Feeling super burnt out...reconsidering premed?

[treasure_yourself]

Hello all,
I'm entering my 3rd year of undergrad. Cell bio major, worked my tail off the first two years, have a 3.75 and am suddenly feeling incredibly burnt out. I'm taking summer classes right now (just bio 2) but I took classes last summer too (Ochem) and am just struggle-bussing so hard since I've been working non-stop. I killed bio 1 with a notoriously hard teacher and got an A easily out of it. I took a bio 2 test today, and I'll be ecstatic with an 80 on it, honestly. Has anyone ever gone through this? Biology is my best subject but I just feel so lazy. I try my hardest to study but my mind just can't absorb the information when I read.

This makes me seriously reconsider my major. I am a huge stressor- I put tons of pressure on myself- and I just feel as though a career in medicine would be too much for me, although I feel passionate about medicine. From reading reports and such, it seems as though doctors- if given the choice- would not rechoose medicine. This frightens me. I always feel like I can't get into medical school cause of how cut throat it is, yet I feel as though I would regret my decision. Not to sound conceited or cocky or anything (cause I am actually the most critical person on myself), I would feel so guilty to not have tried medicine when there are so many premeds (at least at my school) who are just not good people...you know? They're either lazy, irresponsible, or just plain terrible people with bad intentions.

Anyway, sorry if this is a long post. I'm just feeling kind of disheartened right now. The premed path is not easy. The struggle is so real. Any suggestions?

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[Jojokarade]

First off, take a deep breath. Second, find something that helps you to relax. You have lost balance. While studying extremely hard is great, if it is the only thing you do, all that will happen is a crash and burn. It sounds counter-intuitive, but taking breaks to do other things actually helps you to refocus. My first year of medical school all I did was study. I was tired all the time and did ok. During the second half of first year I started doing other things in addition to studying. I would spend more time with friends, I would go running, etc. When I went back to studying, I was more focused and happier. I ended up doing amazing second semester.

Hang in there. Everyone goes through that struggle and it will come at different times. Just keep your eye on what you want, find some balance, and you will make it through.

 

[treasure_yourself]

First off, take a deep breath. Second, find something that helps you to relax. You have lost balance. While studying extremely hard is great, if it is the only thing you do, all that will happen is a crash and burn. It sounds counter-intuitive, but taking breaks to do other things actually helps you to refocus. My first year of medical school all I did was study. I was tired all the time and did ok. During the second half of first year I started doing other things in addition to studying. I would spend more time with friends, I would go running, etc. When I went back to studying, I was more focused and happier. I ended up doing amazing second semester.

Hang in there. Everyone goes through that struggle and it will come at different times. Just keep your eye on what you want, find some balance, and you will make it through.

Wow that was a perfect response. All I do is study and do other premedy-ish things that are just required nowadays for applicants it seems. I do enjoy the science material, it's just the tests and grades and everything that makes it sooooo not enjoyable.

Here is my dilemma: I am stuck taking bio 2 for the summer! I wish I could drop it, yet that would give me a big fat W on my transcript on top of losing summer tuition (plus I would have to retake it which would be annoying). It also concerns me that I am burnt out after only 2 years of undergrad. What do you suggest??

 

[Jojokarade]

One W on your transcript isn't bad, but losing the tuition is not fun. I remember my sophomore year being very tough and I know what you are going though. I would say stick with it and go study at a park or something outside. I hated taking summer classes, but when I had to, I always studied outside and it made it just a little bit better. Once you figure out what you want your major to be, things will get better because you are engrossed in the material you really want to study.

Just remember to always have balance otherwise you will get eaten alive.

 

[AlteredScale]

Hello all,
I'm entering my 3rd year of undergrad. Cell bio major, worked my tail off the first two years, have a 3.75 and am suddenly feeling incredibly burnt out. I'm taking summer classes right now (just bio 2) but I took classes last summer too (Ochem) and am just struggle-bussing so hard since I've been working non-stop. I killed bio 1 with a notoriously hard teacher and got an A easily out of it. I took a bio 2 test today, and I'll be ecstatic with an 80 on it, honestly. Has anyone ever gone through this? Biology is my best subject but I just feel so lazy. I try my hardest to study but my mind just can't absorb the information when I read.

This makes me seriously reconsider my major. I am a huge stressor- I put tons of pressure on myself- and I just feel as though a career in medicine would be too much for me, although I feel passionate about medicine. From reading reports and such, it seems as though doctors- if given the choice- would not rechoose medicine. This frightens me. I always feel like I can't get into medical school cause of how cut throat it is, yet I feel as though I would regret my decision. Not to sound conceited or cocky or anything (cause I am actually the most critical person on myself), I would feel so guilty to not have tried medicine when there are so many premeds (at least at my school) who are just not good people...you know? They're either lazy, irresponsible, or just plain terrible people with bad intentions.

Anyway, sorry if this is a long post. I'm just feeling kind of disheartened right now. The premed path is not easy. The struggle is so real. Any suggestions?

Don't let classes thwart your decision. Do a hobby to get your mind off of pre med for a while. Complete your classes and think "I'm just going to get the grade, I don't know nor do I care at this point where my future lies" and let that sit for a while. It will help you. And when you come back still wanting to do medicine you'll find that invigoration again.

Be careful with comparing yourself to other premeds. This is your journey.

 

[allantois]

Don't take summers unless you absolutely have to - it sounds like you could really benefit from a semester off. You don't have to pursue the hardest Bio concentration (that's assuming there are other concentrations besides cell bio). Don't compare yourself to other pre-meds and do not go with the bad flow.

 

[lobo.solo]

A W won't kill your chances though if you decide to drop... My advice is to take it easy next semester, exercise, engage in a hobby. Also, try to get sufficient sleep everyday, this helps a lot.

 

[BrCo]

We aren't machines. It sounds like you need to find some balance away from academics. I got to a point in my education where I realized my grades were more dependent upon my mental health and life balance than the amount of time I put into studying.

I busted my ass for like 3 years - 20+ credits every semester. My senior year I had 6 credits the first semester and 10 the next. If I hadn't of taken those breaks I definitely would not have been able to continue. It's not a sprint, but a marathon.

Hello all,
I'm entering my 3rd year of undergrad. Cell bio major, worked my tail off the first two years, have a 3.75 and am suddenly feeling incredibly burnt out. I'm taking summer classes right now (just bio 2) but I took classes last summer too (Ochem) and am just struggle-bussing so hard since I've been working non-stop. I killed bio 1 with a notoriously hard teacher and got an A easily out of it. I took a bio 2 test today, and I'll be ecstatic with an 80 on it, honestly. Has anyone ever gone through this? Biology is my best subject but I just feel so lazy. I try my hardest to study but my mind just can't absorb the information when I read.

This makes me seriously reconsider my major. I am a huge stressor- I put tons of pressure on myself- and I just feel as though a career in medicine would be too much for me, although I feel passionate about medicine. From reading reports and such, it seems as though doctors- if given the choice- would not rechoose medicine. This frightens me. I always feel like I can't get into medical school cause of how cut throat it is, yet I feel as though I would regret my decision. Not to sound conceited or cocky or anything (cause I am actually the most critical person on myself), I would feel so guilty to not have tried medicine when there are so many premeds (at least at my school) who are just not good people...you know? They're either lazy, irresponsible, or just plain terrible people with bad intentions.

Anyway, sorry if this is a long post. I'm just feeling kind of disheartened right now. The premed path is not easy. The struggle is so real. Any suggestions?

 

[treasure_yourself]

Sometimes I think about changing my major to pharmacy just because I think pharmacy is a more lax, easier but stable job. I think I have the stats to very easily get into pharmacy school right now; yet my biggest concern is that I will regret my decision to not try medical school later on in life. However, I put myself down a lot and say "Oh you won't get in, you're not good enough." Like I said, I am a huge critic to myself, so I fear that continuing to medical school and becoming a doctor would not be good for my mental health in such a stressful field; yet, I feel very passionate towards medicine, and I think that I am a caring and good person who truly wants to help others.

As you can see, I am burned out after only 2 years of undergrad... I'm concerned that this could lead to worse things in med school or residency or job!!

Edit: Thank you all for the encouraging words. I feel I need a break from academics as well, but I just don't know how long of a break. I feel like the passion to do well is not a switch that can be turned on or off...it's more of a lightbulb or a feeling you suddenly get, and I just don't know when I will get that feeling back. :-/

 

[Blizzard18]

Why do you have a 3.75 at the end of sophomore year? From my experience, the classes only get harder. I'd definitely sit down and reevaluate your career choice because the next two years are going to be far more work on much harder subjects (so longer study sessions). And you need at least a 3.8 or more to be looking competitive. Not that a 3.75 is bad but when you're going against 3.9-4.0; they won't even look at the rest of your application. From what I've heard, they pick the top sets of GPAs and MCAT scores, trash the lower sets, and then look at the rest of the application. Your GPA is something you can control unlike the mcat which ends up being a lot of "how well I prepared that one day of my life".

I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk, if want any advice I'm here to offer it. But you really should make sure the next two years of your life for a chance to get in to something you might not even want to do is worth wasting. Because it's very lonely and tiresome.

 

[el_duderino]

Why do you have a 3.75 at the end of sophomore year? From my experience, the classes only get harder. I'd definitely sit down and reevaluate your career choice because the next two years are going to be far more work on much harder subjects (so longer study sessions). And you need at least a 3.8 or more to be looking competitive. Not that a 3.75 is bad but when you're going against 3.9-4.0; they won't even look at the rest of your application. From what I've heard, they pick the top sets of GPAs and MCAT scores, trash the lower sets, and then look at the rest of the application. Your GPA is something you can control unlike the mcat which ends up being a lot of "how well I prepared that one day of my life".

I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk, if want any advice I'm here to offer it. But you really should make sure the next two years of your life for a chance to get in to something you might not even want to do is worth wasting. Because it's very lonely and tiresome.

.... What? 3.75 is fine, and to imply that 3.75 students get their apps tossed out is crazy SDN paranoia. 3.75 is above the average GPA for matriculation at MD programs. And GPA is "something you can control unlike the MCAT"? What? Come on man.

OP, just take it easy. Take your summers off and look forward to a gap year or two. Slog it out for now. Don't make the mistake I made and not finish your degree or something. The road can look endless and hopeless, but what you need is something besides school to look forward to, I think. Plan on spending a year with the Peace Corps after you graduate, or something like that.

 

[TheRealLurker]

I think the key word here is balance bud. Quit taking classes 365 (unless absolutely necessary...with which I still disagree) and find time for yourself to live and breathe. My junior year was easily my worst due to class load and MCAT studying, but the reason I made it through was the activities and involvements that kept me afloat and happy (sports, lifting, music, friends, etc.). Maybe find something academic but also interesting/rewarding as well (service was key for me).

If you don't feel slightly burnt out, it just means you aren't pushing yourself hard enough. Medicine is far from a simple, 9-5 field. However, you have to grant yourself some ability to relax and regain your strength. You're still in undergrad - ENJOY it.

P.S. - I actually raised my GPA during my junior year as compared to my sophomore year even though the classes got harder, so perhaps I'm the anomaly, but it's possible to keep going up instead of down.

 

[treasure_yourself]

Lol if a 3.75 isn't good enough for medical school after sophomore year (ochem, physics, bio, chemistry, biochem) then the world of medicine is doomed. Actually my grades have had an upward trend. I just know how to study now.

Thanks guys. I plan to take a year or two off after undergrad to travel and find my exploration. I think I'm going to await my test score back and evaluate dropping.

 

[Low Flow]

Yeah, definitely don't listen to that guy lol. 3.75 is stellar with the right ECs and MCAT to supplement it. I actually really enjoyed summer classes since it was only 1 class at a time. Gives you a lot more free time to do what you please. Are you a morning or evening person? Find out when you can read and focus best, get a solid 2 hours or so of studying done every day in that time period, and relax the rest of the day.

Definitely don't drop the course though. Unnecessary, and will only hurt you in the end. Just tough through it.

 

[Alucard6]

I think sophomore year is probably one of the hardest years if you take cell bio and organic chemistry...as well as genetics for some people. That year for me was absolutely brutal and I felt like I was going to burn out too, but you have to strive through that.

Honestly once you get through the pre-med requirements, everything begins to open up. You now have a choice of what you want to take science wise, and personally, your schedule opens up a lot for other activities. I enjoyed my junior year so much more because I was not held down by all the classes I was REQUIRED to take. Instead I took the science classes I enjoyed and also took some non-science classes as well out of sheer interest.

Burning out definitely happens, but as time goes on you get more comfortable as a pre-med student and your options open up to allow you more breathing room.

 

[MrLogan13]

A single W isn't going to kill you, but if you decide to stick it out, you need to find some balance in your life. You need some hobbies and a social life, have some fun, man. If all you have is your academics, you're going to feel the grind, as you're learning.

 

[WorldChanger36]

Withdraw and take the rest of the summer off. Getting into med school isn't a race take your time.

 

[boomshaketheroom]

Why summer classes?

Why do you have a 3.75 at the end of sophomore year? From my experience, the classes only get harder. I'd definitely sit down and reevaluate your career choice because the next two years are going to be far more work on much harder subjects (so longer study sessions). And you need at least a 3.8 or more to be looking competitive. Not that a 3.75 is bad but when you're going against 3.9-4.0; they won't even look at the rest of your application. From what I've heard, they pick the top sets of GPAs and MCAT scores, trash the lower sets, and then look at the rest of the application. Your GPA is something you can control unlike the mcat which ends up being a lot of "how well I prepared that one day of my life".

I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk, if want any advice I'm here to offer it. But you really should make sure the next two years of your life for a chance to get in to something you might not even want to do is worth wasting. Because it's very lonely and tiresome.

3.3 GPA here (rounded up) and will be an MD in 4 years... Also, you can control your MCAT. Study more and study smart and you will do well. Getting a bad grade means you didn't prepare well, not that you got unlucky.

 

[youmed]

If you find a hobby (no matter how little it is going to contribute to your med school application), then your life will be much better. Don't stress too much about GPA. I spent so much time and energy on maintaining/raising my GPA that my life was nothing more than studying endlessly, day in day out. And that is not worth it; you need to be able to do the things you want to do.

The time you spend not studying may at first seem like a waste of time but you will slowly appreciate the time you spend away from studying and will make you live a more fulfilling life.

 

[starstarie]

Why do you have a 3.75 at the end of sophomore year? From my experience, the classes only get harder. I'd definitely sit down and reevaluate your career choice because the next two years are going to be far more work on much harder subjects (so longer study sessions). And you need at least a 3.8 or more to be looking competitive. Not that a 3.75 is bad but when you're going against 3.9-4.0; they won't even look at the rest of your application. From what I've heard, they pick the top sets of GPAs and MCAT scores, trash the lower sets, and then look at the rest of the application. Your GPA is something you can control unlike the mcat which ends up being a lot of "how well I prepared that one day of my life".

I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk, if want any advice I'm here to offer it. But you really should make sure the next two years of your life for a chance to get in to something you might not even want to do is worth wasting. Because it's very lonely and tiresome.

I agree with others, you have no idea what you are talking about. I got a 3.6 my first semester and ended with a 3.84 by the end, with all As my last semester. In fact, this looks better than starting strong and having a downward trend.

OP, I went through a similar situation. By the time I finished college I was so extremely burned out. I decided to take the MCAT in the fall after I graduated (as opposed to senior year) and take a year off, which became 4 years. Now I am happily finished my first year of med school at my top choice school. I am so happy with how things turned out and my decision to take time off. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who feels burned out. I enjoyed my early 20's and got to travel, work and get a lot of exciting experiences (including a lot that have helped me in school now). Now that I am back in school I am so refreshed and ready to go. I LOVE studying now and appreciate every moment (ok... not QUITE every moment...). PM me if you are interested in more details, I would love to share!

 

[treasure_yourself]

Thank you all SO MUCH for the encouraging words! I feel as though you are all speaking to my soul (except the whole 3.75 thing not being good enough, lol).

I do plan on taking time off after college to re-center myself. I would love to travel, volunteer abroad, take the MCAT then, etc.

I took bio 2 over the summer because after the end of this spring semester, I felt fine. No burn out at all and then WHAM! It was like hitting a brick wall. Also, the regular bio 2 professor at my school is notorious for being just awful, and I live in the city where my school is located, so I thought it would be a good decision. I mean, if my heart is in the studying, I think I could easily do fine with the hard professor as I did with Bio 1. Also, I took Ochem last summer and never felt unmotivated and did fine.

I agree with those who got into medical school with lower than a 3.75. Above all else, I think how compassionate of a person you are speaks volumes louder than a 3.9-4.0.

I'm going to start looking for hobbies. I always felt that time spent watching tv or relaxing was wasted time, which is why I never devoted much to it.

"The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time." -Bertrand Russell