below average joe needs help!

[crooked castle]

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As a D1, it seems that no matter how much I try, I tend to get below average test scores. I wasn't a top student in college, though I did get above averages scores consistently, so it's a bit of a hit emotionally when I know I'm ranked bottom quartile...which is not even close to average.

I feel I have some limitations. For example, I need 7-8 hrs of sleep or else I fall asleep in class; I just cant focus when I study on low sleep. I don't do energy drinks or coffee either. I'm not great at recalling information, so I have to go over notes multiple times and even then I still forget stuff. I'm not sure what I need to do. When compared to my classmates who only need 5-6hrs sleep, drink coffee, and have better recall...I am at a great disadvantage. It's discouraging.

Since specializing is most likely out of the question, my goal is to get into a respectable GPR, and I don't want grades to be the deciding factor that will keep me from getting in. What should I sacrifice? I've already cut out some exercising, but now I'm thinking something else has to go. Any advice?

 

[MrWilson]

As a D1, I can't really give any valid advice regarding what to sacrifice for better grades and what not for a good gpr, but what I can say based on what many have told me is that it does get better as you go forward. I was originally thinking of specialing (pedo), and the first part of the year I was putting in a ton of hours into studying, stress and not enjoying the good things that come with dental school. Even though I was doing fairly well, I was still average among my class, because everybody is super smart (or else they wouldn't be here in dental school). Recently, I have decided 100% of going into general, b/c I like all facets of dentistry, and I think I would be doing myself a disservice only focusing on one particular thing. Since my decision, I'm really enjoying school, and as long as I pass, I know I'm going to be a dentist. Don't let being in a competitive environment let dental school get you down. A good analogy is golf. Play the hole, not the player. Don't worry about what anybody else is doing in comparison to you. You're going to be better at some things than they are, and they're going to be better at some things than you are. I wish I knew this when I started dental school. Just give your best, and you'll be fine. Best of luck!

 

[Shnurek]

I've already cut out some exercising, but now I'm thinking something else has to go. Any advice?

Don't cut out too much exercise. It helps spur neurogenesis. Use more stimulants I guess. I also don't ingest any coffee or energy drinks but desperate times call for desperate measures.

 

[Sublimazing]

School starts at 8...you wake up at 7...school ends at 4...you go to sleep at 11 for 8 hours...that gives you 7 hours after school to study/workout/chill...if you're diligent that's plenty of time...and you play catch up on the weekends

It's dental school...other than med school you're not gonna find any more programs that are more demanding...u work really hard for 2 years and then 3 and 4 are hard work only during school hours...some people can do it and excel...some can do it and just get by...if you're not a natural brainiac but you're not willing to use some coffee or spend massive amounts of time studying then you won't excel...it's a harsh reality

Good luck...I hope you can figure out a system that you can succeed with 🙂

 

[MrWilson]

To add to what they're saying, definitely exercise. I just started P90X, and my energy levels are through the roof, even at 2, 3, 4 in afternoon. It takes about an hour, 6 days a week. Oh, and attempt to eat a little healthier too. Make yourself do something fun on the weekends, see family friends, as it will help put things in perspective.

 

[crooked castle]

thanks for the responses guys 🙂

School starts at 8...you wake up at 7...school ends at 4...you go to sleep at 11 for 8 hours...that gives you 7 hours after school to study/workout/chill...if you're diligent that's plenty of time...and you play catch up on the weekends

It's dental school...other than med school you're not gonna find any more programs that are more demanding...u work really hard for 2 years and then 3 and 4 are hard work only during school hours...some people can do it and excel...some can do it and just get by...if you're not a natural brainiac but you're not willing to use some coffee or spend massive amounts of time studying then you won't excel...it's a harsh reality

Good luck...I hope you can figure out a system that you can succeed with 🙂

It's more like wake up at 7am school ends at 5pm. Stay at school to practice operative at sim clinic, lab work, extra stuff. Go home at 7pm/8pm..3 hours to study before I knock out. Not much time at all! Seems like many of you advocate exercise, so I'll try to get back to it!

 

[Sublimazing]

thanks for the responses guys 🙂



It's more like wake up at 7am school ends at 5pm. Stay at school to practice operative at sim clinic, lab work, extra stuff. Go home at 7pm/8pm..3 hours to study before I knock out. Not much time at all! Seems like many of you advocate exercise, so I'll try to get back to it!

You spend 3 hours everyday in the sim lab? This seems like a waste of time to me...there are def times to go in and practice before clinical exams...but your clinical skills won't really develop until you start treating patients

Prepping and filling plastic teeth has limited value

 

[HillsNayyr]

Want a way to work exercise back into your schedule? If you like to lift, bring some notes a long and read them in between sets, I do it. You'll get some weird looks but really, who cares? For cardio hop on a treadmill and just do a fast inclined walk for 45ish minutes while going over notes as well. I know I personally focus better when I'm on the treadmill as I have less distractions.

 

[Bereno]

Want a way to work exercise back into your schedule? If you like to lift, bring some notes a long and read them in between sets, I do it. You'll get some weird looks but really, who cares? For cardio hop on a treadmill and just do a fast inclined walk for 45ish minutes while going over notes as well. I know I personally focus better when I'm on the treadmill as I have less distractions.

I like the way you think...

 

[generationX]

I would not lift weights. It will make your mental faculties even more sluggish. Cardio is good for alertness. Eating healthy cannot be emphasized enough.

 

[SoulPower]

Idk about the notes thing; I tend to work out to NOT do something school related. It's nice to not have to study and blow off steam by lifting weights/whatever.

But if you feel like you are so strapped for time for studying you should probably reconsider your study methods cause they aren't working for you as witnessed by your average grades/no time. This doesn't make sense and you need to find the reason that you aren't taking in the information.

What I found out that helped me a lot in a few classes, the more info dense ones, was rewriting the notes in a notebook in a better presented way w/o filler. And then studying off your new notes rather than the powerpoints.

I get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep every night fyi.

 

[noles]

As a D1, it seems that no matter how much I try, I tend to get below average test scores. I wasn't a top student in college, though I did get above averages scores consistently, so it's a bit of a hit emotionally when I know I'm ranked bottom quartile...which is not even close to average.

I feel I have some limitations. For example, I need 7-8 hrs of sleep or else I fall asleep in class; I just cant focus when I study on low sleep. I don't do energy drinks or coffee either. I'm not great at recalling information, so I have to go over notes multiple times and even then I still forget stuff. I'm not sure what I need to do. When compared to my classmates who only need 5-6hrs sleep, drink coffee, and have better recall...I am at a great disadvantage. It's discouraging.

Since specializing is most likely out of the question, my goal is to get into a respectable GPR, and I don't want grades to be the deciding factor that will keep me from getting in. What should I sacrifice? I've already cut out some exercising, but now I'm thinking something else has to go. Any advice?

found your problem..stop going to class