Am I screwing myself with straight C's?

[Stixman28]

We have grades, not HP, P etc. My grades are below the class average by usually ~5 points.

I'm trying my hardest but consistently getting C's in classes. I do not want a competitive specialty: PM & R, psych, or neuro, hopefully.

I know folks say "its ok just rock the step 1." Ive never been great at standardized tests though, and Im sure Ill just get average there too.

Im happy with the C=MD mantra but should I not be?

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[TDX]

[...]I'm trying my hardest[...]

This is the only sentence in there that really matters.

You're trying your hardest and aren't failing - there isn't anything else you need to do. Just make sure you keep trying your hardest, and make sure that what you're doing is really all you can do.

 

[njbmd]

We have grades, not HP, P etc. My grades are below the class average by usually ~5 points.

I'm trying my hardest but consistently getting C's in classes. I do not want a competitive specialty: PM & R, psych, or neuro, hopefully.

I know folks say "its ok just rock the step 1." Ive never been great at standardized tests though, and Im sure Ill just get average there too.
Im happy with the C=MD mantra but should I not be?

USMLE Step I is very doable especially for an American medical school graduate. Don't sell yourself short because you have more knowledge than you think (or what your class grades would indicate).

When Step I time comes around, hit the review and do your best! Since you have been doing your best all along, you will continue to do so. The other thing is not try to focus on any specialty (competitive or otherwise) until you get through some of third year. Many people who had less than distinguished 1st and 2nd years, have found the fuse and "lit" the 3rd year candle which is actually the most critical medical school year anyway.

Keep passing everything and keep giving it your best shot. You are actually further ahead of the game than you would believe.

 

[umean2tellme]

Yeah man it's your first year don't beat yourself up over the C's. You passed the classes, just rock the boards, do real well come rotations time in 3/4th year, and no one will remember a C in biochem or w/e.

 

[NOR954]

you're probably not totally screwed, although it doesn't help. since some schools don't even have letter grades it's not as important as undergrad. like everyone said, ace the boards and you'll be fine.

 

[PSUtoMD]

Yeah man it's your first year don't beat yourself up over the C's. You passed the classes, just rock the boards, do real well come rotations time in 3/4th year, and no one will remember a C in biochem or w/e.

Why stop there? Build a spaceship, record a gold record, find Jimmy Hoffa, and learn to knit.

Just pointing out that the perfunctory "no problem, just become amazing overnight" responses that get thrown around here on SDN, while laced with good intentions, aren't particularly helpful.

OP, just keep plugging away. It's important that you're understanding the material, and not working yourself up over why Dr. T cares that you know every little detail about porphyrias, or why Dr. S wants you to memorize every single symptom of a particularly uncommon vitamin deficiency.

Med school's a lot to take in on first pass through the stuff. Work on trying to get a solid foundation on things, particularly so that you enter next year with a good grasp of the big picture. A lot of the details will come back to you then (or they'll be re-presented to you, or they'll be pushed aside because it turns out they weren't that important in the first place).

 

[umean2tellme]

Why stop there? Build a spaceship, record a gold record, find Jimmy Hoffa, and learn to knit.

Just pointing out that the perfunctory "no problem, just become amazing overnight" responses that get thrown around here on SDN, while laced with good intentions, aren't particularly helpful.

OP, just keep plugging away. It's important that you're understanding the material, and not working yourself up over why Dr. T cares that you know every little detail about porphyrias, or why Dr. S wants you to memorize every single symptom of a particularly uncommon vitamin deficiency.

Med school's a lot to take in on first pass through the stuff. Work on trying to get a solid foundation on things, particularly so that you enter next year with a good grasp of the big picture. A lot of the details will come back to you then (or they'll be re-presented to you, or they'll be pushed aside because it turns out they weren't that important in the first place).

I didn't tell him to just magically flip a switch and become super doc. I was simply trying to tell him that if he's understanding the material just keep working hard until he finds what works for him. Then, once he's trully figured out what HE needs to do to get the grades he wants, he can pass his boards, do well in his clerkships, and then the past grades won't matter as much.

 

[PSUtoMD]

I didn't tell him to just magically flip a switch and become super doc. I was simply trying to tell him that if he's understanding the material just keep working hard until he finds what works for him. Then, once he's trully figured out what HE needs to do to get the grades he wants, he can pass his boards, do well in his clerkships, and then the past grades won't matter as much.

I understand and do not disagree with your overall sentiments. My issue is with the verbiage that appears very often on these boards suggesting that the poster "just rock the boards", especially when they have not necessarily been "rocking" the M1/M2 coursework. Yes, I know there's not a full correlation between preclinical grades and STEP I scores (nor between M1/M2 and clinical year grades).

But if someone appears to be struggling with the coursework, it seems a big disingenuous to offer that all they have to do is simply perform outstanding on the boards.

I agree, however, with the general idea that getting C's in M1 coursework (you're only halfway done with M1 anyway so far) does certainly not preclude one from performing at a higher standard in the future.

 

[umean2tellme]

I see what you're saying. I agree. 👍

 

[Medic3408]

I personally knew a near straight A physician. I had to turn patients over to him in the ER from the ambulance. And every time I said a little prayer that the patient would make it through the night. Horrible bedside manner, complete disconnect between basic physiology and what he was doing. A complete mess.

Quite a few Medics I know aced the class, and had to stop their clinicals because of major, major errors under their preceptor. Book learning and classroom performance only gives a *probability* of how that person will perform actual skills and patient care. In the truest sense of the word, the Universe retains no *memory* of the individuals past actions in the classroom, but instead focuses on the patient at hand.

The individuals actions in the classroom increase the *probability*, as well as influence and modulate, that they will have the knowledge and ability to perform well.

 

[Stixman28]

I know folks say "its ok just rock the step 1." Ive never been great at standardized tests though, and Im sure Ill just get average there too.

Ha, i put this line in the OP so as to deter the usual "ace the boards and you'll be fine," responses we get so often on these boards.

you're probably not totally screwed, although it doesn't help. since some schools don't even have letter grades it's not as important as undergrad. like everyone said, ace the boards and you'll be fine.

I guess there's no way to stop the standard SDN response.

thanks for all the real advice. I wasn't trying to find out how to dig myself out of where I am, but to find out what happens if everything stays the same, at least through preclinicals. Sounds like I will be fine, and i look forwards to learning all this for the second time for the usmle.

 

[jm192]

Ha, i put this line in the OP so as to deter the usual "ace the boards and you'll be fine," responses we get so often on these boards.



I guess there's no way to stop the standard SDN response.

thanks for all the real advice. I wasn't trying to find out how to dig myself out of where I am, but to find out what happens if everything stays the same, at least through preclinicals. Sounds like I will be fine, and i look forwards to learning all this for the second time for the usmle.

I haven't started med-school, so I'm not like Mr. Expert. But I talked with a 3rd year med student a few weeks back--she said she wanted to do something less competitive, so she didn't beat herself up over grades. You said you're looking at less competitive specialties. I think you'll be fine.

 

[penguin24]

I personally knew a near straight A physician. I had to turn patients over to him in the ER from the ambulance. And every time I said a little prayer that the patient would make it through the night. Horrible bedside manner, complete disconnect between basic physiology and what he was doing. A complete mess.

Quite a few Medics I know aced the class, and had to stop their clinicals because of major, major errors under their preceptor. Book learning and classroom performance only gives a *probability* of how that person will perform actual skills and patient care. In the truest sense of the word, the Universe retains no *memory* of the individuals past actions in the classroom, but instead focuses on the patient at hand.

The individuals actions in the classroom increase the *probability*, as well as influence and modulate, that they will have the knowledge and ability to perform well.

This is the same thing as saying, 'don't worry about being a below average med student, just perform outstanding as an attending and you'll be fine'.

 

[penguin24]

Yeah, but your implication is that those two are somehow incompatible. There's a class of person who hates school and glides by, but excels beyond their peers once it "really" matters. You may say they are rare. Fine, but medical students are also rare. In other words, the rare exists, maybe even moreso among those smart enough to become doctors.

Parent: 'you're throwing your life away, son, by dropping out of college'
Son: 'that's not true, Bill Gates dropped out of college and became a very successful businessman.'

Stixman: 'I think i'm messing up by getting below-avg grades'
Medic: 'that's not true, I know one person who was a straight-A med student, and he sucks as an attending.'

Do you see the fallacies in these arguments. You take one person who is obviously an outlier and use them to argue against common sense.

 

[MossPoh]

Except first year grades really don't tell you much about how good of a doctor they are going to be. I know more than a couple people that started off slow or just did poorly because lectures and book learning aren't their thing. I can't stand book learning by itself. As reference it is fine, but I have to constantly be on the move and interacting with people. I don't do stellar on exams right now. Does that mean I'm going to be a crappy doc? I don't think so. It means that I grow painfully bored having people talk at me all day.

 

[Perrotfish]

I understand and do not disagree with your overall sentiments. My issue is with the verbiage that appears very often on these boards suggesting that the poster "just rock the boards", especially when they have not necessarily been "rocking" the M1/M2 coursework. Yes, I know there's not a full correlation between preclinical grades and STEP I scores (nor between M1/M2 and clinical year grades).

I don't think people are being needlessly optomistic, I just think they're answering the question he asked, which was "Am I screwed?". If he asked "based on my grades, do you think I'm likely to end up in Derm" the answer would have been a resounding no, but that wasn't what he asked. He just asked if he was already screwed, which he most definitely is not. None of the grades he's had so far really affect his chances at residency, so if he can figure out some way to improve his performance he still has basically the same shot at the Derm residency as the kid who got straight As up until now.

Also, 5 points below the class average is not exactly horrific. If the OP gets a USMLE that is also around the average he should be competitive for the majority of residencies.

 

[penguin24]

I don't think people are being needlessly optomistic, I just think they're answering the question he asked, which was "Am I screwed?". If he asked "based on my grades, do you think I'm likely to end up in Derm" the answer would have been a resounding no, but that wasn't what he asked. He just asked if he was already screwed, which he most definitely is not. None of the grades he's had so far really affect his chances at residency, so if he can figure out some way to improve his performance he still has basically the same shot at the Derm residency as the kid who got straight As up until now.

I agree w/ this. An avg student has a shot at most residencies (with the probable exception of Plastics, Derm, and Rad Onc). Even Rads, Ophtho, Ortho are possible if you don't mind going to a small community program. So the OP is definitely not screwed.

 

[orthomyxo]

Why stop there? Build a spaceship, record a gold record, find Jimmy Hoffa, and learn to knit.

And this is why I love SDN

 

[futIDdoc]

just ace step I and you'll be fine

 

[dude1344]

just ace step I and you'll be fine

Might want to add a Nobel in there just in case.

 

[reedman]

dude you will be fine if those are the specialties you want. plus, many people have told me that it is totally possible to do great third year even if you aren't a bookworm. just be personable and work really hard, unexpected opportunities might arise. if you are ok with c=md, then you are probably ok with doing a residency at a less prestigious community hospital. there are unfilled spots in those kinds of places every year.

and there is always the IM->fellowship route if you want to do something more lucrative, like GI or allergy.

finally, i would like to say that you should aim for high C's because you need a little wiggle room in case you bomb an exam or something.

 

[sarahl86]

We have grades, not HP, P etc. My grades are below the class average by usually ~5 points.

I'm trying my hardest but consistently getting C's in classes. I do not want a competitive specialty: PM & R, psych, or neuro, hopefully.

I know folks say "its ok just rock the step 1." Ive never been great at standardized tests though, and Im sure Ill just get average there too.

Im happy with the C=MD mantra but should I not be?

I feel like we got hosed on our grading system sometimes. Don't beat yourself up.

 

[Nikki2002]

just because i am an average med student who watches Jersey Shore instead of studying does not mean that I can't rock the boards. i like the optimistic responses.

 

[Stixman28]

I feel like we got hosed on our grading system sometimes. Don't beat yourself up.

Im definitely not beating myself up. A 'c' in these classes makes me feel great, lol.

but really, i dont think the grading system is bothering me too much, so i would reiterate your line right back to you, don't beat yourself up sarah.

 

[trailblazers100]

just work as hard as you can, which you are, and do well on step 1... then apply to as many programs as you can, and I think chances are good you will match in one of your desired specialities... but at the same time try to raise that med school GPA if you can...

 

[chiz2kul]

dammm over 2k views on this topic lol that says a lot

 

[PSUtoMD]

dammm over 2k views on this topic lol that says a lot

1900 of whom probably planned to write "Just rock the boards and you'll be set", then thought better of it.

A/B/C/F grading systems really aren't so bad first year. It's annoying second year when you'd rather focus on boards studying but you're still a mental slave to the little letter next to your name, and shudder at the thought of seeing your score written in any color other than green.

 

[vanslix]

We have grades, not HP, P etc. My grades are below the class average by usually ~5 points.

I'm trying my hardest but consistently getting C's in classes. I do not want a competitive specialty: PM & R, psych, or neuro, hopefully.

I know folks say "its ok just rock the step 1." Ive never been great at standardized tests though, and Im sure Ill just get average there too.

Im happy with the C=MD mantra but should I not be?

So long as you're not after the competitive fields and you're flexible in your residency, I would not beat yourself up. If you're happy with the C=MD mantra and you're giving an honest effort, I wouldn't worry about it one iota.

 

[anomalii]

Hey, sounds like you are still early in the curriculum. My first semester I did awful too. But it doesn't have to mean it will stay so. Med school is a whole 'nother beast and there is a ton of variety among the academic courses people take.

Academic Years
I personally got better at devising new studying methods given you are exposed to a volume of info you never thought possible as well as the nature of it.

Standardized Testing
My ACT was in the bottom 5th percentile and MCAT was 27. My USMLE was 220's, above average in my school! The USMLE is not like the MCAT or ACT at all. What really helped me in that prep is tons of practice questions for: pacing and being comfortable with excluding answers and not knowing the answer right off the bat. I got nervous too easily.

Clinical Years
Some people really sink 3rd year, others do way better, many stay the same. But many programs look very hard at third year in addition to the USMLE. i.e. you can't say for sure what further course this will take, but there is still lots of room for potential improvement.

So long as you know you are trying your best, I would not beat myself up over it.🙂

 

[psipsina]

Do your best and don't waste time worrying that your best isn't good enough. Even if it isn't what are you going to do about it if you're already doing your best?

The unfortunate truth is that some people will do their best and not be competitive for specialties they'd like to go into. Such is the reality of the bell curve.

This is a reality that I really wish more pre-meds were forced to face. Its great to have aspirations in the stars coming in but you need to know that you would be happy doing the least competitive specialties because for many that will be their reality in four years. Not everyone is going to be AOA if they just work hard and do their best.