First time doubting myself since making decision

[Gatewayhoward]

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I've posted a bunch of times before. I'm a paramedic who found his dream of becoming a Dr. recently. How can I say this? The immature kid I used to be screwed myself. I have 88 credits that transferred but I'm bearly a softmore but what is relevant to my major in either Biology or Biology and society. there's probably 7-10 classes that I didn't anticipate for a BS degree. I prepared for all the sciences but was unprepared for all the stuff bearly relevant to the degree. I guess that's what I get for going to a community college for three years after completing a year at a major university in 2001-2002. I also took a math placement test and bombed it. I fell like I'm smart as hell in subjects like psych, or stuff that requires more free thinking but not good enough for the sciences even thought I did great in medic school. I guess this is just the first road block I encountered.

 

[ShyRem]

Basic sciences aren't like paramedic school or med school (so I hear anyway on the latter - I'll find out in August myself). Paramedic school is all about practical, useful, know-it-to-make-it knowledge. Basic sciences for the bachelor's degree and the first two years of didactic material in med school is all background information. It requires different thinking than paramedicine.

BTW, I'm a paramedic of 10 years too and just went back and completed a dual math/chem degree, so I've done what you're starting on. Good luck. The paramedicine experience will be useful in years 3 and 4, where you'll find yourself with a leg up for a couple of months on your fellow students. However, they'll most likely have a leg up on you in for a while - they're used to studying for classes. Chin up - study hard and you'll do fine. 🙂

 

[njbmd]

I've posted a bunch of times before. I'm a paramedic who found his dream of becoming a Dr. recently. How can I say this? The immature kid I used to be screwed myself. I have 88 credits that transferred but I'm bearly a softmore but what is relevant to my major in either Biology or Biology and society. there's probably 7-10 classes that I didn't anticipate for a BS degree. I prepared for all the sciences but was unprepared for all the stuff bearly relevant to the degree. I guess that's what I get for going to a community college for three years after completing a year at a major university in 2001-2002. I also took a math placement test and bombed it. I fell like I'm smart as hell in subjects like psych, or stuff that requires more free thinking but not good enough for the sciences even thought I did great in medic school. I guess this is just the first road block I encountered.

Hi there,
I am going to offer you some practical advice here. Take it for what it is worth. Here goes: The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average). I finished undergraduate with double major in Biology and Chemistry and a double minor in Math and Physics. I finished graduate school (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and medical school (now a PGY-4 General Surgery resident). I well on MCAT and all USMLE Step and the LSAT. The point of all of this is that if I can do this with my dead average IQ, you can more than get through any of the sciences and medical school.

My key is that no one (including myself) ever told me that I couldn't learn anything that was of interest to me. As a physician, I am a life-long learner. I simply love learning new things and I can always find an application for them. I love knowing why the sky is blue and why the grass is green. I love the practical, critical thinking of the New England Puritan writers like John Winthrop. I love Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. I love that I read the New Testament in the original Greek and that I understand the Latin of the Pope as he speaks from Rome. All of this stuff has made me a Dam--ed well-educated person.

As you go through life, you want and need the challenges. Any new thing of learning is good for your mind and you can find usefulness for your newly acquired knowledge. If nothing else, all of my education has taught me to listen to my patients with an open mind and really hear what they have to say. It is a good trait for any physician and it has made me pretty good a diagnosis. It is through the filter of my very diverse education that I hear and learn everything.

Look at your science courses to come with the eye of a person who wants to learn. You have been able to learn and master the Paramedic stuff, what is going to stop you from doing the same thing with General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics? Each new course is an opportunity to learn and master new knowledge. Odd thing, medical school is the same way!

Do NOT think yourself or talk yourself out of anything. You have brain cells so put them to work and keep an open mind. You want to become a physician so give yourself the tools to do so. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It just takes meeting every challenge with an open mind and a strong belief in yourself. Believe me, I am nothing special. The greatest thing that I have at this point is that I genuinely LOVE what I do and I was not afraid to stretch myself and do what it took to prepare for this profession. I also have an ability to turn a deaf ear to anyone who tells me that I cannot do or learn something.

Hang in there and enjoy the journey. It is totally loads of fun along the way. You cannot know success without failure so learn from your "bombs" and put them in your arsenal of experience but move forward. Just think about how many times you fell when you were first learning to walk but now you move without thinking about it. Learning new stuff works the same way. 👍

njbmd 🙂

 

[suckermc]

Hi there,
I am going to offer you some practical advice here. Take it for what it is worth. Here goes: The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average). I finished undergraduate with double major in Biology and Chemistry and a double minor in Math and Physics. I finished graduate school (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and medical school (now a PGY-4 General Surgery resident). I well on MCAT and all USMLE Step and the LSAT. The point of all of this is that if I can do this with my dead average IQ, you can more than get through any of the sciences and medical school.

My key is that no one (including myself) ever told me that I couldn't learn anything that was of interest to me. As a physician, I am a life-long learner. I simply love learning new things and I can always find an application for them. I love knowing why the sky is blue and why the grass is green. I love the practical, critical thinking of the New England Puritan writers like John Winthrop. I love Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. I love that I read the New Testament in the original Greek and that I understand the Latin of the Pope as he speaks from Rome. All of this stuff has made me a Dam--ed well-educated person.

As you go through life, you want and need the challenges. Any new thing of learning is good for your mind and you can find usefulness for your newly acquired knowledge. If nothing else, all of my education has taught me to listen to my patients with an open mind and really hear what they have to say. It is a good trait for any physician and it has made me pretty good a diagnosis. It is through the filter of my very diverse education that I hear and learn everything.

Look at your science courses to come with the eye of a person who wants to learn. You have been able to learn and master the Paramedic stuff, what is going to stop you from doing the same thing with General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics? Each new course is an opportunity to learn and master new knowledge. Odd thing, medical school is the same way!

Do NOT think yourself or talk yourself out of anything. You have brain cells so put them to work and keep an open mind. You want to become a physician so give yourself the tools to do so. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It just takes meeting every challenge with an open mind and a strong belief in yourself. Believe me, I am nothing special. The greatest thing that I have at this point is that I genuinely LOVE what I do and I was not afraid to stretch myself and do what it took to prepare for this profession. I also have an ability to turn a deaf ear to anyone who tells me that I cannot do or learn something.

Hang in there and enjoy the journey. It is totally loads of fun along the way. You cannot know success without failure so learn from your "bombs" and put them in your arsenal of experience but move forward. Just think about how many times you fell when you were first learning to walk but now you move without thinking about it. Learning new stuff works the same way. 👍

njbmd 🙂

i think i am going to staple this post to my wall. thanks so much for this.

 

[Tamala]

Hi there,
I am going to offer you some practical advice here. Take it for what it is worth. Here goes: The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average). I finished undergraduate with double major in Biology and Chemistry and a double minor in Math and Physics. I finished graduate school (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and medical school (now a PGY-4 General Surgery resident). I well on MCAT and all USMLE Step and the LSAT. The point of all of this is that if I can do this with my dead average IQ, you can more than get through any of the sciences and medical school.

My key is that no one (including myself) ever told me that I couldn't learn anything that was of interest to me. As a physician, I am a life-long learner. I simply love learning new things and I can always find an application for them. I love knowing why the sky is blue and why the grass is green. I love the practical, critical thinking of the New England Puritan writers like John Winthrop. I love Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. I love that I read the New Testament in the original Greek and that I understand the Latin of the Pope as he speaks from Rome. All of this stuff has made me a Dam--ed well-educated person.

As you go through life, you want and need the challenges. Any new thing of learning is good for your mind and you can find usefulness for your newly acquired knowledge. If nothing else, all of my education has taught me to listen to my patients with an open mind and really hear what they have to say. It is a good trait for any physician and it has made me pretty good a diagnosis. It is through the filter of my very diverse education that I hear and learn everything.

Look at your science courses to come with the eye of a person who wants to learn. You have been able to learn and master the Paramedic stuff, what is going to stop you from doing the same thing with General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics? Each new course is an opportunity to learn and master new knowledge. Odd thing, medical school is the same way!

Do NOT think yourself or talk yourself out of anything. You have brain cells so put them to work and keep an open mind. You want to become a physician so give yourself the tools to do so. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It just takes meeting every challenge with an open mind and a strong belief in yourself. Believe me, I am nothing special. The greatest thing that I have at this point is that I genuinely LOVE what I do and I was not afraid to stretch myself and do what it took to prepare for this profession. I also have an ability to turn a deaf ear to anyone who tells me that I cannot do or learn something.

Hang in there and enjoy the journey. It is totally loads of fun along the way. You cannot know success without failure so learn from your "bombs" and put them in your arsenal of experience but move forward. Just think about how many times you fell when you were first learning to walk but now you move without thinking about it. Learning new stuff works the same way. 👍

njbmd 🙂

wow!
Thank you for writing this. I found it very helpful 👍

 

[chasingmytail]

Hi there,
I am going to offer you some practical advice here. Take it for what it is worth. Here goes: The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average). I finished undergraduate with double major in Biology and Chemistry and a double minor in Math and Physics. I finished graduate school (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and medical school (now a PGY-4 General Surgery resident). I well on MCAT and all USMLE Step and the LSAT. The point of all of this is that if I can do this with my dead average IQ, you can more than get through any of the sciences and medical school.

My key is that no one (including myself) ever told me that I couldn't learn anything that was of interest to me. As a physician, I am a life-long learner. I simply love learning new things and I can always find an application for them. I love knowing why the sky is blue and why the grass is green. I love the practical, critical thinking of the New England Puritan writers like John Winthrop. I love Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. I love that I read the New Testament in the original Greek and that I understand the Latin of the Pope as he speaks from Rome. All of this stuff has made me a Dam--ed well-educated person.

As you go through life, you want and need the challenges. Any new thing of learning is good for your mind and you can find usefulness for your newly acquired knowledge. If nothing else, all of my education has taught me to listen to my patients with an open mind and really hear what they have to say. It is a good trait for any physician and it has made me pretty good a diagnosis. It is through the filter of my very diverse education that I hear and learn everything.

Look at your science courses to come with the eye of a person who wants to learn. You have been able to learn and master the Paramedic stuff, what is going to stop you from doing the same thing with General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics? Each new course is an opportunity to learn and master new knowledge. Odd thing, medical school is the same way!

Do NOT think yourself or talk yourself out of anything. You have brain cells so put them to work and keep an open mind. You want to become a physician so give yourself the tools to do so. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It just takes meeting every challenge with an open mind and a strong belief in yourself. Believe me, I am nothing special. The greatest thing that I have at this point is that I genuinely LOVE what I do and I was not afraid to stretch myself and do what it took to prepare for this profession. I also have an ability to turn a deaf ear to anyone who tells me that I cannot do or learn something.

Hang in there and enjoy the journey. It is totally loads of fun along the way. You cannot know success without failure so learn from your "bombs" and put them in your arsenal of experience but move forward. Just think about how many times you fell when you were first learning to walk but now you move without thinking about it. Learning new stuff works the same way. 👍

njbmd 🙂

wow, njbmd, u have changed my perspective. I keep thinking of these pre-med sciences as a burden, something to get past esp. Physics and such. However, after reading your post, it's my APPROACH that's totally off. Thanks, I'm so prinitng this out

 

[Mike MacKinnon]

Eloquent and well written.

Hi there,
I am going to offer you some practical advice here. Take it for what it is worth. Here goes: The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average). I finished undergraduate with double major in Biology and Chemistry and a double minor in Math and Physics. I finished graduate school (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and medical school (now a PGY-4 General Surgery resident). I well on MCAT and all USMLE Step and the LSAT. The point of all of this is that if I can do this with my dead average IQ, you can more than get through any of the sciences and medical school.

My key is that no one (including myself) ever told me that I couldn't learn anything that was of interest to me. As a physician, I am a life-long learner. I simply love learning new things and I can always find an application for them. I love knowing why the sky is blue and why the grass is green. I love the practical, critical thinking of the New England Puritan writers like John Winthrop. I love Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. I love that I read the New Testament in the original Greek and that I understand the Latin of the Pope as he speaks from Rome. All of this stuff has made me a Dam--ed well-educated person.

As you go through life, you want and need the challenges. Any new thing of learning is good for your mind and you can find usefulness for your newly acquired knowledge. If nothing else, all of my education has taught me to listen to my patients with an open mind and really hear what they have to say. It is a good trait for any physician and it has made me pretty good a diagnosis. It is through the filter of my very diverse education that I hear and learn everything.

Look at your science courses to come with the eye of a person who wants to learn. You have been able to learn and master the Paramedic stuff, what is going to stop you from doing the same thing with General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics? Each new course is an opportunity to learn and master new knowledge. Odd thing, medical school is the same way!

Do NOT think yourself or talk yourself out of anything. You have brain cells so put them to work and keep an open mind. You want to become a physician so give yourself the tools to do so. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It just takes meeting every challenge with an open mind and a strong belief in yourself. Believe me, I am nothing special. The greatest thing that I have at this point is that I genuinely LOVE what I do and I was not afraid to stretch myself and do what it took to prepare for this profession. I also have an ability to turn a deaf ear to anyone who tells me that I cannot do or learn something.

Hang in there and enjoy the journey. It is totally loads of fun along the way. You cannot know success without failure so learn from your "bombs" and put them in your arsenal of experience but move forward. Just think about how many times you fell when you were first learning to walk but now you move without thinking about it. Learning new stuff works the same way. 👍

njbmd 🙂

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

wow, njbmd, u have changed my perspective. I keep thinking of these pre-med sciences as a burden, something to get past esp. Physics and such. However, after reading your post, it's my APPROACH that's totally off. Thanks, I'm so prinitng this out

I don't mean to be rude, but why would you want to be a doctor if you think of science as a burden?

 

[emgirl]

I've posted a bunch of times before. I'm a paramedic who found his dream of becoming a Dr. recently. How can I say this? The immature kid I used to be screwed myself. I have 88 credits that transferred but I'm bearly a softmore but what is relevant to my major in either Biology or Biology and society. there's probably 7-10 classes that I didn't anticipate for a BS degree. I prepared for all the sciences but was unprepared for all the stuff bearly relevant to the degree. I guess that's what I get for going to a community college for three years after completing a year at a major university in 2001-2002. I also took a math placement test and bombed it. I fell like I'm smart as hell in subjects like psych, or stuff that requires more free thinking but not good enough for the sciences even thought I did great in medic school. I guess this is just the first road block I encountered.

I'm confused- why is it so hard for you to believe that you have to take some classes unrelated to bio to finish a degree at a 4 year college? We all have to take language, humanities, math, etc even if they don't have anything to do with biology, because most schools require their students to have a well rounded education to get a degree. Just because you major in a science doesn't mean that writing and language and other "non-related" classes aren't of any value to your education. Take responsibility for yourself- if you have 90 credits from a cc but are only transferring in as a sophomore that's because alot of your credits aren't usable for your major or general requirements, right? That's something you should have confirmed before taking them and deciding on where to transfer. Honestly, its not going to be the end of the world if you take one extra year of college to graduate because of having to take "un-related" stuff. Some of us did "un-related" undergrad majors and are coming back after *graduating* to take another 2 years of undergrad classes so we can apply to med school. I think you created this "roadblock" yourself- you're an adult and you need to plan and figure out what courses you need to take to graduate- it's not a "roadblock" if everyone else has to do it too!

 

[Law2Doc]

I'm confused- why is it so hard for you to believe that you have to take some classes unrelated to bio to finish a degree at a 4 year college? We all have to take language, humanities, math, etc even if they don't have anything to do with biology, because most schools require their students to have a well rounded education to get a degree. Just because you major in a science doesn't mean that writing and language and other "non-related" classes aren't of any value to your education.

That was also my gut reaction when seeing "bearly" and "softmore" in the OPs post. The days of the pure scientist as physician are long gone, and well roundedness is the current mantra. Some more non-sci courses might not be such a bad thing.

 

[Gatewayhoward]

The reason for having so many credits is two reasons, first: medic school was about 40 credits. Second, I messed around for about two years(one at a university and one at a CC) taking what I wanted instead of getting prereqs out of the way. I was just taken a little aback by how far I still have to go. I naively thought I could just jump into all the sciences which I want to take! I've bought cliffs notes of the chemistry and physics and have been teaching myself some of the main ideas and theories of the subjects. If I had the time I'd read my medical dictionary from front to back. I can't learn enough about medicine.
I just hit a wall for a second but I'm already over it. It might take me 4-5 years to get into medical school but I'm realizing that it's a good thing. I'll have the time to really master the sciences, shadow, research and figure out where in medicine I want to go.
Damn, as I'm typing this, my quck review books for organic chem I and II just came in. I think I'll try to get some of the glossary words in my head. Anyone else ever done pre-learning?

 

[chasingmytail]

I don't mean to be rude, but why would you want to be a doctor if you think of science as a burden?

physics IS a burden. i personally despise it.

I don't mean science in general. I love, love bio, anatomy and physio, molec cell, microbio etc. However, I do not understand how calculus and derivatives are necessary to excel in being an MD or wanting to be an MD. Perhaps I should have said "obstacles" instead of "burdens". Excuse me.

Njbmd's post merely allowed me to look at physics from a different angle (no pun intended), not just a means to an end but an opportunity to acquire knowledge in understanding the fundamental prnciples of the working of our world.

 

[albaniandoc]

njbmd that is a great post.
I am getting very frustrated studying for the MCAT, although I got 134 on the IQ test. I am basically not doing better than an 8 on science tests.
Your post puts everything into prospective.
Thanks for writting.

 

[relentless11]

njbmd that is a great post.
I am getting very frustrated studying for the MCAT, although I got 134 on the IQ test. I am basically not doing better than an 8 on science tests.
Your post puts everything into prospective.
Thanks for writting.

Man i keep hearing about these IQ tests. Is it just a non-CA thing? I mean in all the years i've been alive, I have never seen or taken one. Kinda curious now..hahaha.

 

[albaniandoc]

After taking the MCAT practice tests, I am wondering about the IQ accuracy as well. Most things come easy for me, so I don't bother studying or study the weekend before the test. This has made me a lazy person.
I do well on tests at school but have limited long term memory. I need to re-train myself to study less, but for longer and with more repetion. The MCAT is killing me since I need to study for more than one weekend.
To give you an example I got 100% on my last physics exam when the class average was 58%. I only studied the last two days. Ask me if I remember anything ?
I have come to the conclusion that it does not matter how intellegent you are (provided that you are average intelligence), as long as you study hard, consistently. With time you will do better.
Good luck
Sorry about stealing the post. It won't happen again.

Man i keep hearing about these IQ tests. Is it just a non-CA thing? I mean in all the years i've been alive, I have never seen or taken one. Kinda curious now..hahaha.

 

[ShyRem]

There are different kinds of IQ tests that measure different types of IQ. I took one that measured three different 'types' of IQ when I was in 7th or 8th grade, and several others in subsequent years. I don't know why they kept testing me - I guess I was fascinating to my high school administration. More likely a guinea pig.

 

[Law2Doc]

There are different kinds of IQ tests that measure different types of IQ. I took one that measured three different 'types' of IQ when I was in 7th or 8th grade, and several others in subsequent years.

I think enough people question the validity of IQ tests and what they actually measure that no one uses them in the US for anything other than admission to certain organizations, or for self aggrandizing bragging rights. You will always find folks with high "IQ"s getting low scores on the MCAT and low "IQ"s getting high scores. This is because the MCAT does not test aptitude, it tests knowledge and preparation. I would put my money on someone with an average IQ who studies like a maniac for that test over someone with a genius IQ who puts in a more minimal effort any day.

 

[njbmd]

njbmd that is a great post.
I am getting very frustrated studying for the MCAT, although I got 134 on the IQ test. I am basically not doing better than an 8 on science tests.
Your post puts everything into prospective.
Thanks for writting.

Hi there,
The MCAT is a test of problem solving using the knowledge base that you have acquired in your pre-med courses. One can learn to be a problem solver by plenty of practice. The rest is making sure that you acquire the knowledge (in your long-term memory base), that will enable you to use it practically. This skill requires little intelligence but perhaps some practice and adaptability.

I was educated under the British system (lots of exams and tests) until I reached university. My lecturers were never my examiners and thus I have always separted material presented in lecture, textbook, hand-outs etc. from the presentor. I found my American colleagues fixated at times on how good or how bad the lecturer (professor) which, has very little to do with what I was paying for by taking the course. I always developed a personal system for master of knowledge and how it applied to the rest of my knowledge base. It didn't matter who or what was presenting the knowledge as I was ready to put it into my arsenal of experience.

It turns out, this was an ideal system for university and medical school albeit very different from the regurgitation method that most American primary and secondary schools use. As an adult learner, you have the maturity and wisdom to change your learning style if it is not working for you. If you are discouraged by the scores that you are getting, examine your results and try to figure out where your weaknesses lie and make any weakness a strength. This is applicable to tennis, basketball, chemistry, physics, and anything else that you wish to master. This along with practice, can drastically change your final outcomes.

njbmd 🙂

 

[ShyRem]

I think enough people question the validity of IQ tests and what they actually measure that no one uses them in the US for anything other than admission to certain organizations, or for self aggrandizing bragging rights. You will always find folks with high "IQ"s getting low scores on the MCAT and low "IQ"s getting high scores. This is because the MCAT does not test aptitude, it tests knowledge and preparation. I would put my money on someone with an average IQ who studies like a maniac for that test over someone with a genius IQ who puts in a more minimal effort any day.

Absolutely. IQ doesn't mean you're smart, nor does it mean you know more than someone else. A higher IQ *might* (and I cannot stress that word enough) mean that you won't need to work as hard as someone with a low IQ, but it certainly doesn't mean the higher IQ person is any better than with a lower IQ. It's all about desire, motivation, work, and the resulting ability.

 

[sailaway415]

Believe in yourself. Thats the only thing that will ever get you anywhere!

 

[chopstick1]

at a leadership lecture 15 years ago I met a pilot that was guest of the famous vietnam POW camp "Hanoi Hilton" He told horrific stories of camp life and his mental status of surviving. let me pass on to you a quote I've never forgot...

"if your mind can conceive it, and your heart will believe it, then you can achieve it."

I often think of that whenever life takes a bad turn. I thought that I'd never get that letter, but after being wounded, medic training, a BSN, and 3 yrs pre med courses, MCAT x 3.. I finally did it! 👍

don't speed through your classes, rely on others for help, strive to do things better, learn from your mistakes, try to plan short term and long term goals, and always believe you will get there. good karma and good luck!

 

[relentless11]

I think the take home message for the OP is that this is a long process (pre-med, applying, med school, residency), there will be ups and downs, regardless of your stats. The key is to stay positive about yourself, and your dreams. You must enjoy learning to really succeed (happiness, good grades, and gaining new knowledge). As a physician you are perpetually learning. Being discouraged about some undergrad courses won't help you. You should enjoy this time in your life because like looking back in high school, when you go to med school, you will miss the undergrad days because it was so "laid back". A positive perspective right now will do wonders, and will help you to excel in your courses.

On a side note....

chopstick1, just noticed your avatar, you with an SFODA or previously with one? I knew a few guys with the 19th, and 20th SFG when I worked for the Army.

 

[trustwomen]

I would put my money on someone with an average IQ who studies like a maniac for that test over someone with a genius IQ who puts in a more minimal effort any day.

Dunno about that. I studied 3 days for the MCAT, hadn't taken half of the prerequisite science classes, and got a 35S. (When you test well, you just test well.) IQ tests screen for the same qualities as does the VR section on the MCAT. (168/13 for me, and I'm not bragging, it's not like it's an accomplishment or anything).

Most doctors have average IQs and great work habits. They are also dedicated, wonderful people and I would be honoured to be one of them. Most Mensa members have average jobs. They probably weren't challenged in early scholastic life and developed study habits/self-discipline late if ever (I started developing mine at 26 and it's an ongoing struggle). This lack of discipline can be very damaging to your life. It is also not, as you can imagine, something which gets much sympathy.

I do not in any way feel superior to those who don't test well. Intelligence is complex and, although some aspects of it can be quantified, intelligence is not a moral quality. However, I do strongly suggest this to parents of gifted children, so that their moral qualities are not compromised: let them go as far ahead in school as they need to, until they start putting in almost the same effort as their classmates (I skipped two years and was still bored). And don't worry about the social aspect so much; they wouldn't fit in any better with kids their own age, considering the gap in intellectual interests.

Just my $.02.

Cat
(who is NOT a member of Mensa or such groups; I find them really pretentious)

 

[desiree28]

Hi there,
I am going to offer you some practical advice here. Take it for what it is worth. Here goes: The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average). I finished undergraduate with double major in Biology and Chemistry and a double minor in Math and Physics. I finished graduate school (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and medical school (now a PGY-4 General Surgery resident). I well on MCAT and all USMLE Step and the LSAT. The point of all of this is that if I can do this with my dead average IQ, you can more than get through any of the sciences and medical school.

My key is that no one (including myself) ever told me that I couldn't learn anything that was of interest to me. As a physician, I am a life-long learner. I simply love learning new things and I can always find an application for them. I love knowing why the sky is blue and why the grass is green. I love the practical, critical thinking of the New England Puritan writers like John Winthrop. I love Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. I love that I read the New Testament in the original Greek and that I understand the Latin of the Pope as he speaks from Rome. All of this stuff has made me a Dam--ed well-educated person.

As you go through life, you want and need the challenges. Any new thing of learning is good for your mind and you can find usefulness for your newly acquired knowledge. If nothing else, all of my education has taught me to listen to my patients with an open mind and really hear what they have to say. It is a good trait for any physician and it has made me pretty good a diagnosis. It is through the filter of my very diverse education that I hear and learn everything.

Look at your science courses to come with the eye of a person who wants to learn. You have been able to learn and master the Paramedic stuff, what is going to stop you from doing the same thing with General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics? Each new course is an opportunity to learn and master new knowledge. Odd thing, medical school is the same way!

Do NOT think yourself or talk yourself out of anything. You have brain cells so put them to work and keep an open mind. You want to become a physician so give yourself the tools to do so. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It just takes meeting every challenge with an open mind and a strong belief in yourself. Believe me, I am nothing special. The greatest thing that I have at this point is that I genuinely LOVE what I do and I was not afraid to stretch myself and do what it took to prepare for this profession. I also have an ability to turn a deaf ear to anyone who tells me that I cannot do or learn something.

Hang in there and enjoy the journey. It is totally loads of fun along the way. You cannot know success without failure so learn from your "bombs" and put them in your arsenal of experience but move forward. Just think about how many times you fell when you were first learning to walk but now you move without thinking about it. Learning new stuff works the same way. 👍

njbmd 🙂

I am truly inspired and blessed to feel your words of profound wisdom. Any advice for me?

 

[QofQuimica]

The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average).

Great post, njbmd. But I am not buying the validity of this so-called IQ test you took. If YOU are of "average" intelligence, then there isn't a single person on this planet who's above average.

 

[cloverpie]

Hi there,
I am going to offer you some practical advice here. Take it for what it is worth. Here goes: The highest score that I ever achieved on an IQ test is 100 (dead average). I finished undergraduate with double major in Biology and Chemistry and a double minor in Math and Physics. I finished graduate school (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and medical school (now a PGY-4 General Surgery resident). I well on MCAT and all USMLE Step and the LSAT. The point of all of this is that if I can do this with my dead average IQ, you can more than get through any of the sciences and medical school.

My key is that no one (including myself) ever told me that I couldn't learn anything that was of interest to me. As a physician, I am a life-long learner. I simply love learning new things and I can always find an application for them. I love knowing why the sky is blue and why the grass is green. I love the practical, critical thinking of the New England Puritan writers like John Winthrop. I love Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. I love that I read the New Testament in the original Greek and that I understand the Latin of the Pope as he speaks from Rome. All of this stuff has made me a Dam--ed well-educated person.

As you go through life, you want and need the challenges. Any new thing of learning is good for your mind and you can find usefulness for your newly acquired knowledge. If nothing else, all of my education has taught me to listen to my patients with an open mind and really hear what they have to say. It is a good trait for any physician and it has made me pretty good a diagnosis. It is through the filter of my very diverse education that I hear and learn everything.

Look at your science courses to come with the eye of a person who wants to learn. You have been able to learn and master the Paramedic stuff, what is going to stop you from doing the same thing with General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and General Physics? Each new course is an opportunity to learn and master new knowledge. Odd thing, medical school is the same way!

Do NOT think yourself or talk yourself out of anything. You have brain cells so put them to work and keep an open mind. You want to become a physician so give yourself the tools to do so. If I can do this, anyone can do this. It just takes meeting every challenge with an open mind and a strong belief in yourself. Believe me, I am nothing special. The greatest thing that I have at this point is that I genuinely LOVE what I do and I was not afraid to stretch myself and do what it took to prepare for this profession. I also have an ability to turn a deaf ear to anyone who tells me that I cannot do or learn something.

Hang in there and enjoy the journey. It is totally loads of fun along the way. You cannot know success without failure so learn from your "bombs" and put them in your arsenal of experience but move forward. Just think about how many times you fell when you were first learning to walk but now you move without thinking about it. Learning new stuff works the same way. 👍

njbmd 🙂

One of the best posts I have ever read here. Your medical school and future patients are lucky.

 

[Raven Feather]

njbmd that is a great post.
I am getting very frustrated studying for the MCAT, although I got 134 on the IQ test. I am basically not doing better than an 8 on science tests.
Your post puts everything into prospective.
Thanks for writting.

Yeah, there must not be any correlation to IQ and MCAT scores. My IQ is a 136 and I didn't do well at all on the MCAT!