Current UCSD undergrad, what should I do?

[Step by Step]

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It's my very first time posting on here.. and before I say anything I'm open to ANY advice so be honest as much as you want 🙂 I also read lots of threads and posts but didn't seem to find one that was similar to my situation.

I'm a third year (sophomore standing though) at UCSD as a human bio major. I'm sophomore standing because I did horrible in my first two years. Because of my poor performances, I talked to my academic advisor (he's the dean of advisors) a lot on what I should do and he suggested me to take some time off and come back whenever I feel like I'm ready for challenges again without being in academic dangers. So, I'm currently at home taking some classes at CC and I have all A's in my classes so far. I'm planning to go back to UCSD before Spring quarter '13 starts because I took the time off since last Spring quarter. Once I return, I'm planning to stay for a 5th year which will give me enough time to finish courses, do EC, and etc. Does this sound like a good plan to you all? I'm so behind on a lot of things, but I'm determined to do well from this point and on! Thank you in advance for your replies 😀

 

[dsk89]

Don't plan to just "do EC's" in your 5th year. Start now. And also I would recommend applying after you graduate, and taking a gap year (maybe even more, depending on what your numbers are, which you have not provided here). I'm assuming if you did "horrible" your first two years, that your GPA is pretty low. So unless you do REALLY well when you go back to UCSD, you should plan on putting in some more work after graduation (if your GPA is not competitive at that point, that is) such as an SMP to prove you can cut it in medical school. You still have a long way to go right now, so all the advice Ic an give you now is to just put 200% into every class and get good grades and start looking for some clinical and non-clinical volunteering or research and other EC's that you might enjoy and can also help you decide whether medicine is for you. Good luck.

 

[Step by Step]

"dsk89", thank you so much for your reply! And yes, I'm planning to take classes (mostly science) along with ECs even in my 5th year. I'll definitely put 200%, no, 300% in everything I do and see where I'll be towards the end of my undergrad years 🙂. Oh, and for Winter session, I'm planning to take classes that relate to health like First Aid and CPR, Nutrition, and Health Science. They don't apply for my GEs at UCSD, but they sound really interesting and I love learning more about health science and all. I really wanted to volunteer at a hospital near my house but it required a full-year commitment and since I'll be going back to UCSD around Jan or Feb, I had to let that one go. I'll be happy with the classes I'll have for winter haha.

 

[imnamerican]

"dsk89", thank you so much for your reply! And yes, I'm planning to take classes (mostly science) along with ECs even in my 5th year. I'll definitely put 200%, no, 300% in everything I do and see where I'll be towards the end of my undergrad years 🙂. Oh, and for Winter session, I'm planning to take classes that relate to health like First Aid and CPR, Nutrition, and Health Science. They don't apply for my GEs at UCSD, but they sound really interesting and I love learning more about health science and all. I really wanted to volunteer at a hospital near my house but it required a full-year commitment and since I'll be going back to UCSD around Jan or Feb, I had to let that one go. I'll be happy with the classes I'll have for winter haha.

You might already know this, but health-related courses like the ones you mentioned don't count as BCPM "science" courses as defined by AMCAS, which may be important if there is a need to prove your aptitude in the sciences through your GPA. That said, if you're truly interested in them, it might be worth taking them, anyway!

 

[Aerus]

I'm also a student at UCSD. The environment can be very competitive, so make sure you're ready for the academic rigor before coming back. Assess the reasons why you did poorly and make sure those reasons are taken care of. You don't want this happening again.

Once you are ready to come back, make sure you excel in your classes. Go to office hours, attend all lectures, and form study groups. There are tons of resources here to help you succeed.

I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Step by Step]

You might already know this, but health-related courses like the ones you mentioned don't count as BCPM "science" courses as defined by AMCAS, which may be important if there is a need to prove your aptitude in the sciences through your GPA. That said, if you're truly interested in them, it might be worth taking them, anyway!

Yeah... I realized they don't count as "science" courses by AMCAS, but I'm very interested in them and I get to earn "American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies" and "American Heart Association Healthcare Professional" certificates for First Aid and CPR course. Also, for winter, I realized they are not offering the courses I need for my GEs and lower-division courses. But they still offer Bio and Anatomy & Physiology classes so I think I'll take them along with health-related courses even though they don't count for my GEs (they are UC transferrable courses though so hope they help). Thank you for your reply! 🙂

 

[Step by Step]

I'm also a student at UCSD. The environment can be very competitive, so make sure you're ready for the academic rigor before coming back. Assess the reasons why you did poorly and make sure those reasons are taken care of. You don't want this happening again.

Once you are ready to come back, make sure you excel in your classes. Go to office hours, attend all lectures, and form study groups. There are tons of resources here to help you succeed.

I wish you the best of luck!

Ah a fellow UCSD student! Yes, I completely agree with you about the environment being very competitive. I'm kind of scared since I'm so behind on academics compared to other pre-meds but also excited to be back at the same time haha. I wish I wasn't so lazy and undisciplined in my first two years, but I've learned my lessons and my GPA shows an upward trend since freshman year so hopefully it continues to be that way once I return 🙂. I'll definitely utilize all the resources I'll have! Thank you for your advice and everything!

 

[Aerus]

Ah a fellow UCSD student! Yes, I completely agree with you about the environment being very competitive. I'm kind of scared since I'm so behind on academics compared to other pre-meds but also excited to be back at the same time haha. I wish I wasn't so lazy and undisciplined in my first two years, but I've learned my lessons and my GPA shows an upward trend since freshman year so hopefully it continues to be that way once I return 🙂. I'll definitely utilize all the resources I'll have! Thank you for your advice and everything!

The thing about the premeds here is that you'll have the upper hand. You have experience. Definitely play that to your advantage.

Also, for science classes, tutoring programs, such as Oasis, is known to be really helpful and is actually free for UCSD students! There are also math labs by Muir if you're need help with your math requirement.

There are so many opportunities you can take advantage of to succeed. You might be off to a rough start, but I definitely wouldn't consider you "so behind". You might be on the premed track for a bit longer than you'd like, but it's a worthy destination.

 

[Step by Step]

The thing about the premeds here is that you'll have the upper hand. You have experience. Definitely play that to your advantage.

Also, for science classes, tutoring programs, such as Oasis, is known to be really helpful and is actually free for UCSD students! There are also math labs by Muir if you're need help with your math requirement.

There are so many opportunities you can take advantage of to succeed. You might be off to a rough start, but I definitely wouldn't consider you "so behind". You might be on the premed track for a bit longer than you'd like, but it's a worthy destination.

Mmhmm it's definitely a "worthy destination". I'm ready for a whole new academic adventure when I return. One of the things I'm thankful for being in this situation is that I got to meet up with my academic advisor a lot and he has been such a wonderful supporter and helper. So can't wait to go back and plan out more on what I need to do.