Bombed physics final...when to retake?

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gunito

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So it turns out i completely BOMBED my physics final and got a 30%, which sent me off my rocker when i found out. I had gotten a 108 on the previous test and 94 on the one before that. I had a 90 before the final. For some reason I could NOT sleep the night before. I've had panic attacks before, and had one that night. I slept for 3 hours and I knew that because of that I was going to struggle with my test. After my test, I continued to to stupid stuff because of my sleep deprivation. I understand the material because I did well on the test. I ended up getting a C and I registered to take it next semester ( i was enraged). I wrote my professor and I explained my situation and couldn't retake it. I'm going to the doctor Monday cause this has been going on for a while and everyone thinks i have anxiety...so...all that to ask whether I should repeat the class next semester (same teacher and I have all the notes and hw) or if I should wait to retake it. I plan on applying to DO schools only and perhaps a SMP or something. I know I messed up, so please don't tell me that I did.

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You sound like you are trying to make excuses. Seriously, how did you get high As on your tests and still have a 90 in the class. And I have pulled all nighters like everyone else here but a 30 on the final is a grade you would expect if you literally never went to class. I mean with As on the tests you should have been able to guess for more than a 30. Something isn't adding up. I don't think we are getting the whole story.
 
You sound like you are trying to make excuses. Seriously, how did you get high As on your tests and still have a 90 in the class. And I have pulled all nighters like everyone else here but a 30 on the final is a grade you would expect if you literally never went to class. I mean with As on the tests you should have been able to guess for more than a 30. Something isn't adding up. I don't think we are getting the whole story.

Yeah kinda agree with you.

I actually perform better if I stay up late and get some hardcore studying done... (I do know that most people advise against it, but it works for me and I don't think that your final grade can go down so much.)

If your final was harder than the tests, it might make sense... might... (basically simple homework problems for the test and in the final he asked you to bring everything together)...

I'm not sure if you should re-take it... If you do are you positive you can get an A?
 
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You sound like you are trying to make excuses. Seriously, how did you get high As on your tests and still have a 90 in the class. And I have pulled all nighters like everyone else here but a 30 on the final is a grade you would expect if you literally never went to class. I mean with As on the tests you should have been able to guess for more than a 30. Something isn't adding up. I don't think we are getting the whole story.

I got an 85 and a 75 on two other tests. I never said I pulled an all nighter. There is a difference between studying all night and trying to sleep for 5 hours and constantly worrying about everything. How am I making an excuse when I COULD NOT SLEEP and I was getting stressed about everything I thought about. I DONT function well when I dont sleep, as demonstrated on my final. I'm not making an excuse. I dont pull all nighters because I would do horrible on my exams and need my sleep. I might just wait to retake it.
 
I got an 85 and a 75 on two other tests. I never said I pulled an all nighter. There is a difference between studying all night and trying to sleep for 5 hours and constantly worrying about everything. How am I making an excuse when I COULD NOT SLEEP and I was getting stressed about everything I thought about. I DONT function well when I dont sleep, as demonstrated on my final. I'm not making an excuse. I dont pull all nighters because I would do horrible on my exams and need my sleep. I might just wait to retake it.

If you're going to retake it, do you have to wait? I would take it right away, you have the same prof and some stuff is still fresh, but I'm not sure if you're allowed doing that...

(I know some profs use the old test scores if you retake and ask them to, you might want to do that and you can just re-take the final? Similar to an Incomplete I guess... I had a friend at another school that did this, so its an option you may have...)

Your test scores are pretty good, just keep working hard 🙂
 
I DONT function well when I dont sleep
I hate to be a bitch, but how do you expect to get through medical school/residency when you will be deprived of sleep constantly and will be required to be sharp and accurate regardless?
I might just wait to retake it.

I do not know how your school feels about emergencies and thus postponing the exam, but (1) next time you are in similar situation you can risk explaining to prof in hopes he/she will let you postpone it (2) just fake some serious illness/injury (if ER copay is worth not failing the course for you).
To be honest, I never "faked ER visit", but in my immunology class final 3 days ago we had 4 people suddenly producing doctor notes for missing the final.

[edit] To address the core issue of OP's post: Take it again with the same prof. Easier to build rapport and explain to him why you are doing it and thus earn some serious respect (and a good LOR). Now, if you fail on your second attempt, well, then you have more serious issues at hand that you should resolve before moving on with your pre-reqs.
 
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If you're going to retake it, do you have to wait? I would take it right away, you have the same prof and some stuff is still fresh, but I'm not sure if you're allowed doing that...

(I know some profs use the old test scores if you retake and ask them to, you might want to do that and you can just re-take the final? Similar to an Incomplete I guess... I had a friend at another school that did this, so its an option you may have...)

Your test scores are pretty good, just keep working hard 🙂

I can take it again next semester and that's the plan. I'm emailing him now to see what I can do. I have all the test, hw and study guides so it should be a breeze.

I hate to be a bitch, but how do you expect to get through medical school/residency when you will be deprived of sleep constantly and will be required to be sharp and accurate regardless?

There's a difference between not sleeping due to anxiety and things going on in my life that have chosen to manifest themselves that night, week and previous week. I had a PANIC ATTACK. Not the same is expecting to be worked like a slave and not get much sleep. I don't understand while people on here are out to prove to people that they cant do something. I expect to be challenged mentally and physically in med school/residency; I don't expect to have a panic attack while trying to sleep the night before a test as an undergrad. And yes, I know things will happen that I can't always can control.
 
Don't feel too bad, you made it ~5 posts before they started eating you alive.
 
I can take it again next semester and that's the plan. I'm emailing him now to see what I can do. I have all the test, hw and study guides so it should be a breeze.



There's a difference between not sleeping due to anxiety and things going on in my life that have chosen to manifest themselves that night, week and previous week. I had a PANIC ATTACK. Not the same is expecting to be worked like a slave and not get much sleep. I don't understand while people on here are out to prove to people that they cant do something. I expect to be challenged mentally and physically in med school/residency; I don't expect to have a panic attack while trying to sleep the night before a test as an undergrad. And yes, I know things will happen that I can't always can control.

Good Luck! Update the thread when you're done, it's always nice to hear how people have improved 🙂 (and if you have suggestions for anything... may help some1 else)
 
Good Luck! Update the thread when you're done, it's always nice to hear how people have improved 🙂 (and if you have suggestions for anything... may help some1 else)

I will. Thanks for the support!
 
Please do not panic...it happens sometimes.You cannot score well every time.I would suggest to stop thinking about what has happened but think of the future.Concentrate on the coming exams leaving the past....but do not over concentrate....do not be a book worm...enjoy your life every moment...feel positive energies besides you everytime...pray to God...have time for playing some outdoor games...this would definitely help.Cheers to life 👍😀😎😀😀😀😀
 
Please do not panic...it happens sometimes.You cannot score well every time.I would suggest to stop thinking about what has happened but think of the future.Concentrate on the coming exams leaving the past....but do not over concentrate....do not be a book worm...enjoy your life every moment...feel positive energies besides you everytime...pray to God...have time for playing some outdoor games...this would definitely help.Cheers to life 👍😀😎😀😀😀😀

Thanks. It shook me pretty badly when I found out and I thought I was going to be doomed. But I some how think something positive will come of it. I enjoy studying and learning the material, which is why I am going to get a jump on next semester, but I also have other hobbies to occupy my time. Thanks for actually understanding unlike some of the other people.
 
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I think going to see a doctor is a good idea. You need to learn how to cope, whether through drugs or another mechanism. If you don't learn to cope how will you do on your first med school test, COMLEX/USMLE, board cert etc. Pre-med physics final is pretty low on the anxiety level when thinking about this process as a whole.
 
I think going to see a doctor is a good idea. You need to learn how to cope, whether through drugs or another mechanism. If you don't learn to cope how will you do on your first med school test, COMLEX/USMLE, board cert etc. Pre-med physics final is pretty low on the anxiety level when thinking about this process as a whole.

I wasn't anxious about my physics final per se. I have other stuff going on in my life that got the best of me. The fact that I couldn't sleep and kept thinking about horrible life events happening that made me anxious. The fact that I knew I couldn't sleep and was worried about life made me nervous about my final. If pre med finals made me that anxious I wouldn't have made it half way through.
 
God, physics. My teacher trolled us. He said the final would focus on the topics since our third exam. Well, the entire test was old topics that most of us forgot. Luckily I managed and still hope for that A.
 
Gunito I am pretty sure I have the same problems please update us. I Honestly have it all the time and think that its really starting to get to me. I've been working on testing taking skills but I'm starting think I need more help. I have not sought help for the very reason of thinking others will look at it as an excuse but I'm really happy you posted. I think I may seek help too, I realize its not an excuse when your trying to change the situation.
 
Gunito, I remember your post about having a rough go with Chem II a few months back. Just curious, did you end up retaking that this semester too?
 
Gunito, I remember your post about having a rough go with Chem II a few months back. Just curious, did you end up retaking that this semester too?

Yea, I was taking it in the summer and I had a lot of stuff going on (couldnt pay rent, had to move out blah). I got a B this semester. I was probably a little to arrogant in my approach this semester and thought I knew more chem than I really do. Although after getting a C in physics I've began meditating and finding the strength to stay positive and change my perspective. It has made a WORLD of a difference already. My parents finally told me they support me (which will help me psychologically somehow) and they told my moms Dr. about me and he offered to sit and chat with me about Dr. life. I feel absolutely, and I was already pretty focused, to be successful next semester.

@med2b: Ill pm you later and we'll discuss this. I'm sure I have test anxiety but Ill explain all of that later.
 
Yea, I was taking it in the summer and I had a lot of stuff going on (couldnt pay rent, had to move out blah). I got a B this semester. I was probably a little to arrogant in my approach this semester and thought I knew more chem than I really do. Although after getting a C in physics I've began meditating and finding the strength to stay positive and change my perspective. It has made a WORLD of a difference already. My parents finally told me they support me (which will help me psychologically somehow) and they told my moms Dr. about me and he offered to sit and chat with me about Dr. life. I feel absolutely, and I was already pretty focused, to be successful next semester.

@med2b: Ill pm you later and we'll discuss this. I'm sure I have test anxiety but Ill explain all of that later.

Gunito, you may want to start thinking about backup plans. A B on a retake of Chem II is going to be a killer. If you also had problems in Physics, I'm not sure. No matter how much you want to be a doctor, it may not be in your future. Chem II and Physics aren't that hard and you shouldn't be making B's and C's.
 
Gunito, you may want to start thinking about backup plans. A B on a retake of Chem II is going to be a killer. If you also had problems in Physics, I'm not sure. No matter how much you want to be a doctor, it may not be in your future. Chem II and Physics aren't that hard and you shouldn't be making B's and C's.
ding ding ding!!

Someone has made Ed make his favorite comment "you can't make it as a doctor!"

Who is with me on starting a game of shots that involves every time Ed says this? Fear you'd be too drunk?
 
Gunito, you may want to start thinking about backup plans. A B on a retake of Chem II is going to be a killer. If you also had problems in Physics, I'm not sure. No matter how much you want to be a doctor, it may not be in your future. Chem II and Physics aren't that hard and you shouldn't be making B's and C's.
You're a c.unt, Ed. It annoys the hell out of me the way you act like you're on the admissions board at Stanford or something. You're not even in med school, so shut the fuc.k up already. I'm tired of listening to you give advice as if its straight from the mouth of God.

And just because you found find chem II and physics easy doesn't mean you need to rub this guy's face in it. Eat a dick.
 
You're a c.unt, Ed. It annoys the hell out of me the way you act like you're on the admissions board at Stanford or something. You're not even in med school, so shut the fuc.k up already. I'm tired of listening to you give advice as if its straight from the mouth of God.

And just because you found find chem II and physics easy doesn't mean you need to rub this guy's face in it. Eat a dick.
If you get banned, Ed should too for provocation. It's crazy how many times I see him tell people they don't have what it takes to be a doctor. Like you said, he's in no admissions committee nor in med school. He's just a 40-something year old with a midlife crisis that realizes he let his dream slip, so now he goes around trying to make everyone live his sad reality for those many years. If Ed was actually serious about trying to tell this guy "shape up or you'll run into trouble," he'd find a more tactful way.
 
Gunito, you may want to start thinking about backup plans. A B on a retake of Chem II is going to be a killer. If you also had problems in Physics, I'm not sure. No matter how much you want to be a doctor, it may not be in your future. Chem II and Physics aren't that hard and you shouldn't be making B's and C's.

You like to kick em while they're down huh? What makes you think this hasnt crossed my mind? How are you the authority to say stuff like this. Being a Dr. is in my future because I am determined to do it. I'm glad other people feel the same way about your "blunt" approach. There's so many people like you on this site that say things people already know. Were you unaware of how stressed I was about getting a C? I thought about quitting. Unless you have some constructive criticism, go do something else. I know how it is, I dont need you to tell me whats up.
 
You like to kick em while they're down huh? What makes you think this hasnt crossed my mind? How are you the authority to say stuff like this. Being a Dr. is in my future because I am determined to do it. I'm glad other people feel the same way about your "blunt" approach. There's so many people like you on this site that say things people already know. Were you unaware of how stressed I was about getting a C? I thought about quitting. Unless you have some constructive criticism, go do something else. I know how it is, I dont need you to tell me whats up.

Shrug, ok. Whatever. I believe that some people don't have what it takes to be a doctor. Others on this site don't agree. They subscribe to the "you can do anything that you want to do" school of thought.

What pushes this button with me is successive failures in science classes where the student is trying. I simply don't believe that a person can pass medical school biochemistry if they can't do Physics 1 and Chemistry 1.

You say that you have asked yourself this question. Ok. I hope you've also answered it.
 
Shrug, ok. Whatever. I believe that some people don't have what it takes to be a doctor. Others on this site don't agree. They subscribe to the "you can do anything that you want to do" school of thought.

What pushes this button with me is successive failures in science classes where the student is trying. I simply don't believe that a person can pass medical school biochemistry if they can't do Physics 1 and Chemistry 1.

You say that you have asked yourself this question. Ok. I hope you've also answered it.

I think that there is another reason that I hope people like this don't get into medical school. I don't want to try to learn medicine in a class full of people without the intellectual horsepower to understand. I've attended so many undergraduate classes that were dumbed down for people that I am hoping (and have been assured by medical students) that this no longer applies in medical school.
 
He's just a 40-something year old with a midlife crisis that realizes he let his dream slip, so now he goes around trying to make everyone live his sad reality for those many years.

You missed me. My dream didn't slip. I've lived my dream for many years now. I made sufficient money to raise my family in a middle-class home run by a loving wife. I now have the freedom to dream new dreams. I first tried a couple of other things. I explored the possibility of evangelizing and holding revivals and met a brick wall and realized that while there are some people who can do this well, I cannot. I'm a teacher, not an inspiring preacher. So I looked for another dream. This is it, and doors open for me here because this is where I belong.

My suggestion to the OP is this. Look for the field that you are really, really good at.
 
Shrug, ok. Whatever. I believe that some people don't have what it takes to be a doctor. Others on this site don't agree. They subscribe to the "you can do anything that you want to do" school of thought.

What pushes this button with me is successive failures in science classes where the student is trying. I simply don't believe that a person can pass medical school biochemistry if they can't do Physics 1 and Chemistry 1.

SO having what it takes to be a doctor consist purely on grades? See a flaw in your logic anywhere? What successive failures have I had? A B in chem classes? I had a 90 in my physics class before my final. So it appears that I can do it. You cant make up whatever you want and believe it to be true. Instead of telling people what they cant do, why do you focus on yourself.
 
LOL Ed, the majority of us subscribe to the notion which med school has been built: it is not for geniuses. It is for those that work hard. If the OP chooses not to give up and continues to work hard, he'll eventually get the pace, or do you believe the OP has below average intelligence? What have you done that's so great, Ed? Go to a state university nobody's heard about in the middle of Oklahoma? If all these subjects are so easy for you, why didn't you do well in High School (where it should be more easy) and get a scholarship to an Ivy or at least U of Oklahoma? Why couldn't you crack a 10 in the bio section of the MCAT?

And I don't believe for a second this story about you having lived the dream. You're not having this midlife crisis because you were oh-so satisfied with life.
 
LOL Ed, the majority of us subscribe to the notion which med school has been built: it is not for geniuses. It is for those that work hard. If the OP chooses not to give up and continues to work hard, he'll eventually get the pace, or do you believe the OP has below average intelligence? What have you done that's so great, Ed? Go to a state university nobody's heard about in the middle of Oklahoma? If all these subjects are so easy for you, why didn't you do well in High School (where it should be more easy) and get a scholarship to an Ivy or at least U of Oklahoma? Why couldn't you crack a 10 in the bio section of the MCAT?

And I don't believe for a second this story about you having lived the dream. You're not having this midlife crisis because you were oh-so satisfied with life.

Um, your attacks are way, way wide of the mark. I did quite well in High School, was a National Merit scholar and got recruited by the Ivy's but never went or used my scholarship.

But, I don't need to defend myself. I'm not the one asking for advice. Nor am I asking for a Freudian analysis of my purposes for going to medical school. If you feel a need to give it, then go ahead and satisfy yourself that way. I hear that they make toys for that purpose.

Back to the point of this thread. In my opinion, a successful medical school applicant will be someone who can both work hard and also do science. If someone is either lazy or lacks analytical ability, then they need to re-evaluate their goals. I gave my advice once to gunito, and he or she angrily rejected it. Ok.

I have also responded to your attacks by correcting your misunderstanding of the facts of my history. Any further intentional mis-interpretation on your part is not worth replying to. I a won't be wasting any writing time on you or gunito. Clearly the OP is determined to spend a lot of time and effort on this and I suppose there might be a small chance that he or she will succeed.
 
I admit that I may be entirely wrong about you, your intentions, past, etc., but I do find your story rather questionable. My point wasn't to try to make you out to be someone incapable. It was to point out that you're not perfect. Lets assume for a moment you did get recruited at an Ivy and got a scholarship? Why didn't you use it? I think a safe assumption would be to say something about your circumstances didn't work out in favor of that. It could range from personal illness, lack of interest, to wishing to stay near home, etc.

The point that I was going to drive is that you're judgmental about gunito when your life hasn't been perfect. You don't know why he/she has been having trouble scholastically. You don't know his/her circumstances. Instead, you know how to judge. Then you turn around against me for doing the same thing to you. It's as if you can't see what's right in front of you.

Gunito has the right to keep trying until he/she chooses to stop. I rather have someone on my side that falls and stands up each time than an ******* that will bring others down. You're probably so transparent which is why you didn't get in anywhere.
 
At the risk of being collateral damage in this discussion, can I suggest we all de-escalate a little. I rather enjoy reading the posts from everyone in this thread and do not want to see future knowledge/help stopped via any action because of a heated moment.

love,
nuttyengdude
 
ding ding ding!!

Someone has made Ed make his favorite comment "you can't make it as a doctor!"

Who is with me on starting a game of shots that involves every time Ed says this? Fear you'd be too drunk?


LOL.

It's a point. Nay Sayers are everwhere.

Gunito, you'll find out when you find out one way or the other. IMHO, humility and determination are the biggest keys to success. Working in healthcare for a number of years now has shown me over and over and over again, NO ONE KNOWS IT ALL, except God, period. And IMO, God's mostly a gentleman about letting people find things out.

No one here has a crystal ball, so keep on working towards your goals while also seeing that you, Ed, I, nor anyone else but God knows it all. . .even with Evidence Based Practice and decades of research. Nope.
 
Ed you dont give advice you say
what people can't do. You told.me I was a SUCCESSIVE failure and you were insulted.when.i told.u I didn't.need your criticisim because I told you im aware of what im doing. Dont be so pessimistic when people are going though something , not some thing a teacher does
 
Ed you dont give advice you say
what people can't do. You told.me I was a SUCCESSIVE failure and you were insulted.when.i told.u I didn't.need your criticisim because I told you im aware of what im doing. Dont be so pessimistic when people are going though something , not some thing a teacher does
Not only that, but this guy in his subsequent post --hoped-- you wouldn't make it into medical school and called you a *****. That's just too dirty of a comment. I wonder if the mods will ever do anything about this clown.

I think that there is another reason that I hope people like this don't get into medical school. I don't want to try to learn medicine in a class full of people without the intellectual horsepower to understand.
 
Ed you dont give advice you say
what people can't do. You told.me I was a SUCCESSIVE failure and you were insulted.when.i told.u I didn't.need your criticisim because I told you im aware of what im doing. Dont be so pessimistic when people are going though something , not some thing a teacher does


Good for you gunito. Don't let a total stranger online bring you down and make huge assumptions about you, your life, and your dreams.

It's total chutzpah for someone to tell such chazeray to someone they don't know.

Go Yiddish! It's the new English! LOL
 
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I think that there is another reason that I hope people like this don't get into medical school. I don't want to try to learn medicine in a class full of people without the intellectual horsepower to understand. I've attended so many undergraduate classes that were dumbed down for people that I am hoping (and have been assured by medical students) that this no longer applies in medical school.


OK, wow. I'm sorry, but that is nothing but pure hubris.

I don't want to be in class with people like that. Better to be with people that help each other see things and work together to get different perspectives and increase understanding.

And really, a lot of the time in MS is in learning concepts independently. Sure there are good study groups and other experiences, but putting it altogether, time-wise, most of it is done on individual study time.


This kind of attitude just influences me to feel sad. Wow.
 
Not only that, but this guy in his subsequent post --hoped-- you wouldn't make it into medical school and called you a *****. That's just too dirty of a comment. I wonder if the mods will ever do anything about this clown.

Yea, he took it personal because I have a mind of my own and don't listen to him. He thinks lack intelligence because I blew it on my final and got a B in chem, although i had a 90 in physics before. Hes clearly a little bitter and upset. Now hes posting that he gets all As and doesnt remember anything he learned. I dont like to put people on blast, but mr. ed has to be somewhat delusional. All we can do is send positive energy to him so that he stops lying to himself. I bet he'll say he got a 44 on the MCAT. Its a shame that they let other belittle and bring such a negative spirit to those who are struggling.
 
Yea, he took it personal because I have a mind of my own and don't listen to him. He thinks lack intelligence because I blew it on my final and got a B in chem, although i had a 90 in physics before. Hes clearly a little bitter and upset. Now hes posting that he gets all As and doesnt remember anything he learned. I dont like to put people on blast, but mr. ed has to be somewhat delusional. All we can do is send positive energy to him so that he stops lying to himself. I bet he'll say he got a 44 on the MCAT. Its a shame that they let other belittle and bring such a negative spirit to those who are struggling.


I've seen people with lower pre-med gpas wind up matching into some top-notch residency programs. IBanecdotalevidence

Hopefully you find something that works for you. 🙂

And as far as people who say things like that, it's not worth the effort. Perhaps I've been desensitized from all my years in academia + graduate school, but eventually they'll have a humbling experience.
 
I've seen people with lower pre-med gpas wind up matching into some top-notch residency programs. IBanecdotalevidence


And as far as people who say things like that, it's not worth the effort. Perhaps I've been desensitized from all my years in academia + graduate school, but eventually they'll have a humbling experience.

👍 This.

Life has shown this to come true time and time again. The hope is to truly learn from those experiences. Until then, it's just like swatting at misquitos. . .annoying. . . and a little sad at the same time.
 
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