First Semester Freshman Year Grades

[Algophiliac]

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My GPA for first semester of freshman year is a 3.0. Exactly. 🙁

To get the 3.5 I need to get into the program I want at the end of second semester of freshman year, I would have to get a 4.0 in EVERYTHING for the second semester. How can I do this? Please help me. 🙁 I don't feel like I put in enough effort first semester, and this is entirely my fault. I got carried away with adjusting to college...it should not take this long to adjust!

I have a Christmas break now, and I'll be home (unfortunately) for the holidays. What can I do that will change my outlook on grades and education? How can I remotivate myself? What tips do you have for me for second semester?

I honest to God don't know what's WRONG with me. I want to do well, but I don't have the motivation to put in the effort! I think I do, but apparently I don't. 🙁 And the odd fact is that I am practically the opposite of a lazy person, if you ask absolutely anyone, they'll agree with that assertion! But when I try to study, I either get distracted, fall asleep, or get so lonely I can't STAND it and have to go take a break. If it's not studying I absolutely positively have to get done that minute, I usually don't do it. I feel stupid for studying more than everyone else (which I don't, but I would need to do to get the same grade), because freshman year of high school, I isolated and studied and studied and studied, and although I got amazing grades, I had NO social abilities! No medical school on earth would have accepted me had this been the situation in freshman year of college. But they apparently won't now, either. 🙁

Also, I got a C+ in intro bio. 🙁 Do I have to retake this grade even if I get an A second semester?

And finally, I feel ridiculous for asking this, but are top schools entirely off-limits now? Is there any way I can make up for my GPA with a good MCAT score...and will that maybe sway a top school, especially with a STRONG upward trend in GPA? *sighs* This top dream school is UCLA. I don't deserve it.

 

[Az1698]

My GPA for first semester of freshman year is a 3.0. Exactly. 🙁

To get the 3.5 I need to get into the program I want at the end of second semester of freshman year, I would have to get a 4.0 in EVERYTHING for the second semester. How can I do this? Please help me. 🙁 I don't feel like I put in enough effort first semester, and this is entirely my fault. I got carried away with adjusting to college...it should not take this long to adjust!

I have a Christmas break now, and I'll be home (unfortunately) for the holidays. What can I do that will change my outlook on grades and education? How can I remotivate myself? What tips do you have for me for second semester?

I honest to God don't know what's WRONG with me. I want to do well, but I don't have the motivation to put in the effort! I think I do, but apparently I don't. 🙁 And the odd fact is that I am practically the opposite of a lazy person, if you ask absolutely anyone, they'll agree with that assertion! But when I try to study, I either get distracted, fall asleep, or get so lonely I can't STAND it and have to go take a break. If it's not studying I absolutely positively have to get done that minute, I usually don't do it. I feel stupid for studying more than everyone else (which I don't, but I would need to do to get the same grade), because freshman year of high school, I isolated and studied and studied and studied, and although I got amazing grades, I had NO social abilities! No medical school on earth would have accepted me had this been the situation in freshman year of college. But they apparently won't now, either. 🙁

Also, I got a C+ in intro bio. 🙁 Do I have to retake this grade even if I get an A second semester?

And finally, I feel ridiculous for asking this, but are top schools entirely off-limits now? Is there any way I can make up for my GPA with a good MCAT score...and will that maybe sway a top school, especially with a STRONG upward trend in GPA? *sighs* This top dream school is UCLA. I don't deserve it.

Take my advice with a large chunk of salt, seeing as I am also a freshmen.

C + in intro Bio - I remember reading that for pre-med prereqs, a grade higher than a c does not need to be retaken. But should you? Med schools average the grades while DO schools take the higher of the two.

About your studying problem: I have the same problem . What I do is I try to write everything that I am studying. This helps me stay focused and not thing about other things while at the same time having really good notes! Then, before the test, I have a study group where everyone teaches their own particular part. That way, you are socially involved while learning (However, this tends to get a lot more social then studious).

For the high tier med schools: You are a freshmen. Unless you are graduating in three years, you have 7 semesters of classes left, and possibly some summers. You can DEFINITELY fix your GPA.

Good luck!

 

[gumboelephant]

Don't get discouraged. You can definitely get your GPA up. I got a 3.0 my first semester freshman year and worked really hard to pull it up from there. It might be very very tough to pull a 4.0 next semester. It wasn't until my junior year that I finally earned a 4.0 for a semester.
You are going to have to find a way to get motivated if you want to get your grades up though. No one on SDN can magically do that for you. With enough diligence and self motivation, you can do it. Best of luck!
Personally, I wouldn't take intro Bio again. I'd just get A's and B's in the remainder of your science classes. Adcoms are often pretty forgiving of your freshman fall as long is the rest of your grade trend is improved.

 

[sm640739]

Hi - I'm a graduating senior right now, so I have a bit of insight regarding studying tips - granted I'm just NOW deciding I want to go to medical school and need to take post bacc classes, but I did well in my one science course (bio) ... here's what I suggest:

talk to your pre-med advisor/advisor about the C+ issue. They are supposed to help you with these decisions...I would personally re-take it, but get a second opinion from a professional.

About the 3.0 - you have the rest of your undergraduate experience to pull it up. And all admissions committees, med school or not, like to see improvement. It's no secret that adjusting to college is difficult...

About motivation - you already know why you had a difficult time. the college adjustment process threw you off track a bit. So, learn from your mistakes... pick yourself up, and go into the new semester knowing it's a fresh start. Don't stress too much about the past semester, or you will throw off your focus again. Just make sure you do understand the material, because it usually builds from semester to semester... That being said, I know a lot of freshman (and I did this when I was one) try to study for extremely long periods of time, hoping to absorb all the info in one, marathon-length study session. This generally doesn't work... your mind kind of stops absorbing after a certain point. Attend class, pay attention to the lecture/slides or whatever the professor uses to teach, and make notes next to the issues you need to really study/you are confused about. Review your class notes from that day for at least an hour per class each evening (most nights you will have time, some you wont... don't sweat it if you cant do this every night).. this REALLY helped me in bio.

and flash cards help too for term memorization... generally not concepts though.

Hope this helps 🙂

 

[tennisball80]

I used to get lonely too when I try to study. I have many friends. But, my roommates make me lonely. All of three other roommates have a girlfriend. They always bring them back and spend the quality time with them. They are not premed students. They have a life. They always seem so happy with their girlfriends. And I am always working my butt off everyday.

However, I payed $99 for a Playstation 2 and got good games. Well, that was my solution. Life is much better with a gaming system. 😀😀😀

By the way, I am planning to create a video gaming club in Spring. I am doing it because it's hell fun!

I don't find myself lonely anymore. "Get a gaming system, Rock your premed life!" 😀

 

[Amadelphous]

Just to add some perspective.

I'm a senior...got a C in Chem first semester freshman year. NEVER earned a 4.0 for a semester (although came close a couple times). Right now I have one top 20 acceptance and I've interviewed at 3 top 10 schools.

1 C won't sink you especially so early on. Just try not to let it happen again 🙂 👍

 

[WatchMeRise]

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to highjack this thread. But does anyone have any advice if your gpa your first quarter of college is below a 3.0? I understand that a gpa of 3.0 can be improved over time, but what about a gpa below 3.0?

 

[298609]

I used to get lonely too when I try to study. I have many friends. But, my roommates make me lonely. All of three other roommates have a girlfriend. They always bring them back and spend the quality time with me. They are not premed students. They have a life. They always seem so happy with their girlfriends. And I am always working my butt off everyday.

hahaha true that.

This is why when i go to med school i am going to have to get roommates who are are also in a med school...preferably a year ahead of me.

answer for OP: 1) what program are you trying to get into? 2) work with your TA's/tutor from DAY ONE. it sounds stupid to start before you need help, but for the into bio/chem classes they are the most helpful and know how you will be tested...often leading you to get better grades than if you waited til you got a bad grade to go to them. 3) find a place you can study that is conducive to your study habits. Example: i cannot study in my house unless i am >50 ft from the computer and tv. I cannot study effectively with any music on, and I cannot study in a public quiet place like the library because i people watch like crazy. the best place i've found is a study carrel at school...separate closed-door rooms where no one can get in or out without the key. i turn my back to the window and read. if i get lonely i think about how lonely i'll be when i'm taking years off to raise my gpa and all my friends are telling me how much med school rocks/sucks.

4) a lot of people have bad freshman grades, worse than 3.0, so don't be discouraged. show a strong upward trend. get good mcats. its only 1 semester in out of 6-8 that matter. smile 🙂

 

[orthomyxo]

I don't find myself lonely anymore. "Get a gaming system, Rock your premed life!" 😀

Don't get me wrong, I love video games, but how exactly does playing PS2 alone make you feel less lonely? Xbox Live with my friends ftw.

 

[Algophiliac]

I used to get lonely too when I try to study. I have many friends. But, my roommates make me lonely. All of three other roommates have a girlfriend. They always bring them back and spend the quality time with me. They are not premed students. They have a life. They always seem so happy with their girlfriends. And I am always working my butt off everyday.

However, I payed $99 for a Playstation 2 and got good games. Well, that was my solution. Life is much better with a gaming system. 😀😀😀

By the way, I am planning to create a video gaming club in Spring. I am doing it because it's hell fun!

I don't find myself lonely anymore. "Get a gaming system, Rock your premed life!" 😀

My roommates make me lonely, but it's even worse in the library. Everyone picks up their cellphone every 5 minutes to answer calls or texts, and I don't even have texting! No one ever calls me that often, either.🙁 I just feel miserable that I don't even have something to do other than study.

Thanks for the motivation so far, everyone! I think it's really helped that you all have thrown in some extra perspective in terms of upward GPA motion. 🙂

One of the reasons I guess I feel really lonely is just pure boredom. Does anyone have any tips to alleviate boredom when studying?! How can I make the material both INTERESTING and relevant to me?

 

[Elpenor]

Don't get me wrong, I love video games, but how exactly does playing PS2 alone make you feel less lonely? Xbox Live with my friends ftw.

This post makes me sad.

 

[GregoryMD]

I got an A in three of my classes, and a fairly good chance to get an A in my other two, depending on how finals go later this week (I need less than my average test scores in both classes to maintain the A, which shouldn't be too difficult, one of them isn't even cumulative.). So I may end up with a 4.0 this semester.

 

[tennisball80]

My roommates make me lonely, but it's even worse in the library. Everyone picks up their cellphone every 5 minutes to answer calls or texts, and I don't even have texting! No one ever calls me that often, either.🙁 I just feel miserable that I don't even have something to do other than study.

Thanks for the motivation so far, everyone! I think it's really helped that you all have thrown in some extra perspective in terms of upward GPA motion. 🙂

One of the reasons I guess I feel really lonely is just pure boredom. Does anyone have any tips to alleviate boredom when studying?! How can I make the material both INTERESTING and relevant to me?

Let me tell you this. I don't even have a cellphone. I am too lazy to text anyone. I just hang out with the people I see when I walk around school. I might buy a cellphone when I submit my applications for med school lol.

 

[tennisball80]

Don't get me wrong, I love video games, but how exactly does playing PS2 alone make you feel less lonely? Xbox Live with my friends ftw.

Right. I might buy a new PC though next semester so I can start playing online games. 😀😀😀

 

[WhizoMD]

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to highjack this thread. But does anyone have any advice if your gpa your first quarter of college is below a 3.0? I understand that a gpa of 3.0 can be improved over time, but what about a gpa below 3.0?

my first semester gpa was 1.85, now my gpa is 3.6, and I still have 3 semesters before I apply. My situation may be different from yours though, I had a 1.8 because I didn't try at all (wasn't pre-med yet and I had extenuating circumstances), if you tried really hard and still got below a 3.0, then you need to seriously evaluate where you went wrong, and figure out what you can do to fix it. But, from a purely numbers standpoint, it is possible to build a sub 3.0 gpa to something decent, also if your first semester wasn't science heavy, your sGpa will be really high as you build up the cGpa.

 

[bravofleet4]

you need to bunker down and just accept the fact that you have to take things one quarter at a time. GPA is a long term thing. If you worry about having to get a 4.0 every quarter, you're going to end up killing yourself. Med schools look for an upward trend too, so if you're grades are improving every quarter I think you should take some solace from that.

however, i'm a little alarmed that it took you an entire year to realize that you weren't putting in the effort....I would hope one quarter would be enough. It's going to require commitment.

there are lots of ways to make up the grades. take summer school. take a year off. get research or volunteer credit.

 

[Mackey]

r?

And finally, I feel ridiculous for asking this, but are top schools entirely off-limits now? Is there any way I can make up for my GPA with a good MCAT score...and will that maybe sway a top school, especially with a STRONG upward trend in GPA? *sighs* This top dream school is UCLA. I don't deserve it.

Whoa there cowboy. Getting all self-defeated and saying you don't deserve something is the fastest way to make sure it's the truth. Why don't you take a step back and re-evaluate how you're studying and why you emerged from bio with a C.

From my perspective, you're worried for the wrong reasons. Yes, a C on a transcript on a pre-req is annoying, but it is a much bigger issue than just being a 3.0 GPA. Bio 1 is about as easy as it gets as far as pre-reqs and med school goes. If you're struggling now, you need to pinpoint why.

In addition, you're worried that the C will keep you out of UCLA. Heres something to learn quick: don't have a dream school. You take what you can get. Getting into any school is a crap shoot that is very much out of your hands. You should be striving to get your foot into an md school.. not your foot into a particular school.

Take the break to get your head on straight. Don't forget you're a freshman... Work hard but play hard...

 

[El Nino]

<Although I'm a high school student>

I seriously suggest you do not use SDN anymore. IMO, when you need advice about which classes to take or MCAT prep then come here, but your time spent posting/reading on SDN could be used socializing and/or studying. Take one step at a time. Focus on what you have to do at the moment not in the future.

 

[Algophiliac]

Whoa there cowboy. Getting all self-defeated and saying you don't deserve something is the fastest way to make sure it's the truth. Why don't you take a step back and re-evaluate how you're studying and why you emerged from bio with a C.

From my perspective, you're worried for the wrong reasons. Yes, a C on a transcript on a pre-req is annoying, but it is a much bigger issue than just being a 3.0 GPA. Bio 1 is about as easy as it gets as far as pre-reqs and med school goes. If you're struggling now, you need to pinpoint why.

In addition, you're worried that the C will keep you out of UCLA. Heres something to learn quick: don't have a dream school. You take what you can get. Getting into any school is a crap shoot that is very much out of your hands. You should be striving to get your foot into an md school.. not your foot into a particular school.

Take the break to get your head on straight. Don't forget you're a freshman... Work hard but play hard...

Very good points...I guess I really have to evaluate my study strategies to figure out what I did wrong this Christmas break. 🙁 This should help me think up a better plan of attack for next semester, in order to have a more efficient manner of absorbing the material!

The 3.0 aggravates me, because most of those classes were med school pre-req courses! How is any medical school ever going to accept me with NO A's in the pre-req courses? 🙁 Hopefully I can pull off A's in every pre-req course next semester...hell, I have to.

But how can I pinpoint what went wrong this semester? I know I didn't put in enough time and effort, but how can I make my time spent studying more efficient? It takes me literally 4 hours to thoroughly read and understand a chapter of bio...and that's WITHOUT taking notes at the same time. With taking notes, it can easily take me upwards of 12 hours. And that's just for comprehension purposes, not including any form of memorization yet. If you add making flashcards, reviewing flashcards, reading over lecture notes and powerpoints, and rereading personal textbook notes and the textbook itself to commit all of the information to memory...it can easily take forever! 🙁 How can everyone else have so much time left over for all this?!

 

[Sesteem]

I've been lurking here for about a year and a half, and this post made me so sad that I have to post. I don't intend to brag or posture, and this is an anonymous post solely to provide a real story. I was accepted this cycle to a top 25 medical school, for their MSTP program, with a GPA below 3.4. I am not a URM, or have any particularly awful event associated with my life. My science GPA was worse, and I have no particular connections to the school, and no science publication. I did however, have good letters, a solid MCAT score, a history of consistent research, and clinical experience. I am not the only one. I know many, many friends who are attending good US medical schools with below 3.5 GPAs and below 32 MCATs.

Every time I visit this website there are people whose comments absolutely break my heart, and seem hopeless and depressed in the most wonderful part of their life because of their GPA. It's important to look ahead, but there's no group of people who need to simply live in the moment then the people at SDN. I remember a friendly person on this site once stated that they were so happy to find SDN because college was so lonely for them that they couldn't make a single friend.

Please, please, please consider the fact that professional accomplishment is not the only thing you'll look back on when reflecting upon your life. I can't imagine its healthy to never consider friends, family, relaxation, and YOUR personal happiness. I've felt the same pressure to place all of my happiness on hold for their GPA, and while its important to work hard and try your best, you sacrifice your soul when you work for the number while putting valuable experiences aside.

 

[tennisball80]

I've been lurking here for about a year and a half, and this post made me so sad that I have to post. I don't intend to brag or posture, and this is an anonymous post solely to provide a real story. I was accepted this cycle to a top 25 medical school, for their MSTP program, with a GPA below 3.4. I am not a URM, or have any particularly awful event associated with my life. My science GPA was worse, and I have no particular connections to the school, and no science publication. I did however, have good letters, a solid MCAT score, a history of consistent research, and clinical experience. I am not the only one. I know many, many friends who are attending good US medical schools with below 3.5 GPAs and below 32 MCATs.

Every time I visit this website there are people whose comments absolutely break my heart, and seem hopeless and depressed in the most wonderful part of their life because of their GPA. It's important to look ahead, but there's no group of people who need to simply live in the moment then the people at SDN. I remember a friendly person on this site once stated that they were so happy to find SDN because college was so lonely for them that they couldn't make a single friend.

Please, please, please consider the fact that professional accomplishment is not the only thing you'll look back on when reflecting upon your life. I can't imagine its healthy to never consider friends, family, relaxation, and YOUR personal happiness. I've felt the same pressure to place all of my happiness on hold for their GPA, and while its important to work hard and try your best, you sacrifice your soul when you work for the number while putting valuable experiences aside.

I feel you ya man...

 

[Algophiliac]

I've been lurking here for about a year and a half, and this post made me so sad that I have to post. I don't intend to brag or posture, and this is an anonymous post solely to provide a real story. I was accepted this cycle to a top 25 medical school, for their MSTP program, with a GPA below 3.4. I am not a URM, or have any particularly awful event associated with my life. My science GPA was worse, and I have no particular connections to the school, and no science publication. I did however, have good letters, a solid MCAT score, a history of consistent research, and clinical experience. I am not the only one. I know many, many friends who are attending good US medical schools with below 3.5 GPAs and below 32 MCATs.

Every time I visit this website there are people whose comments absolutely break my heart, and seem hopeless and depressed in the most wonderful part of their life because of their GPA. It's important to look ahead, but there's no group of people who need to simply live in the moment then the people at SDN. I remember a friendly person on this site once stated that they were so happy to find SDN because college was so lonely for them that they couldn't make a single friend.

Please, please, please consider the fact that professional accomplishment is not the only thing you'll look back on when reflecting upon your life. I can't imagine its healthy to never consider friends, family, relaxation, and YOUR personal happiness. I've felt the same pressure to place all of my happiness on hold for their GPA, and while its important to work hard and try your best, you sacrifice your soul when you work for the number while putting valuable experiences aside.

Thanks for the tips! Unfortunately, I don't really know what's wrong with me some days...even though my motivation to study is gone, so is my motivation to go out and have fun. I just feel...dead, mentally and occasionally physically. I used to care about education so much, but now the minute something no longer goes my way, I can't handle the pressure and cave in to create a pseudo-I-don't-really-care-anymore depressive state. I guess studying used to give me a feeling of purpose and dedication, while not studying made me feel lazy and stupid. Now, I feel lazy and stupid no matter what I do, because I'm just not good at education anymore!

So, in conclusion, it's not that I'm going to sacrifice my soul for my MCAT and GPA scores...more like I'm going to completely lose the successful person I used to be in freshman year of high school, because I can't muster enough dedication to do anything! This is frustrating to me. 🙁

 

[jckut10]

Algophiliac, Sesteem's advice is excellent. People would tell me this, and I'd ignore them. It took me several years to realize how wise this is.

I've been in a rut before, just like you. Get involved in a club, activity, or something that you'd do even if you weren't at all concerned about going to medical school. I don't mean a professional society or a prehealth club, I mean something you actually enjoy being a part of. You absolutely need to think about something other than schoolwork every once in a while.

 

[Algophiliac]

Algophiliac, Sesteem's advice is excellent. People would tell me this, and I'd ignore them. It took me several years to realize how wise this is.

I've been in a rut before, just like you. Get involved in a club, activity, or something that you'd do even if you weren't at all concerned about going to medical school. I don't mean a professional society or a prehealth club, I mean something you actually enjoy being a part of. You absolutely need to think about something other than schoolwork every once in a while.

The problem is that aside from getting into medical school, I don't know what else I want or like. 🙁 But I idealized medical school and thought this was the best possible career choice for me for too long, I believe, and now I have been brutally disillusioned. I don't know how to get that momentum back...while I know I honestly still love science and biology, I can't even force myself to study the amount of time I know I need to study. All of those outside-of-medical-school hobbies are not fun for me, but merely a diversion and source of procrastination! Gah, what have I done to myself?

 

[nohika]

The problem is that aside from getting into medical school, I don't know what else I want or like. 🙁 But I idealized medical school and thought this was the best possible career choice for me for too long, I believe, and now I have been brutally disillusioned. I don't know how to get that momentum back...while I know I honestly still love science and biology, I can't even force myself to study the amount of time I know I need to study. All of those outside-of-medical-school hobbies are not fun for me, but merely a diversion and source of procrastination! Gah, what have I done to myself?

...to be honest, have you thought of seeing a professional and maybe getting some anti-anxiety or anti-depressants? It's seeming kind of obvious that you're getting a bit depressed (okay, more then a bit) about academics. Also, I second whomever advised about figuring out what you'd like and joining a club about it. If school starts consuming all of your life, you've got a problem. Take some time to do "me" time.

As for studying...well, I use the "reward" method. If I want something (say, to go out to dinner) I have to study for say, two hours and master such-and-such concepts. You really need to try to make some friends in college and get "out" every once in a while. Studying is important, but seriously - don't damage yourself on accident because you're so anguished over this.

 

[jckut10]

The problem is that aside from getting into medical school, I don't know what else I want or like. 🙁 But I idealized medical school and thought this was the best possible career choice for me for too long, I believe, and now I have been brutally disillusioned. I don't know how to get that momentum back...while I know I honestly still love science and biology, I can't even force myself to study the amount of time I know I need to study. All of those outside-of-medical-school hobbies are not fun for me, but merely a diversion and source of procrastination! Gah, what have I done to myself?

When you applied for your undergrad college, they must have asked what kind of person you are. What did you say then? What were you interested in?

I went through I time when I had trouble motivating myself to study. In many ways I was just "going through the motions." I'd ask myself what I'd rather be doing -- and I usually didn't like the answer. You'd think that would convince me to study, but it didn't. In a way, I guess you could say I became ashamed of my hobbies because I thought they kept me from doing my schoolwork.

Brace yourself: I'm going to toss another platitude at you. You need to enjoy life as it happens. You really want to be a doctor, but quite frankly you have some years between now and then -- another three and a half years of college ahead of you, and another four years of medical school after that. Do not spend these years waiting to get That One Thing that you really want. You should be living, not waiting.

Depending on the size of your college, there may be any number of things you could be doing. Freshman year is great because you can start doing things you're really interested in. Coursework is not the only productive use of your time. Surround yourself with people who are interested in the things you are. If you've ever wanted to learn to dance, or fence, or work on a TV crew, or be an EMT, or design a race car, or write for your school newspaper, or design a video game, or shoot a rifle, you can join a club and do any of those. My school has an observatory -- I began visiting on Friday nights when they allow students to use the telescopes. It's completely unrelated to medicine, and I had a lot of fun.

In my experience, people who don't become involved in the activities they are interested in are either (1) worried about how they'll break in into a new social group, or (2) worried about how their involvement will affect their grades. As for #1 -- you're a freshman! Every club on campus wants curious freshmen! And #2? You'll be surprised at how much time you actually have in college. I discovered that the hours I spent doing nothing because I couldn't motivate myself to study was usually just wasted time. In other words, becoming involved in an activity cut into those hours, and didn't really interfere with my study time. In fact, I think you really need to maintain a constant level of mental activity apart from schoolwork in order to be an truly effective student. My grades actually went up.

Hang in there, Algophiliac. You're still a freshman. I think you'll be okay.

 

[tennisball80]

You wanna come to my house in the winter beak? We can hang out lol.

 

[Algophiliac]

When you applied for your undergrad college, they must have asked what kind of person you are. What did you say then? What were you interested in?

I had many outside interests back in senior year, actually, but I don't know what happened to them. I guess I feel as though these outside interests might get in my way when I'm trying to complete the necessary pre-reqs for getting into medical school...and I'm not referring just to coursework, but to everything required to achieve marticulation into medical schools.

I went through I time when I had trouble motivating myself to study. In many ways I was just "going through the motions." I'd ask myself what I'd rather be doing -- and I usually didn't like the answer. You'd think that would convince me to study, but it didn't. In a way, I guess you could say I became ashamed of my hobbies because I thought they kept me from doing my schoolwork.

This. Exactly! What did you do to get over this situation?!

Brace yourself: I'm going to toss another platitude at you. You need to enjoy life as it happens. You really want to be a doctor, but quite frankly you have some years between now and then -- another three and a half years of college ahead of you, and another four years of medical school after that. Do not spend these years waiting to get That One Thing that you really want. You should be living, not waiting.

Depending on the size of your college, there may be any number of things you could be doing. Freshman year is great because you can start doing things you're really interested in. Coursework is not the only productive use of your time. Surround yourself with people who are interested in the things you are. If you've ever wanted to learn to dance, or fence, or work on a TV crew, or be an EMT, or design a race car, or write for your school newspaper, or design a video game, or shoot a rifle, you can join a club and do any of those. My school has an observatory -- I began visiting on Friday nights when they allow students to use the telescopes. It's completely unrelated to medicine, and I had a lot of fun.

Several of those things sound interesting...but I feel guilty (mainly because my parents don't think any activities I do that don't directly contribute to medical school are a waste of time and money! 🙁) when I do them!

In my experience, people who don't become involved in the activities they are interested in are either (1) worried about how they'll break in into a new social group, or (2) worried about how their involvement will affect their grades. As for #1 -- you're a freshman! Every club on campus wants curious freshmen! And #2? You'll be surprised at how much time you actually have in college. I discovered that the hours I spent doing nothing because I couldn't motivate myself to study was usually just wasted time. In other words, becoming involved in an activity cut into those hours, and didn't really interfere with my study time. In fact, I think you really need to maintain a constant level of mental activity apart from schoolwork in order to be an truly effective student. My grades actually went up.

Hang in there, Algophiliac. You're still a freshman. I think you'll be okay.

I totally agree with this paragraph! Your post makes a lot of sense, thank you.

nohika, the reward method sounds like a great idea. And I do actually supposedly have anxiety issues, but I do not believe they constitute enough of a mental health danger to require medication. But thanks for your concerns.

Definitely, Tennis. 😀 Anything's better than living with my asinine family.

 

[nohika]

nohika, the reward method sounds like a great idea. And I do actually supposedly have anxiety issues, but I do not believe they constitute enough of a mental health danger to require medication. But thanks for your concerns.

I so agree with the family thing - I can't stand mine, either, but I'm stuck here for now. Another thing based on the rewards...at the end of each quarter/semester/whatever, buy yourself something nice to congratulate yourself on surviving. If you like videogames, buy a videogame. If you like to cook, buy new cookware - look at what you do when you're procrastinating. Often, though you may try everything/anything, you'll gravitate towards something. See if you can turn that into a way of relieving stress. Best of luck in all your endeavors!

 

[loser]

Calm down, it's only your first semester of your freshman year. If you show a strong upward trend in your grades and you get involved with research and volunteer work then no one is going to care about a few lousy grades you got as a teenager. Just like your current professors or employeres are not going to care about what kind of grades you got in elementary school.

 

[jckut10]

.

 

[Dbate]

"I honest to God don't know what's WRONG with me. I want to do well, but I don't have the motivation to put in the effort! I think I do, but apparently I don't. 🙁 And the odd fact is that I am practically the opposite of a lazy person, if you ask absolutely anyone, they'll agree with that assertion! But when I try to study, I either get distracted, fall asleep, or get so lonely I can't STAND it and have to go take a break."

Two things:
1) It is your fault that you are not doing well in school and you have noone to blame but yourself.

2)The good news is that since you know not studying is the problem you can correct and do well 🙂. If not you will be a failure, the choice is yours.

"I feel stupid for studying more than everyone else (which I don't, but I would need to do to get the same grade), because freshman year of high school, I isolated and studied and studied and studied, and although I got amazing grades, I had NO social abilities! No medical school on earth would have accepted me had this been the situation in freshman year of college. But they apparently won't now, either. 🙁"

Don't feel stupid for studying. I never understood the concept that some people were proud of the fact that they didn't study and got bad grades. Smart people know they should study to get an A. And point blank it is vastly more rewarding to know that you got an A by hard work.

I go to the library everyday and study and I am proud of that. I would much rather be a hard worker and excel in school, than do nothing and be mediocre. No one accomplishes anything in life by not working hard.

 

[Algophiliac]

I so agree with the family thing - I can't stand mine, either, but I'm stuck here for now. Another thing based on the rewards...at the end of each quarter/semester/whatever, buy yourself something nice to congratulate yourself on surviving. If you like videogames, buy a videogame. If you like to cook, buy new cookware - look at what you do when you're procrastinating. Often, though you may try everything/anything, you'll gravitate towards something. See if you can turn that into a way of relieving stress. Best of luck in all your endeavors!

Unfortunately I do not have enough money to buy myself anything, and my family refuses to let me get any sort of job, because they think it will lower my grades even further. They are seriously treating me like a high schooler right now, pretty much grounding me for getting a 3.0 this past semester. 🙁 And the whole "I knew you'd never be a doctor--stop daydreaming and get a real DIRECTION to your life" has been depressing me severely lately. *sighs* Are they right, do you think?

I have turned several attempts at procrastination into forms of stress relief, but usually they take up a lot of time...so I can't always justify engaging in them when I'm not procrastinating due to the guilt factor. But maybe if I actually structured this "stress relief" into my daily schedule, I would feel a reduced need to procrastinate in the first place?

Thanks for the rest of the tips, everyone--they really do help. I guess I just feel very stuck in a rut from which I can't easily escape right now. Family so not helping.

 

[nohika]

Unfortunately I do not have enough money to buy myself anything, and my family refuses to let me get any sort of job, because they think it will lower my grades even further. They are seriously treating me like a high schooler right now, pretty much grounding me for getting a 3.0 this past semester. 🙁 And the whole "I knew you'd never be a doctor--stop daydreaming and get a real DIRECTION to your life" has been depressing me severely lately. *sighs* Are they right, do you think?

I have turned several attempts at procrastination into forms of stress relief, but usually they take up a lot of time...so I can't always justify engaging in them when I'm not procrastinating due to the guilt factor. But maybe if I actually structured this "stress relief" into my daily schedule, I would feel a reduced need to procrastinate in the first place?

Thanks for the rest of the tips, everyone--they really do help. I guess I just feel very stuck in a rut from which I can't easily escape right now. Family so not helping.

I'm lucky (fairly so) and I babysit for a bunch of fairly affluent/rich people. That's pretty much how I make my money. Hmm...this probably isn't the right thing to be promoting on the internet, but maybe you could find/download a book that you like, or something, as a reward? Maybe if it's even finding a new CD or song that you like. It doesn't have to be anything extravagent - just something that could make you happy.

I'm 19 now (kind of finally), and I don't really like it. To be honest, you get far more responsibility then you did as a high schooler - to share, I got a 1.84 GPA my first quarter out of high school. I've been out of school a year and a half, and it's only just now that my GPA is above a 3.0 - cumulative, that is. I get the exact same thing you're talking about - the whole "get a direction with your life", blahblahblah. I tell my mother it gets really, really old...fast. I think what might help you is finding someone you can rant to - it sounds weird, but it helps. I'm open, if you don't mind my pre-vet-ness or being-a-stranger-thing.

As for whether they're right or not...to be honest, that's something you get to come up with. I was abused as a kid, and have put up with tons of crap from my younger siblings for years. If I believed all that they told me, I'd be dead. If you're confident and believe this is what you want to do, the only thing stopping you from going for it is yourself. I know what it's like to doubt your own abilities - I still do.

Definitely try to structure some stress relief! One thing I did when I was just slammed by homework/studying/stuff is I took at least 15 minutes at the end of the day, right before going to bed, just to myself. In my case, since I'm an avid reader, I took the time to read whatever book I had been eyeing lately. Even if it was only fifteen minutes a day, it helped me sleep better.

I really get your rut with your family. That's exactly how I feel right now with my own - I still live at home, since I go to a community college (as if that means anything about my intelligence), so I get flak every day. It's depressing, but (as it sucks to hear) you learn to live with it.

(Holy smokes. I ramble a lot.) If you want to talk at all, PM me - I'm around a lot, especially since it's break.

 

[Algophiliac]

Thanks, nohika, I'll definitely be PMing you to rant! I'll have to break this post apart...but I really don't mind the rambling! 😛

I'm lucky (fairly so) and I babysit for a bunch of fairly affluent/rich people. That's pretty much how I make my money. Hmm...this probably isn't the right thing to be promoting on the internet, but maybe you could find/download a book that you like, or something, as a reward? Maybe if it's even finding a new CD or song that you like. It doesn't have to be anything extravagent - just something that could make you happy.

This is a great idea. I can even reward myself with time to pursue my rather more timely hobbies, or just get a book from the library and actually take time to read it, as I'm an avid reader myself.

I'm 19 now (kind of finally), and I don't really like it. To be honest, you get far more responsibility then you did as a high schooler - to share, I got a 1.84 GPA my first quarter out of high school. I've been out of school a year and a half, and it's only just now that my GPA is above a 3.0 - cumulative, that is. I get the exact same thing you're talking about - the whole "get a direction with your life", blahblahblah. I tell my mother it gets really, really old...fast. I think what might help you is finding someone you can rant to - it sounds weird, but it helps. I'm open, if you don't mind my pre-vet-ness or being-a-stranger-thing.

Well, my family does not support my decisions to go into medicine at all. Every day, I get threats that they will cut off funding to force me into some stupid and pointless engineering degree...that I know will cause my GPA to hit rock bottom in a hearbeat. 🙁 It's not just pointless ranting in their case, they ACTUALLY mean it, which scares me ****less. Engineering is the last job on earth that I want, and to be honest I don't believe I'm mentally cut out to be an engineer at all. *sighs*

And sitting and talking with them doesn't work. They want evidence that I can hack it as a doctor, and obviously they don't have any concrete evidence. Until then, they see my studies as wasting their time and money for no apparently good reasons. 🙁 They are not happy with that situation.

As for whether they're right or not...to be honest, that's something you get to come up with. I was abused as a kid, and have put up with tons of crap from my younger siblings for years. If I believed all that they told me, I'd be dead. If you're confident and believe this is what you want to do, the only thing stopping you from going for it is yourself. I know what it's like to doubt your own abilities - I still do.

Ditto on the abuse. I got sick and tired of lying to hospitals about the sources of my stitches-requiring wounds. 🙁 But while my family no longer abuses me physically, they're doing it emotionally quite well. I don't want to believe them, but it's hard when I can't prove myself without any concrete evidence.

Definitely try to structure some stress relief! One thing I did when I was just slammed by homework/studying/stuff is I took at least 15 minutes at the end of the day, right before going to bed, just to myself. In my case, since I'm an avid reader, I took the time to read whatever book I had been eyeing lately. Even if it was only fifteen minutes a day, it helped me sleep better.

I really get your rut with your family. That's exactly how I feel right now with my own - I still live at home, since I go to a community college (as if that means anything about my intelligence), so I get flak every day. It's depressing, but (as it sucks to hear) you learn to live with it.

(Holy smokes. I ramble a lot.) If you want to talk at all, PM me - I'm around a lot, especially since it's break.

Ugh, that must really suck. 🙁 Hopefully I can put your don't-bother-me positive attitude to some use in my own life. *sighs*

 

[CapnCrunch]

Turn that frown upside down!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=687261

 

[nohika]

This is a great idea. I can even reward myself with time to pursue my rather more timely hobbies, or just get a book from the library and actually take time to read it, as I'm an avid reader myself.

Well, my family does not support my decisions to go into medicine at all. Every day, I get threats that they will cut off funding to force me into some stupid and pointless engineering degree...that I know will cause my GPA to hit rock bottom in a hearbeat. 🙁 It's not just pointless ranting in their case, they ACTUALLY mean it, which scares me ****less. Engineering is the last job on earth that I want, and to be honest I don't believe I'm mentally cut out to be an engineer at all. *sighs*

And sitting and talking with them doesn't work. They want evidence that I can hack it as a doctor, and obviously they don't have any concrete evidence. Until then, they see my studies as wasting their time and money for no apparently good reasons. 🙁 They are not happy with that situation.



Ditto on the abuse. I got sick and tired of lying to hospitals about the sources of my stitches-requiring wounds. 🙁 But while my family no longer abuses me physically, they're doing it emotionally quite well. I don't want to believe them, but it's hard when I can't prove myself without any concrete evidence.



Ugh, that must really suck. 🙁 Hopefully I can put your don't-bother-me positive attitude to some use in my own life. *sighs*

Well, to show my genius-ness, I couldn't figure out how to separate the quotes. xD; My apologies. Also, we might want to consider moving this to PMs just to not bother other people on the board.

Definitely! A book from the library is awesome - what kind of books do you like? I could definitely recommend some. I'm a nerd and like manga - since they're about half pictures, those are "easy" reads and in some cases quite enjoyable. I also do sci-fi/fantasy and tons of other books.

Yeah, my mother hates all my decisions. 🙄 I get lucky (I guess?) and have to pay for my own college - I do so through FAFSA, and when FAFSA runs out, I'll resort to loans. She wants me to go to nursing school - which in all honesty, I am considering just because that way I'd be able to fund my education without constantly worrying whether or not I'd be able to fund the coming year. She's pretty much acknowledged that she doesn't have any "lording" over my choice, though she'll be hiding in the shadows to mock me when I fail. To be honest - if they threaten you again, tell them it's okay and pull out loans. That in itself will show them that you're dead-serious about medical school. You don't need them. I know that sounds rough, but...if you really want this, you need to go for it. You've got support here on SDN. 😍

I tried to sit down and talk to my mother. She told me to stop talking about it and not mention it again. It was awesomely annoying. If you'd like to hear/read my story at all some time (and have spare time), I can link you to the forum thread. If you're up to it at all, I'm willing to help you figure out how to study better - even just be a motivator. I'm a good student (cum 3.6 in the last three quarters, though just a 3.0 overall, ugh) and I'll be taking three lab sciences in the coming quarter, so I'll be learning things the rough and tough way. It was sweet of my mom to sit down with me and tell me that she thinks I'll fail and that I shouldn't even try. 🙄

I got lucky and never got the physical stuff, but I was emotionally abused since I was about 3. ;3 I'm nice and screwed up sometimes. To be honest...do you have someone to talk to? It helps a lot. I have a friend who's become really close to me - which is unusual since he's a guy and I hate men (for the most part). As for the studies...if you're up to it, I'll try to see if we can figure out a way for you to study for your next grading period.

Mine comes from just having a tough skin - I get called a b$tch and a c$*t on a daily basis, so you just kind of used to being beaten up (and this is by my younger brother). ...one thing to realize is while they're being affected now, you're the only one who has to live with the choices you make. So take care of yourself - you're the one who has to live with it.