Feeling stupid

[vcfor3]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I never seem to do that well on exams, I do class average or below and I feel like I find everything we're learning difficult (not in concept but figuring out how to remember random stuff). This terrifies me 1) because we're learning stuff that will be high yield on the Step 1 and if exam scores reflect that performance looks like I'll be praying to pass it and 2) what specialty in medicine can I actually do without sucking at it if I can't really "enjoy" what I'm learning. Its kinda demoralizing when doing your best still isn't good enough or my class is just full of geniuses, am I the only one who feels dumb?? Yes I do love medicine and all that but when it turns into a memorizing contest it kinda takes the fun out of it, you know?

 

[Butler]

So I never seem to do that well on exams, I do class average or below and I feel like I find everything we're learning difficult (not in concept but figuring out how to remember random stuff). This terrifies me 1) because we're learning stuff that will be high yield on the Step 1 and if exam scores reflect that performance looks like I'll be praying to pass it and 2) what specialty in medicine can I actually do without sucking at it if I can't really "enjoy" what I'm learning. Its kinda demoralizing when doing your best still isn't good enough or my class is just full of geniuses, am I the only one who feels dumb?? Yes I do love medicine and all that but when it turns into a memorizing contest it kinda takes the fun out of it, you know?

Transitioning into medical school is difficult. You have to develop a study strategy that works. If what you did in undergrad isn't enough, try something new. Ask your classmates, ask your administrators, ask your professors for tips on success. Try studying in groups if you study alone, or study alone if you feel your studying to much in groups. I am a very visual studier, so I love drawing pictures in my notes to help jog my memory on exams. Use flash cards, use videos (great stuff on youtube nowadays), or other novel resources. Students learn at different paces, but almost everyone who matriculates can handle the curriculum if they find their own personal study rhythm. And don't forget that most of the people in your class were top of their own class prior to medical school, so the competition does tend to get stiffer, but don't let it get you down. You know what they call the student at the bottom of the class after graduation? Doctor.

 

[LoveandHate]

So I never seem to do that well on exams, I do class average or below and I feel like I find everything we're learning difficult (not in concept but figuring out how to remember random stuff). This terrifies me 1) because we're learning stuff that will be high yield on the Step 1 and if exam scores reflect that performance looks like I'll be praying to pass it and 2) what specialty in medicine can I actually do without sucking at it if I can't really "enjoy" what I'm learning. Its kinda demoralizing when doing your best still isn't good enough or my class is just full of geniuses, am I the only one who feels dumb?? Yes I do love medicine and all that but when it turns into a memorizing contest it kinda takes the fun out of it, you know?

Did you not experience this as a first year?

 

[vcfor3]

Not really as much, I did a lot better then. For some reason this year its been different, guess I need to change up my study habits and maybe do some more group studying since I do study alone (I don't go to lecture). I'm probably just ranting since I'm stressed out too, so take it with a grain of salt I guess.

 

[anbuitachi]

do you like... go to a top medical school? cause they are all smart so you shouldve expected this to be a possibility... and besides even if you are bottom of your class you are still above avg in the real world in terms of iq

 

[giantswing]

Does anyone else find it totally ironic that we all feel dumb once we're IN medical school?
With all the wisdom of a perfectly average first year, with perfectly average grades, I will say, take a step back and look at the big picture. I DO get really stressed out about the fact that I haven't honored anything when these are the "easiest" classes we'll take, but really, when I see interviewees walking around I become profoundly grateful to be where I am and not flunking out. It's okay dude. You're gonna be a doctor!

 

[2012mdc]

Not really as much, I did a lot better then. For some reason this year its been different, guess I need to change up my study habits and maybe do some more group studying since I do study alone (I don't go to lecture). I'm probably just ranting since I'm stressed out too, so take it with a grain of salt I guess.

It's good that you recognize this now. 2nd year can be very different from 1st year. Many students assume that what they did 1st year will work 2nd year which is not always the case.

Does anyone else find it totally ironic that we all feel dumb once we're IN medical school?
With all the wisdom of a perfectly average first year, with perfectly average grades, I will say, take a step back and look at the big picture. I DO get really stressed out about the fact that I haven't honored anything when these are the "easiest" classes we'll take, but really, when I see interviewees walking around I become profoundly grateful to be where I am and not flunking out. It's okay dude. You're gonna be a doctor!

No because med school has so much information that most people feel overwhelmed at some point. And 1st yr isn't necessarily easier than 2nd. Our 1st module 1st year had the lowest percentage of A's of any class we had the 1st 2 years.