Do You Ever Feel Like an Idiot?

[ribbondino]

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I am in an advanced algebra class and I have SUCH a hard time learning it! We are doing functions right now and I spent hours just trying to do 20 problems.... Does anyone else ever have moments of weakness like this? I literally feel like I should just flip burgers or something for a living at the moment... If I can't do algebra, how am I supposed to think I can do well in upper level science or medical school????

What makes you feel stupid?

 

[487806]

I am in an advanced algebra class and I have SUCH a hard time learning it! We are doing functions right now and I spent hours just trying to do 20 problems.... Does anyone else ever have moments of weakness like this? I literally feel like I should just flip burgers or something for a living at the moment... If I can't do algebra, how am I supposed to think I can do well in upper level science or medical school????

Is advanced algebra = abstract algebra? Not surprising then, since abstract algebra is pretty abstract.

Or is advanced algebra more like dividing polynomials, vertical line test etc.? Different meanings here.

Don't worry. I feel dumb many times, yet I'm pulling with it.

 

[cheechootrain]

All the time.

 

[ribbondino]

Is advanced algebra = abstract algebra? Not surprising then, since abstract algebra is pretty abstract.

Or is advanced algebra more like dividing polynomials, vertical line test etc.? Different meanings here.

Don't worry. I feel dumb many times, yet I'm pulling with it.

I mean like vertical line test and dividing polynomials.... 🙁

 

[487806]

I mean like vertical line test and dividing polynomials.... 🙁

All right. I didn't mean to sound condescending. I wasn't sure what you're referring to, since "advanced algebra" in my college referred to abstract algebra. 😳

Don't worry. Maybe this link will help.

http://www.purplemath.com/

Also try Khan Academy.

 

[ribbondino]

All right. I didn't mean to sound condescending. I wasn't sure what you're referring to, since "advanced algebra" in my college referred to abstract algebra. 😳

Don't worry. Maybe this link will help.

http://www.purplemath.com/

Also try Khan Academy.

Don't worry, you didn't. And thank you for the link!! The course is actually called college algebra, but I didn't really know how to describe it. I just can't focus on math!

 

[487806]

Don't worry, you didn't. And thank you for the link!! The course is actually called college algebra, but I didn't really know how to describe it. I just can't focus on math!

Don't worry. I had to take some really dry classes which I completely despise.

Try some of the modules in the "Lessons Index" page and take it step at a time. Just view math as an obstacle that you can overcome for sure. Confidence is essentially the driving factor to success. Good luck!

 

[ribbondino]

Don't worry. I had to take some really dry classes which I completely despise.

Try some of the modules in the "Lessons Index" page and take it step at a time. Just view math as an obstacle that you can overcome for sure. Confidence is essentially the driving factor to success. Good luck!

I definitely agree on the confidence part. Lack of confidence kills me sometimes...

Thanks again, I definitely will!!

 

[Kaputt]

Every day. It gets worse, OP. Way worse.

 

[ribbondino]

Every day. It gets worse, OP. Way worse.

How do you do it???? I keep thinking I'm just going to never learn anything like I should be

 

[Kaputt]

How do you do it???? I keep thinking I'm just going to never learn anything like I should be

Once you realize that everyone else has their own moments of insecurity, you're more at peace with it. Just work hard and things will be okay. No challenge lasts forever.

 

[ribbondino]

Once you realize that everyone else has their own moments of insecurity, you're more at peace with it. Just work hard and things will be okay. No challenge lasts forever.

Well I guess I will sit here and collect the insecurities... haha. And thanks, it's nice to know I'm not alone! 😀

 

[thenameismac]

Once you realize that everyone else has their own moments of insecurity, you're more at peace with it. Just work hard and things will be okay. No challenge lasts forever.

Very True!

By the way, that website, www.purplemath.com , has helped me greatly. I'm also talking College Algebra and there were a few things that I was unsure about and that website made it so much easier. Also I found that youtube has so many different profs discussing the same thing and they all (obviously) don't teach the same way. I am taking it online so I'm pretty much teaching myself this stuff.

 

[ribbondino]

Very True!

By the way, that website, www.purplemath.com , has helped me greatly. I'm also talking College Algebra and there were a few things that I was unsure about and that website made it so much easier. Also I found that youtube has so many different profs discussing the same thing and they all (obviously) don't teach the same way. I am taking it online so I'm pretty much teaching myself this stuff.

I'm taking it online too!!! It sucks!

 

[lobo.solo]

All the time.

Same here🙁 on the flip side that makes me push myself and I am doing well so far.

 

[911 Turbo]

Everyone feels like an idiot at some point.


Btw... do medical schools like to see math on your transcript?

 

[Narmerguy]

Yep I often feel like an idiot. It's natural, and always frustrating because you can't fully know how much others struggle as well and so you can feel like you're on an island.

 

[ribbondino]

Everyone feels like an idiot at some point.


Btw... do medical schools like to see math on your transcript?

A lot of them require a year of Calculus. Really though, beyond the requirements I wouldn't think they'd care much. A few people have told me that it's not a big deal, but it can definitely help you understand physics and other science courses a bit better. (Supposedly.)

 

[acslater99]

A lot of them require a year of Calculus. Really though, beyond the requirements I wouldn't think they'd care much. A few people have told me that it's not a big deal, but it can definitely help you understand physics and other science courses a bit better. (Supposedly.)

I was actually just thinking about that lol. I read that most prerequisites say you need Physics wouldn't that be considered a math class?

Or should I just take a math class like Calc or Stats?

I really suck at math and I'm trying to limit my choices.

 

[Kaputt]

A lot of them require a year of Calculus. Really though, beyond the requirements I wouldn't think they'd care much. A few people have told me that it's not a big deal, but it can definitely help you understand physics and other science courses a bit better. (Supposedly.)

A lot of them don't actually require calculus. Unless you are taking calculus-based physics or physical chemistry classes, you probably wouldn't actually need calculus. But calculus is good for general knowledge.

Read the fine print about the med schools you want to apply to before you force yourself to take calculus if you hate math and don't need the class for your degree. I would suggest, however, taking statistics, because that's very helpful to have taken before medical school.

 

[C J Dono]

Have you tried talking to a tutor? Some professors don't explain things well. I am grateful to have a teacher that can break it down and makes it easy to understand. I'm sure having math online makes it a little more difficult.

Check out this site: http://www.khanacademy.org

 

[ur2l8]

Academics never make me feel stupid. Talking to girls does though...damn

 

[Samiamm]

It's ok, alot of people have something they struggle with. Not doing well at algebra doesn't reflect your future performance in high level science, with the exception of p-chem and physics, and even then, I think you're struggling because you just don't really know how to look at the material.

You'll figure it out, algebra isn't tough at all once you really understand it.

(BTW, if you're one of those anal people that have to know WHY somethings work and just can't accept the fact that you have to memorize it and just KNOW and TRUST that it works and WILL work almost every time, you'll have a tough time in math)

 

[CuttingCorneas]

Every day. It gets worse, OP. Way worse.

Yeah, wait til you get to med school.

 

[dsoz]

A lot of them require a year of Calculus. Really though, beyond the requirements I wouldn't think they'd care much. A few people have told me that it's not a big deal, but it can definitely help you understand physics and other science courses a bit better. (Supposedly.)

I applied to eight MD schools and twelve DO schools. I have one quarter of calculus that I took P/F. It was enough for every school that I applied to, except one. Oakland University required a year of math (statistics counts). I would have had to take two more quarters of statistics to be able to matriculate there.

The other school that wanted more math was OHSU. One class of college level math that is not statistics is required. Statistics is also recommended. If I hear good news from the interview, the first thing I am going to do is go sign up for a stats I class at the local CC. Otherwise, I am good.

I will admit that I didn't apply to places like Harvard because they require a full year of calculus. Ha ha. I will just keep telling myself that is the reason.

dsoz

 

[ribbondino]

I applied to eight MD schools and twelve DO schools. I have one quarter of calculus that I took P/F. It was enough for every school that I applied to, except one. Oakland University required a year of math (statistics counts). I would have had to take two more quarters of statistics to be able to matriculate there.

The other school that wanted more math was OHSU. One class of college level math that is not statistics is required. Statistics is also recommended. If I hear good news from the interview, the first thing I am going to do is go sign up for a stats I class at the local CC. Otherwise, I am good.

I will admit that I didn't apply to places like Harvard because they require a full year of calculus. Ha ha. I will just keep telling myself that is the reason.

dsoz

That makes me feel a bit better. I just SUCK at math!

 

[Swartzlehman]

X

 

[Planes2Doc]

Yeah, wait til you get to med school.

The funny thing is that most of the stuff is ridiculously easy. I call Gross Anatomy the "hardest easy course" I've ever taken in my life. The material itself is very easy, but the volume and testing methods make it the most difficult class I've ever taken. If we hypothetically had take-home exams with the whole weekend to do it, I don't think most people would have any trouble getting into the 90%+ range.

So far it's all brute memorization now, and definitely finding the actual difficulty of material to be significantly easier than undergrad, but the sheer volume makes undergrad look like pre-school. 😎

 

[rolliespring]

I always feel like an idiot.....🙁
But that means I have to work harder than others🙂

 

[MissionStanford]

As someone already suggested, definitely check out Khan Academy. The guy who makes the math videos on there explains a lot of topics really well. Don't give up. I've definitely felt dumb at many points in my life. You're not alone.

 

[Planes2Doc]

As someone already suggested, definitely check out Khan Academy. The guy who makes the math videos on there explains a lot of topics really well. Don't give up. I've definitely felt dumb at many points in my life. You're not alone.

The site was very helpful for MCAT preparation. You know what would have made it better? If I had discovered it sooner. 🙁

 

[Samiamm]

The site was very helpful for MCAT preparation. You know what would have made it better? If I had discovered it sooner. 🙁

Do you attend med school in Chicago, jw?? If you don't feel comfortable answering then I understand

 

[487806]

I always feel like an idiot.....🙁
But that means I have to work harder than others🙂

The key to success. 👍

 

[Kaputt]

The funny thing is that most of the stuff is ridiculously easy. I call Gross Anatomy the "hardest easy course" I've ever taken in my life. The material itself is very easy, but the volume and testing methods make it the most difficult class I've ever taken. If we hypothetically had take-home exams with the whole weekend to do it, I don't think most people would have any trouble getting into the 90%+ range.

So far it's all brute memorization now, and definitely finding the actual difficulty of material to be significantly easier than undergrad, but the sheer volume makes undergrad look like pre-school. 😎

The preclinical years weren't that bad for me personally. Yeah I felt like everyone around me was smarter than me but as time went on I became more confident. Step 1 was difficult but once you reach that point you're a professional student and know what you're doing.

But once you get on the wards -- you truly realize how much of an idiot you are, and how far you have to go to become competent. The shock is pretty depressing at first.

 

[cortana431]

No, I never feel like an idiot, which isn't to say I know everything.

 

[circulus vitios]

Every day. If you never feel like an idiot then you aren't looking deep enough because if you look deep enough, any academic discipline has more than enough depth and complexity to make you feel like a complete *****.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I am in an advanced algebra class and I have SUCH a hard time learning it! We are doing functions right now and I spent hours just trying to do 20 problems.... Does anyone else ever have moments of weakness like this? I literally feel like I should just flip burgers or something for a living at the moment... If I can't do algebra, how am I supposed to think I can do well in upper level science or medical school????

What makes you feel stupid?

Are you taking this course as a high school student or are you in college? Taking college courses in high school can be challenging.

 

[Praefectus]

My dad can make me feel a little dumb sometimes. He's one of the smartest guys I've ever known and he can smell bs a mile away. That tends to be a ruthless combination.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I surround myself with less-intelligent friends so I always feel like the smartest thing ever.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

 

[flodhi1]

I am in an advanced algebra class and I have SUCH a hard time learning it! We are doing functions right now and I spent hours just trying to do 20 problems.... Does anyone else ever have moments of weakness like this? I literally feel like I should just flip burgers or something for a living at the moment... If I can't do algebra, how am I supposed to think I can do well in upper level science or medical school????

Medical school has very little to do with math so just stay positive.

 

[Samiamm]

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

Everyone has at least one subject they have difficulty with. Fortunately, you don't have to be good at algebra to do well in (or get into) medical school. Just excel in what you do best, and get through the bs along the way.

..I would say you do as most of the science courses are based on math

But that's not to say the OP will not master algebra, I'm confident he will

 

[487806]

What...? OP wants to be a physician, not a physicist. Your grades in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology really shouldn't be affected by your math skills. And the only real math you have to do in medical school is in biostatistics, and even then the math is simple.

there's nothing wrong in being a physician physicist. 😉

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Don't worry. I had to take some really dry classes which I completely despise.

Try some of the modules in the "Lessons Index" page and take it step at a time. Just view math as an obstacle that you can overcome for sure. Confidence is essentially the driving factor to success. Good luck!

Its nice seeing people being nice on SDN🙂

 

[PreMedOrDead]

there's nothing wrong in being a physician physicist. 😉

 

[flodhi1]

..I would say you do as most of the science courses are based on math

But that's not to say the OP will not master algebra, I'm confident he will

whaaaat are you talking about 😕

 

[ribbondino]

Are you taking this course as a high school student or are you in college? Taking college courses in high school can be challenging.

I'm a college student... I'm barely 19 if that helps any :/ I think I just have a problem with focusing.

 

[ribbondino]

What...? OP wants to be a physician, not a physicist. Your grades in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology really shouldn't be affected by your math skills. And the only real math you have to do in medical school is in biostatistics, and even then the math is simple.

Yeah I do fine in chem and bio, I like them. Maybe if I tricked myself into liking math I would do well in it. Is that even possible? 😕

..I would say you do as most of the science courses are based on math

But that's not to say the OP will not master algebra, I'm confident he will

But I'm a girl 🙁 Look at my avatar 😡

 

[Owlie]

Hilarious!

I feel dumber all the time, especially when I gain more knowledge about just how much physicians need to know, including surgeons. I think, "how on earth am I going to learn to do that? I might as well become a nurse!" Then I snap out of it, and realize they were once where I am at now. I can do it. One day, a miracle will happen, and I will be one cool surgeon 😎

 

[hobbity]

Feeling like an idiot from time to time is totally normal - it's the ones who think they know everything who have a problem.

Somewhat interesting tidbit (or I thought it was interesting) - Dr. Denton Cooley, a pioneering heart surgeon who after being inducted into the Academy of Achievement, said, "I've always felt that maybe one of the reasons that I did well as a student and made such good grades was because I lacked confidence. Lacked self-confidence, and I never felt that I was prepared to take an examination, and I had to study a little bit extra."

http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/printmember/coo0int-1

Learning about this gave me a little more hope when I was feeling DUMB DUMB DUMB sophomore year and struggling in orgo... So anyways, maybe feeling inadequate actually pushes us to work harder and therefore succeed 🙂