Fellow premeds, is it normal to feel stupid sometimes? I failed my physics exam.

[alexfoleyc]

For the 2nd time!!! I dont know what to do! Seriously, I studied my ass of for this one. I did every HW problem, read the book, and did more practice exams. Oh man, what am I doing wrong? I feel horrible! My physics class grade is based on four exams. I flunked the 1st one and I studied for it too. I studied even harder for this one, but obviously to no benefit. I am losing hope. I only have two more exams left..I have one of those professors who does a really great job explaining things, but his exams are insane. 4 out of 40 people got a 100 on the exam. Last time 3 out 40 got a 100.

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[leangei]

For the 2nd time!!! I dont know what to do! Seriously, I studied my ass of for this one. I did every HW problem, read the book, and did more practice exams. Oh man, what am I doing wrong? I feel horrible! My physics class grade is based on four exams. I flunked the 1st one and I studied for it too. I studied even harder for this one, but obviously to no benefit. I am losing hope. I only have two more exams left..I have one of those professors who does a really great job explaining things, but his exams are insane. 4 out of 40 people got a 100 on the exam. Last time 3 out 40 got a 100.

Yeah it's normal and it happens, I remember doing really poorly on my first few ochem exams, but I eventually adjusted my way of learning the material and ended up with an A in the class. Try reviewing your exam (with the professor or other students if possible) and find out what you did wrong and why you answered them that way. With physics in particular its about understanding the underlying concept that's more important.

 

[I wannabe a doc]

Never really liked physics myself; I would say just stick it through and change it up a bit.

 

[Lil Bear]

if you do good on the practice exams, you just need to chill when it comes test time probably and not stress so much

 

[ThaliaNox]

I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you, but it isn't all that unusual to have "only 4 out of 40" students get a 100%. That's ten percent of the class getting everything right. I'd assume that at least three times that many people got in the 90-100 range, so that's 30 percent in the A range, which is perfectly respectable.

If you are flunking, something you are doing to study is not working for you. Don't just study longer, change how you are studying. Honestly, though, if you have flunked half of the tests in the class, depending on how badly you have flunked it, you may be better off dropping the class than struggling to pass it at all.

 

[Analog]

I hope i don't feel like this after my first physics midterm on wednesday. i hate the rule that 'everything up to the day of the exam is testable', we aren't even done everything i need to know.

 

[xbs20]

Stuff happens, no big deal, just simply get up and keep trying hard. I screwed up a bit my first semester, but now I'm in my third semester and I'm going strong and not giving up.

 

[Fiddlergirl]

It's going to be okay. I flat out failed my first physics exam, too. I would talk to the professor, though, and see if he can recommend anything.

 

[Superman MD]

For the 2nd time!!! I dont know what to do! Seriously, I studied my ass of for this one. I did every HW problem, read the book, and did more practice exams. Oh man, what am I doing wrong? I feel horrible! My physics class grade is based on four exams. I flunked the 1st one and I studied for it too. I studied even harder for this one, but obviously to no benefit. I am losing hope. I only have two more exams left..I have one of those professors who does a really great job explaining things, but his exams are insane. 4 out of 40 people got a 100 on the exam. Last time 3 out 40 got a 100.

It happens. .we all cannot be perfect in everything that we do, even though as pre-meds, we expect that we should be. It goes away with time though. I am taking an Epistemology class this quarter, and I feel absolutely stupid in there with a bunch of other Philosophy majors. Study hard for you next two tests, and really try to grasp the concepts so you can apply them to any problem. . .but if there is one science to not do so hot in, it is probably physics. Every doctor that I have talked to absolutely hated physics!

 

[Artimacia]

I did really bad on my first two physics exams. I had the professor that read directly out of the book and when you had questions his only response was "You should know this already!" (He works for NASA also so all of physics is easy for him). No one in my class ever got a 100, and barely any got A's. I ended up getting a B- in the class. All I can say is hang in there, go to SI/tutoring. The class got easier in certain sections though (I loved the momentum section).

 

[Bac Si]

just keep trying, but if you still don't get it. just know it is a weeder class, just like org chem

 

[CoolWhipp]

I'm never stupid. Never, ever, ever!

 

[naomi6225]

I understand, it's really frustrating when hard work is wasted, but I'm sure there is something to be learned.

It's going to be okay. I flat out failed my first physics exam, too. I would talk to the professor, though, and see if he can recommend anything.

I agree, just look through both exams with your professor and see what you need to work on.

I failed a Chem lab quiz miserably the other day, by the way. Womp womp 🙁 Just don't be TOO hard on yourself, you're only human 😀

 

[RySerr21]

For the 2nd time!!! I dont know what to do! Seriously, I studied my ass of for this one. I did every HW problem, read the book, and did more practice exams. Oh man, what am I doing wrong? I feel horrible! My physics class grade is based on four exams. I flunked the 1st one and I studied for it too. I studied even harder for this one, but obviously to no benefit. I am losing hope. I only have two more exams left..I have one of those professors who does a really great job explaining things, but his exams are insane. 4 out of 40 people got a 100 on the exam. Last time 3 out 40 got a 100.

i feel your pain man. i failed my first physics exam too. got a 33%. I studied hard, did all the practice tests, hw problems, problem sets, went to tutoring, etc. physics is just not me thing. my professor was insanely difficult as well but even worse is he was a sh*tty professor and didnt care about anybody or anything but himself and his reaserch. So i dropped it. I dunno if you have that option, but id look else wehre if possible. Dont let physics discourage you tho. Keep on truckin, youll make it eventually.

 

[Artimacia]

i feel your pain man. i failed my first physics exam too. got a 33%. I studied hard, did all the practice tests, hw problems, problem sets, went to tutoring, etc. physics is just not me thing. my professor was insanely difficult as well but even worse is he was a sh*tty professor and didnt care about anybody or anything but himself and his reaserch. So i dropped it. I dunno if you have that option, but id look else wehre if possible. Dont let physics discourage you tho. Keep on truckin, youll make it eventually.

Yea, all mine cared about was himself, NASA, and going to Nobel prize conferences around the world. I ended up taking physics 2 at a local state college and got an A

 

[tennisball80]

Failures make you humble. Keep it going!

 

[akinetopsia]

Someone in my lab is struggling with it, and so I asked him how he was studying. He downloaded the instructor solutions manual and he has that open while he's doing the practice problems.

If that's what you're doing, and I'm not saying it is, it needs to stop. You have to know how to set up the problems yourself. There are only so many permutations of questions they can ask you to solve. If you know how to set up the problem, that is half the battle. Start with a diagram if necessary, list your knowns, isolate what they're asking for - the unknown, and think about what equation(s)/steps you need to do to solve it, how you may need to rearrange the equation(s), and solve on your own. I can't stress how important that is to be able to set it up, realize what they are asking and what information is needed and what is not.

Sometimes, too much information is given in the problem to trip you up, but read it carefully and you can figure out what is the meat of the problem and what is table dressing.

[Edit: It helps to be able to see relationships, which is usually easy when you know the equations expressing the relationships, i.e. what's directly proportional to what, inversely proportional to what, and to what factor. If it's multiple choice, there are a lot more conceptual questions thrown in usually, where they say if x is doubled, what is the effect on y, when y is x^2, so if x is doubled, then y is 4 times greater. Make sense?]

 

[allinthecookies]

Physics is a ROUGH subject, honestly the best thing to do about it is to take as easy a professor as you can find. My professor is AWESOME, exactly what he says in class is on the tests, and the quizzes are problems directly from the online homework. I got an A on the first test and the class average was something like a 78? I'm doing OK this semester but I need to step it up, I got a B on my first OChem test and have a B+ in Human Physiology, attempting to get these all up...

But something similar happened to me with my 2nd General Chemistry class, I FAILED the first exam (although the class average ended up being only 2 points above mine so I had a C-), got a B+ on the 2nd test which he made significantly easier just to bring up the curve, then again failed the 3rd test which was with out a doubt the most difficult test I've ever taken. I was studying pretty hard before that but began busting my chops for the final, got the flu the night before and didn't sleep at all. I didn't do so hot on that one either...but I basically wrote an essay on the back of the paper pleading for mercy, though that had no effect the rest of the class also doing equally as crappy as me did. Ended up with a C (my first one ouch it KILLS my GPA :-/) but I was relieved just to have passed. Most of my friends were getting high B's and A's so yea I felt pretty stupid. It's one of the curses hanging out with other pre-meds...

 

[OpalOnyx]

Yea I agree. Physics is a tough subject. But you ultimately have to work towards a B/A. If you can still drop the class according to your university policies, drop it if you think you'll end up with a C or worse. If you can't drop - get a tutor, study with friends (this helped me a LOT), go to office hours and problem help sessions.

Physics is one of those subjects where you can study for 200 hours but if the critical thinking/problem solving aspect doesn't sink in - those 200 hours don't help much when it comes to exam time.

Solve a LOT of problems. The only part you can "study" are the equations. Also, read some elementary/basic physics books to really solidify the concept (I found AP physics review books to be helpful when I took it)

 

[bigal40]

I always wonder why premeds have such a hard time with physics. I guess it is the only class where the questions on the test will be new and something you haven't seen before. It actually requires an understanding of the concepts.

When you study make sure you not only what needs to be done to solve the problem, but why you did it.

 

[OpalOnyx]

Also - if a few of your friends are in the same situation - see if he is willing to drop a test grade or replace it with the final exam grade. A lot of professors will be willing to do that if the whole class is performing poorly. And it gives people an incentive to improve.

 

[alexfoleyc]

I understand, it's really frustrating when hard work is wasted, but I'm sure there is something to be learned.

I agree, just look through both exams with your professor and see what you need to work on.

I failed a Chem lab quiz miserably the other day, by the way. Womp womp 🙁 Just don't be TOO hard on yourself, you're only human 😀

Exactly! That is how I feel...I always thought hard work equals success.😕🙁

 

[alexfoleyc]

Someone in my lab is struggling with it, and so I asked him how he was studying. He downloaded the instructor solutions manual and he has that open while he's doing the practice problems.

If that's what you're doing, and I'm not saying it is, it needs to stop. You have to know how to set up the problems yourself. There are only so many permutations of questions they can ask you to solve. If you know how to set up the problem, that is half the battle. Start with a diagram if necessary, list your knowns, isolate what they're asking for - the unknown, and think about what equation(s)/steps you need to do to solve it, how you may need to rearrange the equation(s), and solve on your own. I can't stress how important that is to be able to set it up, realize what they are asking and what information is needed and what is not.

Sometimes, too much information is given in the problem to trip you up, but read it carefully and you can figure out what is the meat of the problem and what is table dressing.

[Edit: It helps to be able to see relationships, which is usually easy when you know the equations expressing the relationships, i.e. what's directly proportional to what, inversely proportional to what, and to what factor. If it's multiple choice, there are a lot more conceptual questions thrown in usually, where they say if x is doubled, what is the effect on y, when y is x^2, so if x is doubled, then y is 4 times greater. Make sense?]

Thanks, dude! Your advice helps a lot!

 

[RySerr21]

I always wonder why premeds have such a hard time with physics. I guess it is the only class where the questions on the test will be new and something you haven't seen before. It actually requires an understanding of the concepts.

ochem is that way as well, and so are a lot of other courses.

 

[reedsposer22]

I got B's in both of my physcis classes. Worst grades, and studied hard too for those tests. Just as long as you can get the physics for the MCAT. use EXAM KRACKERS, its the best study pack, and learn from there, dont worry. youll be ok

 

[halekulani]

I always wonder why premeds have such a hard time with physics. I guess it is the only class where the questions on the test will be new and something you haven't seen before. It actually requires an understanding of the concepts.

When you study make sure you not only what needs to be done to solve the problem, but why you did it.

at the introductory level, there's only so many ways you need to solve a problem and all you have to do is pick the right one. overall it doesn't require 'new thinking' as much as identifying specific pieces of information, recognizing their value, and putting it together.

the only way to study physics/math is to do problems over and over.

 

[jr doctor in sd]

I agree with some of the above posters that it might be the style of studying that you are using or just you getting your feet wet until you understand conceptually what is going on in the class.

My first Ochem class I felt like I was studying super hard and tried what I considered my best and came out with a C+.

The next quarter I regrouped and challenged myself harder than ever before and got an A+.

You can do it! 👍

 

[Fakesmile]

Physics 1 and 2 were the only courses that made me consider suicide. I'm glad I'm done with physics. Just thinking of it makes me sick. ewwwwwww

 

[Kickback]

Not the same situation, but similar. I thought I did pretty well on my last introduction to computer hardware and software exam, got a 90.

That was the median grade.

15 people out of a class of 45-ish got 100's.

And I missed 6 points screwing up binary... never even did that on homework 🙁

 

[LitleMsMedSkool]

For the 2nd time!!! I dont know what to do! Seriously, I studied my ass of for this one. I did every HW problem, read the book, and did more practice exams. Oh man, what am I doing wrong? I feel horrible! My physics class grade is based on four exams. I flunked the 1st one and I studied for it too. I studied even harder for this one, but obviously to no benefit. I am losing hope. I only have two more exams left..I have one of those professors who does a really great job explaining things, but his exams are insane. 4 out of 40 people got a 100 on the exam. Last time 3 out 40 got a 100.

Rest assured. It's perfectly normal to feel stupid some of the time. If you're going to go to med school, you might as well get used to this now. Just try your best no matter what happens and don't give up. Try to talk to the professor to see what you can do to improve. Doing badly (or even failing and repeating or withdrawing from) a class doesn't necessarily preclude you from med school admissions. I know it's much easier said than done, but keep at it and good luck!

 

[orthomyxo]

For the 2nd time!!! I dont know what to do! Seriously, I studied my ass of for this one. I did every HW problem, read the book, and did more practice exams. Oh man, what am I doing wrong? I feel horrible! My physics class grade is based on four exams. I flunked the 1st one and I studied for it too. I studied even harder for this one, but obviously to no benefit. I am losing hope. I only have two more exams left..I have one of those professors who does a really great job explaining things, but his exams are insane. 4 out of 40 people got a 100 on the exam. Last time 3 out 40 got a 100.

Dude, I completely know what you're talking about. I may not have failed my test, but I did way worse than I expected even after feeling like I killed it. My professor is really good at teaching the material as well, but his exams are crazy. Only 20 questions with A through E multiple choice; half the problems seem like trick questions. I also only have two exams left, not counting the final, but I plan to study my ass off until then. Good luck man, hope it all works out.

 

[o Farside o]

I aced organic I and II, aced biochemistry I and II.......had a D in art 101 and had to drop the class......I felt like the biggest idiot ever in that class.

 

[Dannyw]

Dude, I completely know what you're talking about. I may not have failed my test, but I did way worse than I expected even after feeling like I killed it. My professor is really good at teaching the material as well, but his exams are crazy. Only 20 questions with A through E multiple choice; half the problems seem like trick questions. I also only have two exams left, not counting the final, but I plan to study my ass off until then. Good luck man, hope it all works out.

wait.... what? Your physics tests are multiple choice? That is ridiculous.

 

[akinetopsia]

Ours are all multi-part problems, show your work, partial credit, etc.

Multiple choice exams would be sweeeet.

 

[strummin]

Ours are all multi-part problems, show your work, partial credit, etc.

Multiple choice exams would be sweeeet.

One of my instructors had all multiple choice exams. I thought it would be ridic easy. By the end of the semester, the entire class was begging her to have written tests. Multiple choice exams CAN be incredibly difficult.