burnt out already

[IUgrad]

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I've been going to school and working full-time for over a year, and up to this point, I have done pretty well in the medical prereqs - 3.85 post-bac. This semester, for some reason, is kicking my butt. I have no motivation whatsoever. I know that I still want to be a physician, but it's so hard to focus when I have all of these other problems going on in my life (my poor health which keeps getting worse, my boyfriend might be downsized from his job, pressures from my job, money troubles, etc.) I'm in organic II right now, and I have a low B- 🙁 I don't think it is a problem with the material because I got a 97% in the first one, and I really like organic, so I think it's just me and my depressed mood. (The worse I do in class, the higher my anxiety level, I can't concentrate and the worse I do again, etc. - it's a cycle.)

Have any of you been through similar situations? I know a lot of people on here work and go to school - do you have any advice as to what I should do when it is getting to be too much? I've thought about taking time off from school next semester, but the truth is, I can't stand the idea of getting even further behind since I will already be an "older" student and I don't want to put even a bigger time gap between the prereqs and the MCATs.

A scary thought but assuming that I can't pull myself out of this funk - do you think that I have a good chance of being accepted someplace with my overall GPA of 3.3 (in case it doesn't get any higher) or should I start thinking about other options?

I would really appreciate anyone's advice.
Thank you.

 

[blee]

Well, on your last point, I'm holding two acceptances at the moment with a GPA of roughly 3.0.

As for advice...orgo has a way of wearing down a person. If you're concerned about losing time, I would suggest you back off the work schedule and focus instead on school. I know this is not cheap -- I have the loans to prove it -- but I really think this strategy is the best. If quitting isn't possible, then cutting back might be an idea.

No matter what, don't keep grinding away if your health is really declining. Tuition costs money, working makes money, but health isn't something you can buy so easily. What's the point of going through all of this if you're too sick to make it through med school? If you're sick because you're taking on too much, that should be a pretty clear signal that you need to back off of something.

 

[IUgrad]

Well, on your last point, I'm holding two acceptances at the moment with a GPA of roughly 3.0.

As for advice...orgo has a way of wearing down a person. If you're concerned about losing time, I would suggest you back off the work schedule and focus instead on school. I know this is not cheap -- I have the loans to prove it -- but I really think this strategy is the best. If quitting isn't possible, then cutting back might be an idea.

No matter what, don't keep grinding away if your health is really declining. Tuition costs money, working makes money, but health isn't something you can buy so easily. What's the point of going through all of this if you're too sick to make it through med school? If you're sick because you're taking on too much, that should be a pretty clear signal that you need to back off of something.

Thanks for the advice, blee! Congrats on your acceptances!! 👍

I wish I could cut back on my hours but unfortunately, I am in a salaried full-time position and if I can't work the hours then I lose the job 🙁 I wish that I could find something that pays as well (which is just enough to pay my bills) with less hours, and I've been looking.

The poor health that I was referring to is my Crohn's disease, which has gotten a lot worse lately (probably, as you said, exacerbated by stress of doing too much). I've had to miss some school recently, which is probably not helping my orgo grade situation. Last month, I started a new treatment (Remicade) which might make things better for me health-wise in the Spring, but no guarantees, so I'm afraid to make any definite plans.

I really appreciate the advice and it's incredibly helpful to me to know that there is still hope, despite my GPA. Any advice for applying with a less than stellar GPA? Any schools that I should keep in mind?

Thanks!!

 

[unfrozencaveman]

I have a fairly lame GPA (made up of a good post-bacc, and a 3.2 undergrad), and lukewarm MCAT (32) to boot. I took the smoke and mirrors approach (be dazzled by my EC's.....), and it works just fine.

By the time I got to my last class in post-bacc (in my case, biochem and studying for the MCATs), I was pretty damned tired. I think that is the point where it looks like post-bacc will never end.
I agree with Blee- be particularly mindful of your health, and stay on top of that primarily. Do what you need to do to get better, or at least, feel better.
But, it's kind of funny when you get to this point- after a couple acceptances you think "well, that wasn't so tough". So remember there is an actual light at the end of the tunnel that is post-bacc.
Actually, before I heard from anywhere, I became exceedingly paranoid that getting in on Oct 15th would just be too easy. Finally, my mom was like "exactly what part of all that was easy???", and that was definitely true.
Good luck to you.

 

[blee]

Thanks for the advice, blee! Congrats on your acceptances!! 👍

I wish I could cut back on my hours but unfortunately, I am in a salaried full-time position and if I can't work the hours then I lose the job 🙁 I wish that I could find something that pays as well (which is just enough to pay my bills) with less hours, and I've been looking.

The poor health that I was referring to is my Crohn's disease, which has gotten a lot worse lately (probably, as you said, exacerbated by stress of doing too much). I've had to miss some school recently, which is probably not helping my orgo grade situation. Last month, I started a new treatment (Remicade) which might make things better for me health-wise in the Spring, but no guarantees, so I'm afraid to make any definite plans.

I really appreciate the advice and it's incredibly helpful to me to know that there is still hope, despite my GPA. Any advice for applying with a less than stellar GPA? Any schools that I should keep in mind?

Thanks!!

One of my best friends was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in the spring semester of her freshman year, back in early 1995. She's avoided surgery all this time, but a couple of flare-ups since then put her flat on her back for weeks at a time. In each case, though, it was because she kept working full-tilt despite the onset of some bad warning signs. Take care of that colon; it's the only one you get! 🙂

As for schools, I do not believe that any school is better or worse for nontrads in general. My list of schools looked just like those of most undergrads. Your list should probably reflect what you intend to do with your degree; some schools are heavily research oriented, while others are very clinical, etc. There are a couple of threads floating around here discussing schools, IIRC.

 

[Beautifulchild]

I agree with everyone else here. Please take care of your health first. If you have to take time off from school do it. If you have to take time from the job do it. Who cares if it takes you a little longer to get through school. You can't get through it if you are sick. I know it's hard to step back once you've gotten on this path, but you will finish even if the path is not straight.

Your mood is probably affecting your grades and who could blame you for feeling bad when your health is suffering. Allow yourself to be human and allow yourself to be important and first on the list. Sometimes as women we put everything else first. I hope you put YOU first this time. Forget the rest!

 

[IUgrad]

I have a fairly lame GPA (made up of a good post-bacc, and a 3.2 undergrad), and lukewarm MCAT (32) to boot. I took the smoke and mirrors approach (be dazzled by my EC's.....), and it works just fine.

By the time I got to my last class in post-bacc (in my case, biochem and studying for the MCATs), I was pretty damned tired. I think that is the point where it looks like post-bacc will never end.
I agree with Blee- be particularly mindful of your health, and stay on top of that primarily. Do what you need to do to get better, or at least, feel better.
But, it's kind of funny when you get to this point- after a couple acceptances you think "well, that wasn't so tough". So remember there is an actual light at the end of the tunnel that is post-bacc.
Actually, before I heard from anywhere, I became exceedingly paranoid that getting in on Oct 15th would just be too easy. Finally, my mom was like "exactly what part of all that was easy???", and that was definitely true.
Good luck to you.

Thanks, that's good to hear. As you said, it's easy to get discouraged at this point. If I go as planned, I would have the MCATs in April, which I have not started preparing for at all! 😱 How long did you take to prepare?

Unfortunately, my ECs are not so great that they will be distracting from my GPA. I volunteer with BBBS and a hopsice, that is all. No physician shadowing as of yet. I'm just a mediocre applicant all around right now. 😳

Thanks for your advice, and good luck to you as you apply this year. (BTW, I must say that I love your avatar - that is one of my favorite all-time skits on SNL!)

 

[FizbanZymogen]

Hello,

I must say that I know exactly what you are feeling as I struggle with CFS(Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) which some physicians don't even give lip service too. I'm in my Junior year at Central Washington University and between Biochem, Adv. genetics and Medical Micro. I'm barely alive. As each year went by and continues to its easy to become bogged down. Keep your health up (you must find time for yourself!! I found this to be critical). Also remember you can do it you want to. There has been many times where I have felt that I should be doing something else simply becuase of work load but when I really sit down and re-evaluate my situation I realize there's nothing else I would rather be doing. Good luck!

 

[IUgrad]

I agree with everyone else here. Please take care of your health first. If you have to take time off from school do it. If you have to take time from the job do it. Who cares if it takes you a little longer to get through school. You can't get through it if you are sick. I know it's hard to step back once you've gotten on this path, but you will finish even if the path is not straight.

Your mood is probably affecting your grades and who could blame you for feeling bad when your health is suffering. Allow yourself to be human and allow yourself to be important and first on the list. Sometimes as women we put everything else first. I hope you put YOU first this time. Forget the rest!

Thanks for your advice. I know that you all are right, and I probably will need to end up taking time off. It's just so hard to accept, when I'm so close to finishing, but I think that's what is going to have to happen if things don't improve by January...

Thanks again and good luck with your own studies!

 

[IUgrad]

Hello,

I must say that I know exactly what you are feeling as I struggle with CFS(Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) which some physicians don't even give lip service too. I'm in my Junior year at Central Washington University and between Biochem, Adv. genetics and Medical Micro. I'm barely alive. As each year went by and continues to its easy to become bogged down. Keep your health up (you must find time for yourself!! I found this to be critical). Also remember you can do it you want to. There has been many times where I have felt that I should be doing something else simply becuase of work load but when I really sit down and re-evaluate my situation I realize there's nothing else I would rather be doing. Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear about your CFS.

I do the same thing - reevaluate things, especially on bad days (which I don't recommend - analyzing your life when you are feeling your worst b/c everything seems unmanagable then). Like you, I always come back to medicine and realize that I'm going to just have to find some way to push through. Unfortunately, I'm really having trouble with that right now - it seems like I just can't make myself be motivated no matter what! My health is really getting me down, physically and mentally.

Thanks for the advice, and good luck to you, both with your CFS and school!

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Thanks, that's good to hear. As you said, it's easy to get discouraged at this point. If I go as planned, I would have the MCATs in April, which I have not started preparing for at all! 😱 How long did you take to prepare?

Unfortunately, my ECs are not so great that they will be distracting from my GPA. I volunteer with BBBS and a hopsice, that is all. No physician shadowing as of yet. I'm just a mediocre applicant all around right now. 😳

Thanks for your advice, and good luck to you as you apply this year. (BTW, I must say that I love your avatar - that is one of my favorite all-time skits on SNL!)

If it helps- this is my full profile: http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=3682

My experience with the MCATs was a mixed bag. I started studying (in theory) in january before the april MCAT. I took a princeton review class- and on the first diagnostic got a 22, but then on the second, without studying in between, got a 30, and after that, never below a 35 (in the 37 dept the few weeks leading up to the test). Basically, I got pretty good at taking the test, which obviously helps immensely. In the end though, there was a perfect storm scenario in which I really didnt know some of the science rock solid- and would you believe, it all showed up on the real deal.
As a postbacc- and someone who hadn't taken science classes in undergrad, I definitely ran the risk of not knowing this stuff cold- I had never used it in my day to day- and had crammed it all in the year before (a plus, because it's fresh, a minus because all you know are the basics), so if I could do it all again, I would have studied a lot harder, and really honestly started sooner. I got a good dose of false confidence from the diags, and then did at the low end of my range (and annoyingly, exactly the 10 points from my original diag- what TPR tells you to expect). A 32 is still excellent, and I was very pleased I didnt have to do it all over again.
But I think worrying now that you havent started for april is still overkill. Even my non-procrastinating friends hadn't started by now.

Glad you like the caveman. To have this post come full circle, I discovered SDN while procrastinating studying for the MCAT's while watching The Best of Phil Hartman, and didn't think I would end up posting on here more than once to ask one question. Whoops.

 

[cosmicstarr]

I got a good dose of false confidence from the diags, and then did at the low end of my range (and annoyingly, exactly the 10 points from my original diag- what TPR tells you to expect).

Is TPR projection for the actual MCAT really around 10 points above the original diagnostic score? I'm in the class right now, but no one has really told us anything about what the typical improvement is.

It's been over 12 years since I took any of the prereqs. I took the first diagnostic test a week ago and my score was abysmal, which is what I expected since I hadn't reviewed/relearned any of the material. I scored a 19N.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Yeah- they didnt make it exactly clear, but they said (upon prodding), that the typical improvement was 10 points. I should say that I highly endorse TPR- they delivered on their end for sure.
I was in a similar boat- and I think that was part of the steep learning curve for me. I scored a 5 on the first PS. A FIVE!! Then I managed to pull myself together quite quickly. Going over the material in that class definitely helps.

 

[cosmicstarr]

Yeah- they didnt make it exactly clear, but they said (upon prodding), that the typical improvement was 10 points. I should say that I highly endorse TPR- they delivered on their end for sure.
I was in a similar boat- and I think that was part of the steep learning curve for me. I scored a 5 on the first PS. A FIVE!! Then I managed to pull myself together quite quickly. Going over the material in that class definitely helps.

Thanks. I also got a 5 in PS in my diagnostic. Nevertheless, I'm comforted by the fact that I know can do much better, since I have in the past. I actually took the MCAT in 1993 and got 9B 10PS 9V, so I know I should be able to get at least a 28 (hopefully....) But then again, this was during a time in my life when all the classes were still fresh in my mind and I was used to studying.

 

[Twitch]

Thanks for the advice, blee! Congrats on your acceptances!! 👍

I wish I could cut back on my hours but unfortunately, I am in a salaried full-time position and if I can't work the hours then I lose the job 🙁 I wish that I could find something that pays as well (which is just enough to pay my bills) with less hours, and I've been looking.

The poor health that I was referring to is my Crohn's disease, which has gotten a lot worse lately (probably, as you said, exacerbated by stress of doing too much). I've had to miss some school recently, which is probably not helping my orgo grade situation. Last month, I started a new treatment (Remicade) which might make things better for me health-wise in the Spring, but no guarantees, so I'm afraid to make any definite plans.

I really appreciate the advice and it's incredibly helpful to me to know that there is still hope, despite my GPA. Any advice for applying with a less than stellar GPA? Any schools that I should keep in mind?

Thanks!!

Here is my suggestion for your situation:

1. Take an FMLA from work. Look in your HR policy manual then go discuss the options with your manager after you talk it over with your bf. You'll probably ask how will I pay for everything if I go on leave and I'll get to that below.

2. Infliximab (remicade) is indicated for Crohns - as you know. Apply for patient assistance through centocor and they'll pay for your medicine. You may not have health insurance after you go on extended leave. You'll still need someone to IV you the DMARD. Alternatively you can go solo (if you don't mind the needles) and sign up with some of the other biologics. They also have patient assistance. Talk to your doctor about it.

3. If you haven't already make sure you're tapping all sources of financial aid (loans and such). Excel out your cash flow and see where you can trim. Negotiate lower fees / rates with your creditors/lenders - you'll be suprised with the right tact how much you can leverage here. Some budge more than others. Tap into your 401k if needed. You can do this penalty free for higher ed expenses. Talk to your accountant on how to do this or read up on irs.gov.

4. Tell your bf to get another job (if he gets layed off) and help out. Make sure he understands how much you need he's support through this.

-Y_Marker

 

[IUgrad]

If it helps- this is my full profile: http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?myid=3682

My experience with the MCATs was a mixed bag. I started studying (in theory) in january before the april MCAT. I took a princeton review class- and on the first diagnostic got a 22, but then on the second, without studying in between, got a 30, and after that, never below a 35 (in the 37 dept the few weeks leading up to the test). Basically, I got pretty good at taking the test, which obviously helps immensely. In the end though, there was a perfect storm scenario in which I really didnt know some of the science rock solid- and would you believe, it all showed up on the real deal.
As a postbacc- and someone who hadn't taken science classes in undergrad, I definitely ran the risk of not knowing this stuff cold- I had never used it in my day to day- and had crammed it all in the year before (a plus, because it's fresh, a minus because all you know are the basics), so if I could do it all again, I would have studied a lot harder, and really honestly started sooner. I got a good dose of false confidence from the diags, and then did at the low end of my range (and annoyingly, exactly the 10 points from my original diag- what TPR tells you to expect). A 32 is still excellent, and I was very pleased I didnt have to do it all over again.
But I think worrying now that you havent started for april is still overkill. Even my non-procrastinating friends hadn't started by now.

Glad you like the caveman. To have this post come full circle, I discovered SDN while procrastinating studying for the MCAT's while watching The Best of Phil Hartman, and didn't think I would end up posting on here more than once to ask one question. Whoops.

Thanks for the advice - it's good to know I'm not behind in that aspect. My premed advisor (who has since retired without a replacement) told me that I would be behind if I didn't start studying this past summer (for next April's MCATs)! 😱 It is very relieving to hear that I will still be okay if I don't start until Jan.

Congrats on your score - a 32 is great! Your improvement is also impressive. May I ask, how many hours a day or week did you study? Did you set up a study schedule or did you just study whatever at odd times? Would you recommend the Princeton class? I'm sorry for all the questions but I am going to be in the same boat as you - postbac with only the minimums. I'm just trying to get an estimate for about how much study time I'll need to start putting in to get prepared in a hurry.

I'm sorry for being a complete dunce but I'm new to all this MCAT jargon - what is TPR?

Thanks!
Congrats on your acceptances!! 🙂

 

[IUgrad]

Here is my suggestion for your situation:

1. Take an FMLA from work. Look in your HR policy manual then go discuss the options with your manager after you talk it over with your bf. You'll probably ask how will I pay for everything if I go on leave and I'll get to that below.

2. Infliximab (remicade) is indicated for Crohns - as you know. Apply for patient assistance through centocor and they'll pay for your medicine. You may not have health insurance after you go on extended leave. You'll still need someone to IV you the DMARD. Alternatively you can go solo (if you don't mind the needles) and sign up with some of the other biologics. They also have patient assistance. Talk to your doctor about it.

3. If you haven't already make sure you're tapping all sources of financial aid (loans and such). Excel out your cash flow and see where you can trim. Negotiate lower fees / rates with your creditors/lenders - you'll be suprised with the right tact how much you can leverage here. Some budge more than others. Tap into your 401k if needed. You can do this penalty free for higher ed expenses. Talk to your accountant on how to do this or read up on irs.gov.

4. Tell your bf to get another job (if he gets layed off) and help out. Make sure he understands how much you need he's support through this.

-Y_Marker

Thanks for your suggestions.

Unfortunately, I am completely tapped out on loans, even the private ones. My school sets a limit for how much financial aid I can get from anywhere, even privately. I am $5 short of that limit.

I will look into your other suggestions. Thanks!

 

[MJB]

It is certainly good to hear folks getting acceptances with GPA's around a 3...

I'm wondering, is that overall or Science and Math?

I've always been better at the artsy fartsy classes than I have at the core sciences, but I don't like them all that much...so my S/M GPA is under a 3 for now, but I'm working on that...and I've got just above a 3 overall...with an F on my transcript that I'm currently replacing with an A.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Thanks for the advice - it's good to know I'm not behind in that aspect. My premed advisor (who has since retired without a replacement) told me that I would be behind if I didn't start studying this past summer (for next April's MCATs)! 😱 It is very relieving to hear that I will still be okay if I don't start until Jan.

Congrats on your score - a 32 is great! Your improvement is also impressive. May I ask, how many hours a day or week did you study? Did you set up a study schedule or did you just study whatever at odd times? Would you recommend the Princeton class? I'm sorry for all the questions but I am going to be in the same boat as you - postbac with only the minimums. I'm just trying to get an estimate for about how much study time I'll need to start putting in to get prepared in a hurry.

I'm sorry for being a complete dunce but I'm new to all this MCAT jargon - what is TPR?

Thanks!
Congrats on your acceptances!! 🙂

TPR =The Princeton Review, and yeah I would recommend it, or any prep course if you need a science review (and someone to kick your butt to do it).

That being said, I would not encourage you to procrastinate. Start as early as you can, and study as much as you can. If only I had the 37's on my application that I had been practicing at...

I'd get a hold of a practice test, and scare the crap out of yourself as soon as possible.

I think I studied a couple hours a day from jan on, and the highly unrecommended 8 hours a day cram-fest in the three weeks leading up to the test. I think the best thing to do is to be very comfortable going into the test, which I think was my saving grace- things would have gone much further downhill had I been scared of the test. All in all, I am not a very good MCAT role model at all.

If you start now, you won't have to kill yourself later, and you'll feel good going into the real thing. Taking the MCAT unprepared is a gigantic mistake, so, if you have the time now, I say get going, and the resources, take the prep course, and you'll make life a lot easier on yourself... And I'm all for that.

Good luck!!

 

[chirodoc]

Med school and subsequently residency will be A LOT more pressure and this is why Org is a weed out class. You are 'feeling' exactly what the prerequisite obstacle was created for you to feel. Everyone who has gone into a professional program has to jump that Org hurdle, even in my case in chiro.

The other factors you mentioned are obviously unique to you but this is a 'test' of your will, desire and 'ability' (physical and mental) to accomplish this goal. Figure out 'how' you can manage it don't worry about 'if' you can-you have no choice if your dream is to be a physician. Now, get over that hill soldier.


Quote from TPR
"Sure, you may have the nifty white coat and the "MD" after your name, but when it comes to the hospital environment, you're at the bottom of the pecking order. "You're constantly in a state of panic, constantly being scrutinized by your superiors, and you're basically just trying not to screw up or piss anybody off," says Jared Aelony, a second-year resident at Oakwood Hospital in Detroit. "Your superiors can be pretty rough on you, because once you leave to go into practice, it means you've got their seal of approval, and they really want that to mean something. They want to harden you to things so you'll be able to deal with the situations that you're eventually going to be faced with."

As far as getting in somewhere with ...gpa these other guys can address that. But being an ol' fart whose trying to climb Mt. Everest again, that I'm well versed in.

You can do it.

 

[medworm]

Have you tried going to the science tutor, TA, or even your professor for OChem II help, or partnering up with a classmate/ lab partner to study? Maybe that was suggested earlier ... but I've found it to help me and my classmates tremendously.

One B won't ruin your chances, but do study hard for the MCAT.

Good luck.