Bad Bio Exam

[DiDoc]

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I just got the results for my first ever Bio exam in college. It was an 88, which in the class is a B+.
Now I know a B+ is an okay mark but all of the research I've done about med school tells me that I need to do better.
Is this a bad start, or will I be okay?
All through high school getting an A was a joke. This was really hard! I'm worried that if this is the first exam, it can only get harder from here...

😱

 

[Spinach Dip]

4 quick thoughts:

-Calm down.
-Study hard.
-Yes, getting an occasional B is OKAY (but aim for an A every time)

And, most importantly:
-Don't be a gunner.

 

[typicalindian]

Get Dat A

 

[ClemsonFirst]

I just got the results for my first ever Bio exam in college. It was an 88, which in the class is a B+.
Now I know a B+ is an okay mark but all of the research I've done about med school tells me that I need to do better.
Is this a bad start, or will I be okay?
All through high school getting an A was a joke. This was really hard! I'm worried that if this is the first exam, it can only get harder from here...

😱

Super neurotic? ha...

College exams require a better understanding of the information than high school ever did. An 88 is a respectable grade for your first biology exam, so don't fret about it too much. You can definitely make an A in the course. If you continue to make Bs, you might have reason to worry. Just make sure you keep studying and practicing the material properly, and do well on this next test.

 

[Mark Twain]

How are your other classes? This post seems very vague, and gives no substance for anyone to judge if you will "be okay".

College is much more difficult than high school, and if you didn't have to try hard to get A's before, developing good study habits will take some getting used to.

 

[Stumpyman]

An 88 is pretty good. Shows you easily have the potential for a solid A. Just look back at how you studied for the first exam, and focus on where/what you can improve for the next one.

 

[mcloaf]

I wish this thread weren't serious, but I know that it is.

You'll be fine OP, nearly everyone has to adjust to college workloads and exams--especially those of us who didn't work much in high school.

 

[DiDoc]

How are your other classes? This post seems very vague, and gives no substance for anyone to judge if you will "be okay".

College is much more difficult than high school, and if you didn't have to try hard to get A's before, developing good study habits will take some getting used to.

My other subjects are okay. But math and science are definitely my best...or so I thought 🙁

 

[487806]

I wish this thread weren't serious, but I know that it is.

You'll be fine OP, nearly everyone has to adjust to college workloads and exams--especially those of us who didn't work much in high school.

This. A very crucial point. Don't worry OP. You're adjusting to the culture shock of college, but you'll quickly recover and do well in future exams, as long as you're determined. Good luck!

Also, avoid the SDN Neurotic Syndrome.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

An 88 average on tests, assuming good lab and assignment grades, would probably yield an A-. Now pull that test up to a 93 and you'll be sitting pretty on an A. College is about finding out exactly how much work it takes to get an A. It is not about getting the top score, it is about getting a phat GPA. You need some more efficient work, so do it. I see GPA as a determinant of work ethic, whereas the MCAT is more of an IQ test.

 

[Aerus]

I just got the results for my first ever Bio exam in college. It was an 88, which in the class is a B+.
Now I know a B+ is an okay mark but all of the research I've done about med school tells me that I need to do better.
Is this a bad start, or will I be okay?
All through high school getting an A was a joke. This was really hard! I'm worried that if this is the first exam, it can only get harder from here...

😱

Now in college, do you remember the 4th biology exam you took in 9th grade? Do you think that one exam impacted where you are today and your success you've gained so far?

The likely answer is no. Similar concept here. Aim to do well in all your exams, but if you don't do exactly as planned, don't freak out. If you learn from this, you're going to be fine.

 

[911 Turbo]

Anything less than 100% is absolutely unacceptable. Think about it. If you give 99% as a doctor, the other 1% may be a small error that actually ends up killing the patient. Please give up premed now, you are endangering the lives of future patients by continuing on this dangerous route.

 

[Spinach Dip]

Anything less than 100% is absolutely unacceptable. Think about it. If you give 99% as a doctor, the other 1% may be a small error that actually ends up killing the patient. Please give up premed now, you are endangering the lives of future patients by continuing on this dangerous route.

🤣

 

[IncognitoGuy]

An 88 average on tests, assuming good lab and assignment grades, would probably yield an A-. Now pull that test up to a 93 and you'll be sitting pretty on an A. College is about finding out exactly how much work it takes to get an A. It is not about getting the top score, it is about getting a phat GPA. You need some more efficient work, so do it. I see GPA as a determinant of work ethic, whereas the MCAT is more of an IQ test.

+1. Once you throw ECs into your schedule, you're going to need to budget your time carefully - this means making some sacrifices when it comes to studying, whether it is to spend less time on one subject in favor of another because you NEED to do better in said class, or even if you need to plan weeks in advance because you know you're going to be slammed with events/other work.

A grade's a grade - don't stress out over going above and beyond, and definitely don't stress about where you are. Take a moment and think beyond YOU - how many other people are out there in your class, who are definitely pre-med and did worse than you? You're in a better place than a lot of people, so step back and appreciate that. Now figure out what you need to do to improve and do it.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

You're gonna freak out in med school; I got a 57 on one of my anatomy practicals. Still passed though.

 

[Spinach Dip]

You're gonna freak out in med school; I got a 57 on one of my anatomy practicals. Still passed though.

LOL

In my current Biochem class, the average on the first midterm was 60%. But according to our professor, that's a B in his class.

 

[vadeem]

Don't worry too much OP. My first college chemistry test I got a C-, and I studied really hard. Afterwards I pulled high As on the remaining exams and finished with an A in the class. The first tests are rough, you're diving into the unknown and you really have no way of anticipating what exactly is going to be on the test. However, you should now know how the tests are formatted, so study the material that you need to know and don't waste time and energy dwelling on insignificant details. Pick up good study habits now because it only gets harder from here, good luck!

 

[IslandStyle808]

I just got the results for my first ever Bio exam in college. It was an 88, which in the class is a B+.
Now I know a B+ is an okay mark but all of the research I've done about med school tells me that I need to do better.
Is this a bad start, or will I be okay?
All through high school getting an A was a joke. This was really hard! I'm worried that if this is the first exam, it can only get harder from here...

😱

First thing you need to do is realize you are in college and this was the wake up call you needed. I can tell you are definitely smart because if that took some effort to get a 88%, then by working harder then you will be in the 90's (you are definitely smarter than me I will give you that). I would tell you to work smarter but that is for people who hit there limit in effort. Just study more and you will do fine. With good study habits, you will nail tougher exams than this one.

 

[Charles Darwin]

Two things:

1) The semesters is 2/3 over and you just got your first bio exam grade?
2) It was an 88 and you're worried about getting an 'A'?

7/10, not bad.

 

[Charles Darwin]

LOL

In my current Biochem class, the average on the first midterm was 60%. But according to our professor, that's a B in his class.

The average is a 'B'? Not sure what there is to complain about...

 

[Freesia88]

OP this is one of the first of many many exams you will take on your path to becoming a doctor. As others have said, and 88 is not bad. You'll be ok.

4 quick thoughts:

-Calm down.
-Study hard.
-Yes, getting an occasional B is OKAY (but aim for an A every time)

And, most importantly:
-Don't be a gunner.

If you mean gunner as in "Don't sabotage other people or make them look/feel bad so you can get ahead" 👍

But if by gunner you mean one of those students who take their academics seriously and consistently work hard to be at the top, because that is the standard they have set for themselves, I beg to differ.

 

[Doudline]

You might want to look into Anthropology or Haidressing, op; I think those are the only options left to you, now.

 

[DiDoc]

Thanks everyone for all the help. I guess I was just overreacting. I just feel alot of pressure as a pre-med to do really well! But isn't that what it's all about? 🙂

 

[Doctor Strange]

lol

Apply broadly to Caribbean, my friend.

 

[imnamerican]

I just got the results for my first ever Bio exam in college. It was an 88, which in the class is a B+.
Now I know a B+ is an okay mark but all of the research I've done about med school tells me that I need to do better.
Is this a bad start, or will I be okay?
All through high school getting an A was a joke. This was really hard! I'm worried that if this is the first exam, it can only get harder from here...

😱

You'll be ok. In my first chem class in college, I got a C- on the first midterm. It sucked, but I reevaluated my study methods for the second midterm and the final and ended up with an A in the class. No joke!

So no, you'll be fine with a B+... Also, sometimes they intentionally make the first exam difficult to "weed" out students who aren't serious about a particular career path.

 

[Liftamulti]

Some people will try to tell you anything less than a 100 is fine, but it isn't. There's always something you can improve on.

Now... an 88 won't stop you from getting an A in the class, but it isn't good, and you won't get an A unless you do better.

 

[DiDoc]

Some people will try to tell you anything less than a 100 is fine, but it isn't. There's always something you can improve on.

Now... an 88 won't stop you from getting an A in the class, but it isn't good, and you won't get an A unless you do better.

But the thing is, there is only a midterm and a final. Nothing else! So I'm really worried because just to get an A I need to get like a 98 on the final! Which is basically impossible! 🙁

 

[ClemsonFirst]

1) Does lab grade factor in at all to your overall score?

2) what is the A mark for this class? 93?

 

[DiDoc]

1) Does lab grade factor in at all to your overall score?

2) what is the A mark for this class? 93?

Ya 93 is an A
And pretty sure that lab is a separate mark

 

[theseeker4]

Thanks everyone for all the help. I guess I was just overreacting. I just feel alot of pressure as a pre-med to do really well! But isn't that what it's all about? 🙂

Yes, you want to do well, but if you freak out about a 88 on your first bio exam, you are going to have a miserable experience in college, and very possibly burn out before you even reach the med school applications process. Relax a bit, learn from your mistakes about what works and what doesn't, and try to enjoy college as much as you can without destroying your GPA.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Super neurotic? ha...

College exams require a better understanding of the information than high school ever did. An 88 is a respectable grade for your first biology exam, so don't fret about it too much. You can definitely make an A in the course. If you continue to make Bs, you might have reason to worry. Just make sure you keep studying and practicing the material properly, and do well on this next test.

Its great. I made a 78 on my first test and ended up with a 96 in bio I and a 101 in bio II.

 

[ClemsonFirst]

93 for an A stinks. Just put in a lot of effort for your last test and hope for that A.

Remember, it is only your first biology course, and you will have many more opportunities to prove yourself as an A student. One B will not kill your chances at getting into medical school, but make sure you don't slack off in your other classes. Just finish this semester strong and try harder in your future semesters.

 

[Spinach Dip]

If you mean gunner as in "Don't sabotage other people or make them look/feel bad so you can get ahead" 👍

But if by gunner you mean one of those students who take their academics seriously and consistently work hard to be at the top, because that is the standard they have set for themselves, I beg to differ.

I meant gunner as: "The kind of neurotic person who thinks they can only get into med school with a 4.0 and 40T, and any less means they have no choice but to be a sub-par dentist for the rest of their days."

Yes, you should put academics first. Just remember to keep everything in perspective.

 

[lobo.solo]

Thanks everyone for all the help. I guess I was just overreacting. I just feel alot of pressure as a pre-med to do really well! But isn't that what it's all about? 🙂

Learn how to thrive in caos/challenges. This is learnable and valuable skill IMO. Keep moving forward, your fine with that score, just learn from it and move on.

 

[DiDoc]

I meant gunner as: "The kind of neurotic person who thinks they can only get into med school with a 4.0 and 40T, and any less means they have no choice but to be a sub-par dentist for the rest of their days."

Yes, you should put academics first. Just remember to keep everything in perspective.

I definitely don't think that. It's just that I've been told by so many people that I can't afford to get a B in anything. I guess they had no clue what they were talking about. Or they just wanted to scare me.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

I meant gunner as: "The kind of neurotic person who thinks they can only get into med school with a 4.0 and 40T, and any less means they have no choice but to be a sub-par dentist for the rest of their days."

That's not what gunner means.

 

[Drogo]

I just got the results for my first ever Bio exam in college. It was an 88, which in the class is a B+.
Now I know a B+ is an okay mark but all of the research I've done about med school tells me that I need to do better.
Is this a bad start, or will I be okay?
All through high school getting an A was a joke. This was really hard! I'm worried that if this is the first exam, it can only get harder from here...

😱

Chill kid, I got an 89 for my first Bio exam and an 83 on another. I killed the lab exams and got higher marks on the rest though. Finished the course with a 94%. My prof did not curve anything or drop anything also.😎

I'm sure you scored well above the average. That tells you, you are doing something right and only have to assess some very minor studying issues.

You can only improve from here.

 

[Freesia88]

I meant gunner as: "The kind of neurotic person who thinks they can only get into med school with a 4.0 and 40T, and any less means they have no choice but to be a sub-par dentist for the rest of their days."Yes, you should put academics first. Just remember to keep everything in perspective.

That's not what gunner means.

👍 There is nothing wrong with setting high standards as long as you do not get to caught up in them to the point where you would actively engage in bringing other people down so you can stay at the top, ie gunning.

I definitely don't think that. It's just that I've been told by so many people that I can't afford to get a B in anything. I guess they had no clue what they were talking about. Or they just wanted to scare me.

Truth is, A's look better than B's. So strive for the A's but if you get a couple of B's along the way don't sweat it.

 

[DiDoc]

👍 There is nothing wrong with setting high standards as long as you do not get to caught up in them to the point where you would actively engage in bringing other people down so you can stay at the top, ie gunning.
.

I would never try to bring people down! In fact I always e-mail my notes to people and try to help them. Lots of people tell me that I shouldn't be doing that, because premed is very competitive. But I guess I'm too nice.
Should I not be?

 

[phikapdoctor]

You can definitely afford to get some Bs. Ivy schools accept 3.8s


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app please excuse punctuation and spelling

 

[Freesia88]

I would never try to bring people down! In fact I always e-mail my notes to people and try to help them. Lots of people tell me that I shouldn't be doing that, because premed is very competitive. But I guess I'm too nice.
Should I not be?

Oh good grief... . 😀

Sweetie, have fun with it. Work hard, play when you want, help when you can and should. Don't stress about B's. They are like zits. You can make them go away and never come back with a lot of effort and investment, and you might be able to avoid them entirely if you have really good genes but for most people, they will come, more for some than for others. Life goes on nonetheless.

Goodluck

 

[Praefectus]

This thread....

 

[DiDoc]

Oh good grief... . 😀

Sweetie, have fun with it. Work hard, play when you want, help when you can and should. Don't stress about B's. They are like zits. You can make them go away and never come back with a lot of effort and investment, and you might be able to avoid them entirely if you have really good genes but for most people, they will come, more for some than for others. Life goes on nonetheless.

Goodluck

Thanx. Great analogy btw 🙂