Feedback on an unprecedented poor freshman year

[deleted684328]

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Hi all,

I am currently in my second semester at CSULB, and I wanted some feedback and advice regarding my overall performance this year and my academic plan for next semester.

Here are my classes, and their respective units and grades:

Semester 1

1. Introduction to Chemistry (Units: 4) (Grade: Credit)
2. Comparative World Literature (Units: 3) (Grade: B)
3. Precalculus Algebra (Units: 3) (Grade: B)
4. Introduction to Acting (Units: 3) (Grade: B)
5. Freshman Experience Success Program I (Units: 1) (Grade: A)

> GPA: 3.10

Semester 2

1. Composition II (Units: 3) (Anticipated Grade: A)
2. Survey of Calculus I (Units: 3) (Anticipated Grade: C)
3. Introduction to Evolution and Diversity (Units: 4) (Anticipated Grade: C)
4. General Chemistry (Units: 5) (Anticipated Grade: B/C)
5. Freshman Experience Success Program II (Units: 1) (Anticipated Grade: A)

> Anticipated GPA: 2.50 to 2.81

>>> Anticipated Cumulative GPA: 2.73 to 2.92 <<<

Context and Background:

I'm set on going to medical school for various reasons. Among these include my profound interest in science and my urge to expand and contribute to the field of medicine. The main message that I want to get across is that my motivation to go to medical school is one that isn't trivial, impersonal, or wavering.

Just for context, I graduated high school with a 3.5 unweighted cumulative GPA and a 3.7 weighted cumulative GPA. I took numerous AP courses, all of which I passed with a 3, and had a relatively strong extracurricular background.

In regards to my current grades, I greatly overestimated my ability to adapt to college.

In my first semester, I didn't expect that the slight slack or leniency I allowed in my work would be the difference in between an A and a B in my courses. I also didn't realize how drastically one letter grade, in addition to its respective units, would affect my GPA.

In comparison to my first semester, this semester has been extremely stressful and much more difficult. This is my first semester with a full science coursework load. I find it frustrating that I am doing poorly because my courses are not ridiculously difficult. My main challenge has been with balancing my time so that I can adequately and efficiently study and cover all of the material. In addition to this, I have had some personal issues (related to relationships) that have affected my ability to focus.

Outlook for Next Semester:

I originally intended to graduate in four years as a Microbiology major with a minor in computer science. With this semester in mind, I have decided that I will not be pursuing a minor, and that a more realistic timeframe for graduation would be five years.

I want to slightly lighten my course load so that I can focus on the quality of my education and my academic performance. My hope is that I will graduate will a cumulative GPA somewhere between 3.5 and 3.7.

I am already doing research in a Microbiology lab, and hope to continue with this next semester. I am volunteering at a local hospital in the emergency room, and also looking to start a more specialized volunteer program (MAPS) at UCLA this summer. I am lightly involved with two health-related clubs on campus, and have personal interests in playing the piano, muay thai, and traveling.

Anywho, I'd just really appreciate some feedback on my prospective outlook for medical school, and what I can do to ensure that I will be applying as a competitive applicant. Thank you for taking the time to read this extensive post from a stressed out pre-med who has been suffering from I'm-going-to-fail-at-life-syndrome and has had nothing on her mind expect her grades and GPA these past few weeks.

 

[referee3]

Party less, watch less Netflix, retake med school prereqs you did not get a or b in and make sure to only get a's from here on out. It will be very difficult to get your GPA up to a 3.5 or 3.7. Also anticipate on taking a gap year as you will need your senior year grades to help your GPA.

 

[Mad Jack]

Lightening your course load next semester is a good start- you need to learn to walk before you can run. Now, your major issues seem to fall in two categories: time management and compartmentalization. You need to learn self-discipline, because things are only going to get harder from here. Set daily goals for yourself in regard to studying, achievable goals that make the material more digestible.

Now, in regard to compartmentalization- you need to separate your relationships from your school performance, because you will have many things that go bad over the years- breakups, fights, illnesses, potentially even the death of a loved one- and you need to be able to keep performing well no matter what happens. Sure, someone might have broken up with you or cheated on you or whatever, but if you let yourself fail that next test, that person you will hardly remember in five years will have cost you more than just emotional pain, you'll have let them damage your future. Don't let that happen- you've got so much life left to live, don't let shortsighted emotions that will be gone in a few weeks or months wreck it.

From here on out, you need to do extremely well. Even Bs are going to hurt, as you're rebuilding your GPA and starting from a point of weakness. If you want to succeed, you need to give this everything- go to every lecture, read every chapter, get tutoring, whatever it takes to make sure you master the material. You need As and A-s from here on out, so if you really want to be a doctor, you'd better be ready to put in the time to earn those grades.

 

[DrHart]

Adjusting to college can be difficult, but admissions looks favorably upon an upward trend. Ending the first year on a 2.92 isn't the end of the world. But as Mad Jack said, from here on out you really gotta hunker down.

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

There are tangible steps you can take to improve- most schools have free academic help centers and tutors that are generally underutilized. Telling someone to pull themselves up by their bootstraps alone after a bad semester (and an impending summer break) assumes that they have the tools to succeed in the first place. Some people are actually unprepared for the rigor of college and it's not their fault. Make a point to learn from people who are successful (classmates), use all your resources (tutors), and, most of all, be collaborative. When you work alone it's hard to see how much work you should be doing, which is why you may have trouble balancing your time. Not everyone is an untapped genius who can decide to turn from a 3.0 to a 4.0 on a whim.

 

[hmockingbird]

There are tangible steps you can take to improve- most schools have free academic help centers and tutors that are generally underutilized. Telling someone to pull themselves up by their bootstraps alone after a bad semester (and an impending summer break) assumes that they have the tools to succeed in the first place. Some people are actually unprepared for the rigor of college and it's not their fault. Make a point to learn from people who are successful (classmates), use all your resources (tutors), and, most of all, be collaborative. When you work alone it's hard to see how much work you should be doing, which is why you may have trouble balancing your time. Not everyone is an untapped genius who can decide to turn from a 3.0 to a 4.0 on a whim.

Yep. OP should have access to tutors and academic counselors through their college - take advantage of that! Study groups are also good, as well as going to professors' office hours. For many people it's a big adjustment to get used to college-level work/expectations and doing the time management all on your own, and that's OK, but the best thing to do is reach out for help.

Consider looking at particular areas you are weak in. For example, many people find that their study skills from HS don't cut it in college, either because they are inefficient or just don't go in depth enough, etc. Another area people struggle with is often college grades are just based on tests, while in HS you had homework/quizzes/etc to keep you on track and boost your grade. Another one I see on here a lot is not having a good idea of what the professor will put on the test. Once you can find areas that were a downfall for you, brainstorm ways you can reach out for help improving them, whether it's as simple as creating a study plan with a friend from a class, going to office hours or meeting with an academic counselor for formal advice.

Lightening your load next semester and taking that time to improve your skills is a good idea. But also keep in mind that medical school is a fast-track environment and you can't do the five-year plan, so your ultimate goal should be to improve your study skills so that you can take a full college course load.

 

[NeuResurgens]

Don't worry too terribly much - most freshmen have a rough start to college. You just need to be willing to adapt. As posters above said, lightening your course load is a good start - you crammed some pretty heavy classes all together into two semesters. I'd advise taking two or three "dense" courses with some cores on the side.

I also echo the above sentiment that you may need to sacrifice a bit. You may have to forgo some social things and some of the time wasting activities in your life in order to focus on school. If you keep working at it and exploring different study habits, you'll be able to find what works for you and do better.

 

[deleted684328]

Thank you all for the quick and insightful responses. I'm starting to put the rest of my academic college career into perspective.

I have to admit that most of the strategies or ideas that were mentioned in the replies are not unfamiliar to me. Before I started my first semester, I had planned to be the ideal premedical student. I set so many expectations for myself, and in reality, the transition to college made all of the plans I had envisioned so much harder in application.

I have some additional questions, if any of you could provide some guidance. It would be much appreciated.

1. Should I spread out my GE courses and take 1-2 every semester in addition to my science classes/ premedical prerequisites? Or, should I knock them down as fast as I can?

The reason as to why I'm asking this is question is because I had originally planned to spread out my GE courses. However, my lab supervisor mentioned how she personally found it advantageous to knock all of the GEs down so that she was able to attribute more time and focus just toward her science classes.

2. Should I take Survey of Calculus II?

At my university, Survey of Calculus I/II is essentially a normal calculus class, excluding the trigonometry normally included with it. These courses are only applicable towards students who are majoring in the biological sciences.

I saw that many medical schools strongly suggest a year of math. However, I'm not sure if it is necessary for me to take another semester of Calculus. If I have already taken one semester, and look to take a Biostatistics course, would this be acceptable or would be this make me a less competitive applicant?

3. Are there any recommendations as to what I can do this summer to improve my premedical resume?

I am planning to take two history courses that are required for my GEs at a CC. I'm also looking to get a part-time job at a retail store. I will continue to volunteer in the ER at my local hospital, and volunteer at the UCLA Maps Program. Should I be doing more than this?

 

[Goro]

Seek out your school's learning or education center for help with time mgt., study skills, test taking strategies, etc.

 

[NeuResurgens]

1. Should I spread out my GE courses and take 1-2 every semester in addition to my science classes/ premedical prerequisites? Or, should I knock them down as fast as I can?

2. Should I take Survey of Calculus II?

3. Are there any recommendations as to what I can do this summer to improve my premedical resume?

1. I've tended to spread mine out because they're easier than your science courses. However, some people hate core and want to get right to what they like. It's your own choice on this one - do what you think will afford you the best GPA result.
2. Biostats would be great, and you could combine the semester of that with another semester of another college-level math course in order to satisfy the year-of-math requirement. Calculus fits this bill nicely, so if you think you can handle it, go for it.
3. Not bad plans, especially if this is your first summer off. For summers after this one, consider the following: research fellowships, clinical jobs/certifications, committed non-clinical or community volunteering in something you're passionate about. What you currently have are good activities, but look to expand on them in future summers.

 

[deleted577188]

Drop the minor if you can't keep solid grades in your major.

 

[meander]

Take another math course if you can get an A. Getting an A in the next course in the sequence would make your B and C look a hell of a lot better. If you can't get an A, you'll only be making yourself look worse with an unnecessary course.

 

[ridethecliche]

My first semester was a 3.16 and I had a semester junior year that was below a 3, but has a good explanation (injuries).

That said, the rest I did decently on and ended with a 3.56 or thereabouts.

Point is, you need to figure out how to study and do a good job with it from here on out or you're going to have to spend a year or two retaking classes and spending lots of money to do so.

 

[deleted684328]

Take another math course if you can get an A. Getting an A in the next course in the sequence would make your B and C look a hell of a lot better. If you can't get an A, you'll only be making yourself look worse with an unnecessary course.

I'm required to take Biostatistics for my major. I'm just wondering if a combination of my C in Survey of Calculus I with a semester of biostatistics would make me a less competitive applicant. Should I also go for another semester of Calculus in addition to Biostatistics or is it unnecessary?

 

[Furan]

Seek out your school's learning or education center for help with time mgt., study skills, test taking strategies, etc.

I mean this respectfully, but this seems to be a common recommendation from the older generation of academia toward students that are struggling and I think it's very lazy advice at best. These "learning centers" would be more appropriately called "common-sense-regurgitation centers" as they are about as helpful as telling someone with financial problems that they need to make a budget.

If anything, most students I've associated with that have actually adopted these strategies frequently say it does more harm than good. They always recommend tools that may have worked back when people actually made non-digital "to-do" lists, but today are just unnecessary time sinks. The OP is 18 or 19 years old, hit a small bump in the road (which makes him like every human being since the beginning of time), and just needs to wake the **** up. He knows how to manage his time and study, he just needs the will power to do it; not some detached robot offering pseudotherapy masquerading as help.

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

He knows how to manage his time and study, he just needs the will power to do it; not some detached robot offering pseudotherapy masquerading as help.

When OP says "My main challenge has been with balancing my time so that I can adequately and efficiently study and cover all of the material", by definition they do not know how to manage their time. These resources are a convenient way of getting a mentor in the area/major you're struggling with and the C's in science courses suggest that this could be helpful.

 

[NeuResurgens]

I mean this respectfully, but this seems to be a common recommendation from the older generation of academia toward students that are struggling and I think it's very lazy advice at best. These "learning centers" would be more appropriately called "common-sense-regurgitation centers" as they are about as helpful as telling someone with financial problems that they need to make a budget.

If anything, most students I've associated with that have actually adopted these strategies frequently say it does more harm than good. They always recommend tools that may have worked back when people actually made non-digital "to-do" lists, but today are just unnecessary time sinks. The OP is 18 or 19 years old, hit a small bump in the road (which makes him like every human being since the beginning of time), and just needs to wake the **** up. He knows how to manage his time and study, he just needs the will power to do it; not some detached robot offering pseudotherapy masquerading as help.

Sometimes it's not a matter of coming up with a new revolutionary study strategy.. Sometimes you just need to finally internalize what you've been told for years. I had learned several study strategies in high school, but because it was never hard for me I didn't use them. I got smacked my first semester and went to the study center and got mentoring from other students on the same strategies I had heard before, but this time I actually was actively engaged in learning what worked for me, and after a lot of practice I got the hang of it. Sometimes you need someone to mentor you through the "common sense" stuff in order to really get it to work for you.

That being said, not all learning centers are created equal, so maybe my experience was a bit better than yours. It's up to the student to determine whether that resource will be useful in his or her own particular case.

 

[meander]

I'm required to take Biostatistics for my major. I'm just wondering if a combination of my C in Survey of Calculus I with a semester of biostatistics would make me a less competitive applicant. Should I also go for another semester of Calculus in addition to Biostatistics or is it unnecessary?

We're really getting into the weeds here. I don't think an A in calculus in addition to biostats would do anything special for your application except for the fact that it would be another A, which you need for your GPA. As I said, do not under any circumstances take any more math classes unless you're going to do well.

 

[deleted684328]

Here's an update. The grades I originally anticipated for this semester may actually end up being better than I expected.

I'm going to work extremely hard in the remaining of my semester to secure my B in Chemistry and Biology, and a possible B in Math. Math's a bit more iffy, but with these grades in consideration, I'd be looking at a cumulative GPA of 3.08 - 3.19.

 

[NeuResurgens]

Here's an update. The grades I originally anticipated for this semester may actually end up being better than I expected.

I'm going to work extremely hard in the remaining of my semester to secure my B in Chemistry and Biology, and a possible B in Math. Math's a bit more iffy, but with these grades in consideration, I'd be looking at a cumulative GPA of 3.08 - 3.19.

Good to hear. If you can power up your study habits and salvage your grades this semester, you're more likely to hit the next semester running too. College simply takes a lot more work than high school did and it's an adjustment!