you might like.
You not only need to believe in yourself enough to apply for the course, but enough to convince four very credible individuals to vouch for you. In other words, your “impostor syndrome” will be at an all-time high.