Gunner in my lab class

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shahcoco

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I called it when I met them and as soon as the first day of lab got underway, GUNS WERE A'BLAZIN.

So I'm wondering: are there any advantages to staying in the same group as gunner? Or should I mosey elsewhere?

(I find it slightly stressful but mostly annoying when people rush ahead/incorporate foreign and unrelated concepts to a simple idea -- for whatever reason they do it?? I just want to learn the info and do well on the MCAT.)
 
Generally I steer clear of true gunners. Although the most blatant case I've known the guy was full of it. Ie he was trying to act like he knew all this big stuff and would talk about xyz like he knew it, only if it was something I knew a lot about it was pretty clear he had no idea what he was talking about and was always trying to assert himself over everyone else.
 
shahcoco said:
I called it when I met them and as soon as the first day of lab got underway, GUNS WERE A'BLAZIN.

So I'm wondering: are there any advantages to staying in the same group as gunner? Or should I mosey elsewhere?

(I find it slightly stressful but mostly annoying when people rush ahead/incorporate foreign and unrelated concepts to a simple idea -- for whatever reason they do it?? I just want to learn the info and do well on the MCAT.)
Click to expand...

Interesting problem. For me it would be more a matter of personality: are we talking the kind of gunner who loves the sound of his/her voice, no matter the superfluous stupidity that may be spewed by it? That would drive me insane.

On the other hand, I would be willing to bet the kids I took my pre-reqs with regarded me as a total gunner. I was there to get A's and memorize the material for the MCAT, and the moree efficiently I could do that the better. I worked best in teams with other non-trads with kids and another job, who were also there for a specific purpose. That being said, whenever someone asked me a question I was happy to help...unless it was one of the 19-year-old tools who wanted to talk about youtube videos while playing fruit ninja every lecture.

So I'd go with personality. Arrogance and irrelevant self-aggrandizement would send me to the other side of the lab immediately. However, if it's someone who's focused and willing to work in a team but is also defined by...intensity...why not?

Or is my concept of "gunner" a little off?
 
I always found cooperation better than competition. When people help each other out then everyone is better off.

If the "gunner" is all about competition, I would find a different group. If the attitude is to do as well as possible, then it may be better to stay and ride the wave of learning. If the attitude is to do the best at any cost (including sacrificing others in the class), then I would leave as fast as possible.

dsoz
 
This gunner complicates the task at hand and insists on double the work to get to the same answer. And eye rolling at the prof -- that's just plain disrespectful in my book.
 
shahcoco said:
This gunner complicates the task at hand and insists on double the work to get to the same answer. And eye rolling at the prof -- that's just plain disrespectful in my book.
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Double the work? In lab?

Run.
 
Whenever I encounter a gunner I always make it my mission to destroy them. Not publicly mind you, but by getting a better grade. Gunners are generally loud and braggy, and always want to ask everyone else how they did so they can prove they are better.

I always wait until they ask me and I usually reply with "Not as good as I wanted" which is generally true, and then secretly smile when they launch into their soliloquy of how great they are while quoting a score below mine. That feels so good. It also helps me study harder, and I will take any little psychological edge I can get.
 
I was under the impression that gunners are people who will promote themselves at the expense of others, actively sabotaging others to make make themselves look better by comparison. From what up you're describing it doesn't really sound like much more than a braggart, which is irritating but not really the same. If they irritate you by wanting to learn in a different or needlessly complex way, it could just be them. We're all different after all. Just mind your own and they'll probably do the same
 
Captain Sisko said:
I was under the impression that gunners are people who will promote themselves at the expense of others, actively sabotaging others to make make themselves look better by comparison. From what up you're describing it doesn't really sound like much more than a braggart, which is irritating but not really the same. If they irritate you by wanting to learn in a different or needlessly complex way, it could just be them. We're all different after all. Just mind your own and they'll probably do the same
Click to expand...

Yes, that is true some of them will do that..or maybe that is the defacto definition. That is why I offer as little information about myself as possible. If they don't think you are a threat, there is less of a reason for them to target you for backstabbing.

I prefer my classmates to think I am the dumb old guy in the class, not the one setting the curve.
 
I had someone in my bio retake lab ask "do you have an MSDS?" "I just figured you would".
 
Gunners have always f'd my life up in labs. I hate them and avoid them at all costs.
 
NontradCA said:
I had someone in my bio retake lab ask "do you have an MSDS?" "I just figured you would".
Click to expand...

As in a material safety data sheet? Why would anyone just happen to have it on them? I would've just slapped that guy and told them to STFU and GBTW.
 
i've met A LOT of "true" gunners since i've been back. i'm at a state school so percentage wise it's probably the same as anywhere else. the advice in the thread is sound, avoid them if at all possible, they are high risk/no reward and at best will waste your time. as a non-trad time, is your most important resource.

one thing i've noticed is if you start doing consistently well for a semester or two, the gunners will seek you out. the place they can do the most harm is in labs or group work. one example i know of is a girl who was my lab partner who thought my average was far enough below hers that she could tank the last lab in hopes that i would end up with a B and her an A. yep, they're out there. i had another who would try to do the labs real fast and write down data before anyone else could see. i've also met a lot of semi gunners who try to hit you up to see what you have going on in your app and then try to one-up you on their app. they really have no chance at beating us in EC's here though, assuming you are an older non-trad. this is where being well rounded and with lots of life experience really comes in handy. I've also noticed there are more B/C student gunners than A student gunners, but the few A student gunners that exist are willing to do much more damage. the B/C students just want A's even if it ruins your grade. The A student gunner will actively try to ruin your grade since they will have their A already.

sadly, they exist in all fields and all walks of life, so may as well get used to it.
 
Non-trad gunner here.

I act this way for two reasons:

1) I try to psych out other classmates so they get a lower grade than me.
2) I've gotten A's in all but one of my pre-reqs so I know my ****.
 
kinokoboy said:
Non-trad gunner here.

I act this way for two reasons:

1) I try to psych out other classmates so they get a lower grade than me.
2) I've gotten A's in all but one of my pre-reqs so I know my ****.
Click to expand...

There is no reason to act this way. If you know your s.hit, then take your A and GTFO

And yes I know you are trolling. /rant
 
NuttyEngDude said:
i've met A LOT of "true" gunners since i've been back. i'm at a state school so percentage wise it's probably the same as anywhere else. the advice in the thread is sound, avoid them if at all possible, they are high risk/no reward and at best will waste your time. as a non-trad time, is your most important resource.

one thing i've noticed is if you start doing consistently well for a semester or two, the gunners will seek you out. the place they can do the most harm is in labs or group work. one example i know of is a girl who was my lab partner who thought my average was far enough below hers that she could tank the last lab in hopes that i would end up with a B and her an A. yep, they're out there. i had another who would try to do the labs real fast and write down data before anyone else could see. i've also met a lot of semi gunners who try to hit you up to see what you have going on in your app and then try to one-up you on their app. they really have no chance at beating us in EC's here though, assuming you are an older non-trad. this is where being well rounded and with lots of life experience really comes in handy. I've also noticed there are more B/C student gunners than A student gunners, but the few A student gunners that exist are willing to do much more damage. the B/C students just want A's even if it ruins your grade. The A student gunner will actively try to ruin your grade since they will have their A already.

sadly, they exist in all fields and all walks of life, so may as well get used to it.
Click to expand...

👍

Thanks to all. I will steer clear and just focus on the class work.
 
I don't get the gunner mentality. There are going to thousands of applicants per cycle. If you can make an A, I want to study with you. If you are struggling with a B, I want to help you because it helps me reinforce my knowledge. I want everyone to win : /.
 
^^Not always true. Sometimes you have to skip the study group socialization hour and study by yourself for a better grade. I would never have gotten A's in o-chem and physics if I didn't do a butt-load of problems. Talking about problems with people who are getting C's never helped me do better on an exam.
 
I'd say look for the person who simply wants an A and wants to get out of lab as fast as possible. This person will not waste time chatting about random, unimportant complicated things. This is what I did for my labs and I tended to get out of lab first!
 
popopopop said:
I don't get the gunner mentality. There are going to thousands of applicants per cycle. If you can make an A, I want to study with you. If you are struggling with a B, I want to help you because it helps me reinforce my knowledge. I want everyone to win : /.
Click to expand...

the way i'm using the word "gunner" is someone who wants to or feels the only way to succeed is at the expense of others. this is win-lose. what you are referring to is a difference in study style and this may very well be the case of win-win if everyone is fine with the arrangement.
 
Unless the person involved is actively sabotaging you or others in an effort to get ahead, I don't think the term "gunner" really applies here...

As someone already said, they sound more like a braggart, know-it-all-type person who though quite annoying, are rather harmless if you focus on what you are in that class for (learning and getting the best possible grade), If you find that personality hard to work with, you should find another lab group or barring that, brace yourself for a challenging semester.

To keep things in perspective, remind yourself that people like these are not found only in schools... and you will likely have to deal with them at some point. Might as well learn how to deal now.
 
I'd say just ignore the person. Most gunners thrive on attention; without it, they usually scuttle to the back of the class where the proceed to give everyone else baleful looks of disdain. I have noticed many gunners in my class and I have avoided them all like the plague. Gunners usually equal drama.
 
Shjanzey said:
That is why I offer as little information about myself as possible. If they don't think you are a threat, there is less of a reason for them to target you for backstabbing.

I prefer my classmates to think I am the dumb old guy in the class, not the one setting the curve.
Click to expand...

This is my general strategy as well.
 
abolt18 said:
I'd say look for the person who simply wants an A and wants to get out of lab as fast as possible. This person will not waste time chatting about random, unimportant complicated things. This is what I did for my labs and I tended to get out of lab first!
Click to expand...

Right there with you! I get it done fast and well, avoid too much chatting, and peace out 🙂
 
gunners exist everywhere. Best advice is to learn how to deal with them, be nice and make the best of the situation. Easier said than done.
 
MedWonk said:
As in a material safety data sheet? Why would anyone just happen to have it on them? I would've just slapped that guy and told them to STFU and GBTW.
Click to expand...

That would have been the perfect answer!

Q: do you have an MSDS...?

A: No, but I have an STFU and a GBTW! :slap:
 
Shjanzey said:
Yes, that is true some of them will do that..or maybe that is the defacto definition. That is why I offer as little information about myself as possible. If they don't think you are a threat, there is less of a reason for them to target you for backstabbing.

I prefer my classmates to think I am the dumb old guy in the class, not the one setting the curve.
Click to expand...

You boss.
 
shahcoco said:
I called it when I met them and as soon as the first day of lab got underway, GUNS WERE A'BLAZIN.

So I'm wondering: are there any advantages to staying in the same group as gunner? Or should I mosey elsewhere?

(I find it slightly stressful but mostly annoying when people rush ahead/incorporate foreign and unrelated concepts to a simple idea -- for whatever reason they do it?? I just want to learn the info and do well on the MCAT.)
Click to expand...

My advice, especially in a lab class, would be to buddy up to the non-assuming guy or gal who works efficiently and is organized.

Gunners are always men for a reason. Cuz they would drive the Corvette and the GINORMOUS H1 Hummer if given the $$...if you catch the inference. They are so insecure they overcompensate - HORRIBLY. I've never met a "legit" gunner in my adventures. Every gunner only has a "single pie piece in Trivial Pursuit" knowledge. Meaning they might know or be experts in one or two SLIVERS of a subject, but hardly know it all.

I TRIED to sit next to them, just to see what was going on, and every time a prof would ask a rhetorical question, the gunner would blurt out...the WRONG ANSWER! This is not isolated. It's basically every gunner. A gunner is only as good as their area of expertise. And a gunner's "domain" is always tiny. Like some other things are too lol

When I was in Gen Chem, my bench was next to a quiet gal. We talked, worked next to each other so why not. She always had her stuff correct. And then we'd get lab grades or test back and she would CRUSH them.

Up to now (including med school), I've come to realize that the TRULY BRILLIANT people are almost ashamed of being so smart. You almost have to coax out the fact they are super smart.

Find the quiet guy or gal! 👍
 
Gfliptastic said:
Gunners are always men for a reason. Cuz they would drive the Corvette and the GINORMOUS H1 Hummer if given the $$...if you catch the inference. They are so insecure they overcompensate - HORRIBLY. I've never met a "legit" gunner in my adventures. Every gunner only has a "single pie piece in Trivial Pursuit" knowledge. Meaning they might know or be experts in one or two SLIVERS of a subject, but hardly know it all.
Click to expand...

Of all the gunners i've met that were non-trad, they were all men. Of all the gunners i've met that were trads, more than half were women. Obviously this is all subjective but it could be a sign of the times, aren't there more women in college now than men? Of course, stupidity reigns supreme in some cases, as some of these trad gunners would proudly post their exploits on their facebook page.

Up to now (including med school), I've come to realize that the TRULY BRILLIANT people are almost ashamed of being so smart. You almost have to coax out the fact they are super smart.

Find the quiet guy or gal!
Click to expand...
I love these people 🙂
 
NuttyEngDude said:
Of all the gunners i've met that were non-trad, they were all men. Of all the gunners i've met that were trads, more than half were women. Obviously this is all subjective but it could be a sign of the times, aren't there more women in college now than men? Of course, stupidity reigns supreme in some cases, as some of these trad gunners would proudly post their exploits on their facebook page.


I love these people 🙂
Click to expand...

How many non-trad gunners have you met? I don't think I've met many other non-trads... period. Like maybe 2? 3? out of the half dozen courses in my postbac so far?
 
non-trad gunners maybe a handful 2-3? I've met maybe 20-30 non-trads total but i've taken close to 30 classes now (counting labs separately) and my class sizes are large (prereqs had hundreds of people). These gunners were the "B/C student gunners" and not the true "A student gunners" that I wrote about earlier, those were the trads. I also lump older people into the non-trad category even if they are completing their degree for the first time and not necessarily completing a post-bacc
 
Double standard? If I met a female gunner, I might think she was hot in lieu of looks. lol

Were these gal-gunners as obnoxious as the boys?? I mean, I was a TA when I was a post-bacc, and I guess there were smart know-it-all gals, but they were always like the before or after class type. It wasn't a public spectacle like the boys.
 
Gfliptastic said:
Double standard? If I met a female gunner, I might think she was hot in lieu of looks. lol
Click to expand...
no comment, lol.

Gfliptastic said:
Were these gal-gunners as obnoxious as the boys?? I mean, I was a TA when I was a post-bacc, and I guess there were smart know-it-all gals, but they were always like the before or after class type. It wasn't a public spectacle like the boys.
Click to expand...

Not at all. Males have the monopoly on the spectacles. It was more about making sure their grades were higher than yours by any means necessary, which is in essence the hallmark sign of a gunner. But anyways, I think this thread has gone far from it's original post and I apologize for contributing to that.
 
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