Failed a Class

[PTdude]

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So I just failed a class midway through my 2nd year of my DPT program. My grades started off well at the beginning of the program but have steadily slipped since. If I get the option to sit out a year and re-take the class, should I do it? I worry that I could waste more time/money if I'll just fail later in the program. Also re-scheduling my clinical sites sounds like a pain. And if I choose not to re-take the class/quit school, what options do I have for a new career? Thanks in advance guys

 

[Azimuthal]

What are your options? What does your handbook say about class failures?

 

[PTdude]

I'm going to a meeting in a week to determine if they'll allow me to sit out a year and re-take the course to continue with the program. Otherwise I'll have to drop out. I was just wondering what kind of options I might have if that happened. Also if they do allow me to re-take the class, I'm considering dropping out anyway since my grades have been slipping the last two semesters. Just wondering what you guys think about this. Thanks for responding btw

 

[ayyntee]

Is there a reason why you are choosing to drop out? Is physical therapy not what you want to do or study anymore? Is the material too hard? You might need to give us some background info before we can give you some advice.

 

[PTdude]

If I have to re-take the class and postpone my graduation for a year, I'm wondering if I'll be able to handle more difficult material later. I guess I'm trying to see if other people have re-taken classes and still succeeded further in the curriculum.

 

[ayyntee]

I would say do what you can to understand the material. It might be easier said than done, but if this is the career path you want to continue to pursue, you might have to fight for it. This is probably a wake up call that tells you, I need to study more, and sleep less to make sure that I am retaining all the information. Get a tutor or a study partner if that helps. Others who have been in your situation might have better advice, but I wish you the best and hope you make a decision that you feel happy about in the end.

 

[markelmarcel]

One of my best friends in the program I went to had to re-take a class... Although it sucked that she had to wait a whole year, she came back and was stronger for it and didn't have any issues in other classes. (It was also a second year course). So, it can definitely turn out for the positive!

 

[PTdude]

Thanks guys. If for some circumstance I get dismissed from the program, what kind of career should I try to get into? It would be a shame to waste all the things I've learned so far

 

[DesertPT]

Thanks guys. If for some circumstance I get dismissed from the program, what kind of career should I try to get into? It would be a shame to waste all the things I've learned so far

Cross that bridge when you get to it.

 

[DesertPT]

So any updates? What ended up happening? If you don't mind me asking.

 

[PTdude]

Update: So I met with the faculty today and they told me I could continue in the program if I brought my cumulative GPA up to a 3.0 after this upcoming semester. In order to do that I would have to get a 3.5 GPA. They seemed almost reluctant to grant me that and expressed great concern over my ability to handle more challenging/integrated material. I obviously would love to continue on through the program, but I'm not sure if a 3.5 is possible for me (only my first semester was over 3.5). At this point my only real concern is that taking out more loans/renewing my 12 month apartment lease could backfire if I was dismissed from the program. Then I would be stuck in an apartment that I couldn't pay for the next 8 months after next semester. Should I just study really hard and go for it?

 

[DesertPT]

That's awesome man! Study hard and go for it! You can get a 3.5 this semester if you put the work into it, no doubt about that. No way do I think you should voluntarily leave PT schools when you have worked so hard to get there and you have been offered the chance to stay.

If you leave that is an empty seat in the program that could have gone to someone else who didn't get accepted in the first place. Just food for thought...

 

[DPT_powelift]

I agree with the above posts, go for it!

Study harder, treat it like a 60 hour/week job to study and integrate all the material together. If you do well studying alone tell your study group that you need more alone time. If you study better in a group ask your classmates for help. If one of my classmates was in this situation I would do everything I could to help he/she make it through! And I'm sure a lot of your classmates understand your situation ask for help and stick with it.

 

[Azimuthal]

I'm not big on the encouraging thing for adults, but I'll give it a try. You WILL get a 3.5+. No questions about it if you're willing to throw down for it.

Meet with professors regularly. They do not want to fail students. When reviewing the syllabi, focus on the objectives. They may inadvertently give out hints through their answers. Don't be afraid to ask for a review email or 10-15 min review the class before exams. Some will do it, some will not.

Review lecture notes quickly before class. Review lecture notes for understanding after class. Found some extra time after dinner? Oh no my friend, that means you have more reviewing to do. Get 8 hours of sleep a day. Review materials before bed and let that information sink in. Don't worry about not being able to memorize and apply everything. That's what your weekends are for.

Your weekends are gone, they are now for test prep only. Use a multi-retention approach to memorizing the materials. Use a systematic list and go down the line. Start with the big picture (subjects) to small picture (definitions). Memorize the topics (if you don't know them) and then define them. Write things down, turn around and recite, repeat. Don't sit there rewriting notes. Use a white board. Studies have shown if you're on your feet and use more than 1 stimuli, you retain easier. Also if you have to memorize precautions, etc., use a 3-2-4 method. Like how your social security # is set up, but as a list. Set a schedule and keep to it. If you didn't finish reviewing the course you're studying by the set time, too bad, move on and spread the energy for all the classes. Recite, recite, recite...

It's a numbers game. Prioritize the units accordingly. I hate to give that advice but you need a 3.5. One term of hell will help build character, not to mention a career. I rode the struggle bus through the first year. If I can do it, so can you. Good luck to you.

 

[okramango]

Azi, can you explain that 3-2-4 method?

PTdude, yes, you absolutely can get a 3.5 if you set your mind to it. Lots of great advice here on how to do it. Don't waste this second chance that you've been given!

 

[PTMattI]

Just buckle down hard for this one semester, you can get this done!

 

[Azimuthal]

Azi, can you explain that 3-2-4 method?

PTdude, yes, you absolutely can get a 3.5 if you set your mind to it. Lots of great advice here on how to do it. Don't waste this second chance that you've been given!

It's a method for memorizing information. The numbers are for reference, nothing more. If you have 10 things to remember for a subject, you memorize the first 3, then the next 2, then 4 more and then the remaining. You don't move forward until you have gotten the set memorized. So, you concentrate on the first 3 until you can recite the information confidently, before moving on to the next 2.

I do that with big picture to little picture. When I have the subjects, key words, etc. memorized, I go back to define them or elaborate on the topic further in detail, using the same 3-2-4 method.

This strategy is called "chunking", you see it all the time in social security numbers, phone numbers, locker codes, etc. Why 3-2-4 in this case? I don't know, but it works. 😀

 

[ayyntee]

I would say go for it, and work your butt off. Don't underestimate your abilities, you can do it! You got into PT school for a reason. A lot of people here are rooting for you, as well as myself. Preparation and dedication are key, you just have to stay motivated! Don't quit now, otherwise you might look back and say what if...give it your all, that's all you can do!

 

[okramango]

It's a method for memorizing information. The numbers are for reference, nothing more. If you have 10 things to remember for a subject, you memorize the first 3, then the next 2, then 4 more and then the remaining. You don't move forward until you have gotten the set memorized. So, you concentrate on the first 3 until you can recite the information confidently, before moving on to the next 2.

I do that with big picture to little picture. When I have the subjects, key words, etc. memorized, I go back to define them or elaborate on the topic further in detail, using the same 3-2-4 method.

This strategy is called "chunking", you see it all the time in social security numbers, phone numbers, locker codes, etc. Why 3-2-4 in this case? I don't know, but it works. 😀

Thanks, I'll give it a try! I'm terrible at pure memorization, and there's so much of it in PT school 😉

 

[PTdude]

Thanks guys, I'm definitely going to give it my all and hopefully it works out. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[SeaPT]

Keep us updated and good luck!!