Freshman freaking out!

[freshman18]

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Hey guys! So I just started college this week, and my major is pre-pharm. I've wanted to be a pharmacist since junior high, and I've always been so confident that I could do it.....that is, before Hell Week struck!

I'm taking Chem 1007 and Chem 1009 this year. My teacher for chem 1007 is really nice, and he does seem like he wants to help. The problem is, he goes SO FAST because we're on a schedule, and we can't fall behind.

Some of this stuff is like a foreign language to me. I look at my notes, and it looks so bizarre. For example, m=F/A, 1N=1kg.m/s^2

w = N x M = J

Ep= mgh

I mean, there are so many formulas we have to memorize, and I don't see how any of it is relevant to pharmacy. Why do I have to know how fast an electron is traveling if I want to be a pharmacist, you know?

I'm trying to calm myself down and keep thinking positive thoughts, but this entire week has been a huge wake up call for me. I knew it would be hard, I just wasn't expecting this! I worked so hard in high school to graduate with honors, and I've seen people who care less than I do pass....and I'm just wondering, what if I fail?? That has never been in my mind before, and I'm trying not to let it scare me away.

The good thing is (and this is a tiny brightspot in this nightmare), we have supplement instruction sessions where we work one on one with an experienced student who will help us. I'm basically grasping onto that fact.

I just don't know. If I'm struggling at a very basic level of chemistry, how in the world can I expect to make it 7 more years? And this one week has been so exhausting. I get home, and I'm just wiped out. I don't see how people also play sports/extra-curricular activities, and still find time for class.

Some of this stuff I have never seen before, and it's definitely making me doubt if I'm doing the right thing.....I just need some advice. 🙁

 

[Twentytwelve2]

Hi, I think its great that u are stressed out and worried about passing the class. That shows you truly care about grades and succeeding. Throughout college, you have to learn that school is your first priority and that means studying and keeping up with the material on a weekly basis (not necessarily everyday). You will do fine and I say that with certainty. College isn't as hard as you imagine it to be (especially after your first quarter/semester), you will figure everything out by then!

My best advice: Stay AWAY from ALL parties! I know others in my class who partied all the time and either flunked or got a C because they were too busy socializing and talking to their bf/gf rather than the EXAM.

Btw, pharmacy school is even harder. I am going to a 2+2 and the material will surpass u unless u have a good background in biochemistry/chemistry/biology/physiology, in which case, it becomes easy as the material is familiar.

Also, I find it interesting that you mentioned you are exhausted after getting home. During undergrad, I felt I had all the time in the world to do whatever I want since its only about 12-13 units per quarter/semester. In pharmacy school, I am taking 21 units per semester and by the time I get home and eat, its already 6PM and I would have to wake up at 6 the next day to get ready/beat traffic. Now I am REALLY exhausted and never felt this tired before. All I want is sleep and I cant even get 9 hours of that. Sigh!!

 

[RxRunner]

I can just give you my own experience, but it's easier to give an analogy. Starting college with your classmates is like running a 5K. Everyone goes out at about the same pace at the start and then there starts to be a separation. Some of those runners are first timers, some are marathoners, but looking at them, it's tough to know until you see them work.

You have no idea how prepared your fellow classmates are. I personally had regular chemistry and AP chemistry and calculus before I took the class you are taking, but in a biology class, I was not nearly as prepared. It is not a matter of your intelligence, it is the wisdom to know when you are not able to keep up and to see if you need additional preparation.

My personal feeling is to complete the class to midterm (in something as important as chemistry) then decide if you can get a B or higher. If not, withdraw and come back next semester, when you can for sure having had the material already. if so, good for you move on.

A freshman first semester student, in my opinion, should never have more than 12 credits...there is too much new stuff and it's hard to say no to the excitement. You have to keep this pace up for 15 weeks.

Also, check the professor's ratings/grades on myedu.com and ratemyprofessor.com ... you may not have a chance...no one may have a chance...