How do you know if you're not smart enough for medicine? (Struggling student)

[Susanoo]

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I've been contemplating this for a while and I'd like to get some clear answers on this question. How do you know if you're not inherently intelligent enough for medicine? I don't mean too lazy or not interested or studying improperly, I mean that you simply aren't intellectually up to par with fellow premeds.

I'm currently enrolled at a university and I just finished my AA at a CC. I'm struggling with academics right now, not doing so well at all. Definitely not medical school competitive. My cGPA is like a 3.3, yada yada yada, I won't go into details as they're irrelevant. But my grades aren't good. I'm already 23 years old as well, so technically, I should be in my first year of medical school if I didn't **** up.

I definitely could have done better if I had tried harder at my CC, I think I could have a 3.7+ right now if I had, but again, general courses for an AA are much easier than a bachelors in science which I'm now pursuing at the university level.

I've always struggled academically, even getting held back a year in high school, my high school counselor even told me to drop out because she said I'd "never" get my high school diploma, then I got my high school diploma.

I feel like I'm struggling way too much to be doing so poorly. Granted maybe I'm not working that hard and I simply think I am? I feel like I'm not up to par with some fellow premeds, some of my friends have 3.9+ and SEEM (key word, since I'm not around them all day) to be working a lot less than me in terms of time and effort exerted.

I don't think I can necessarily attribute this to genetics, as members of my family near my age are very intelligent. Have a cousin at Stanford with 3.9+, other cousin doing engineering at top uni, my little sister was valedictorian or something in high school, other cousin doing near 4.0 chemical engineering at some random uni. However, none of these are me and it doesn't necessarily correlate entirely.

My most recent grades from this Fall 2012 are...
Medical Terminology: A. (Easy)
Organic Chemistry: B. (Points away from B+, could have got B+/A- if I tried harder)
Immunology: C. (Sucks, 79%. Literally needed 2 more questions for a B)
Semester GPA: 3.0.
As you can see, even if I hypothetically did better, I would not have gotten a 4.0 unless something significant changed. Also, I'm not taking the full course load, so 9 credit hours looks ****ing horrible. I'm taking 15 credits (orgo 2, statistics, genetics, fitness class, music class) next semester so we'll see. I had a ton of free time since I wasn't taking a heavy course load too.

I've never had a 4.0 in my entire life. Highest I got was a 3.71 this past summer, but that doesn't count.
Calculus 1: B+. (89.X%, in 10 weeks, still not an A)
Human Biology: A. (Easy online class, which is why it doesn't count)

Am I just not smart enough for medicine? People (including successful friends I've asked) tell me to continue and strive for high goals if I enjoy it and I am passionate about it. That's all good, but it doesn't matter if you're passionate about medicine, passion itself isn't enough. Who cares if I'm passionate when I can't even hack a 4.0? Or even a good GPA.

Seriously, I feel like a complete *******. I don't even want to talk about my GPA to my friends because it's ridiculously low (3.3) and I don't even tell most people in real life that I'm premed.

 

[sliceofbread136]

Reevaluate your study habits. Take a semester if easy classes and find what works for YOU.

If you can't do well on the MCAT no matter how much you study then it's probably time to think of pursuing something else.

 

[Freesia88]

Also, it is not necessarily about being inherently smart. Motivation, Hardwork and Efficient Studying can get you there as well. Right now it sounds as though you're thinking "I can't do this" and that's never going to do.

 

[dudeliness]

Also, it is not necessarily about being inherently smart. Motivation, Hardwork and Efficient Studying can get you there as well. Right now it sounds as though you're thinking "I can't do this" and that's never going to do.

Agreed. Attitude can make a lot of difference, as well as being motivated enough to put in the hard work and studying needed.
Early in my undergrad I wasn't really convinced of my academic goals and I was doing poorly in my classes because of that. When I finally found my motivation and got excited and determined about my career goals, I found it much easier to put in the effort required to get good grades. I improved my study habits and overall work ethic.
Long story short, find your motivation and then put in the hard work and effective study needed to excel. I think most people could cut it in medical school if they put in enough work and dedication.

 

[IslandStyle808]

1) The first thing you need to do is take the idea "you are dumb" and throw that s*** in the dumpster. You are capable person if you are able to make it into college!

2) The second thing you should do is not increase your class load when you are doing bad at 9 credits (15 credits won't help you). Please keep it at 9 credits and stick to that load until you can get an all A semester. Then turn up the heat and make it 12 credits and get all As as well (it won't get much harder with correct study habits).

3) The third thing is how are you studying each day? Do you just go to lecture and end it there? Or do you preview your lecture notes, go to lecture, and review your lecture notes after lecture? Do you all review all the material through the week during the weekends as well? If not, you should try these things (we are human and have the tendency to forget and review brings it back and helps us retain better).

4) The fourth thing. Go to a "learning specialist" (your university should have one as a free service) and find out your best learning style (ex. visual, auditory, kinesthetic). Also find if there are tutors for the subject like class TAs (or search around campus for one).

5) The fifth thing is PUT THE WORK IN! You have said you had free time with your 9 credit schedule, then you didn't work hard enough. Time manage yourself and also keep time to have some fun as well (don't overwork).

Good luck!

 

[Doctor Strange]

1) The first thing you need to do is take the idea "you are dumb" and throw that s*** in the dumpster. You are capable person if you are able to make it into college!

2) The second thing you should do is not increase your class load when you are doing bad at 9 credits (15 credits won't help you). Please keep it at 9 credits and stick to that load until you can get an all A semester. Then turn up the heat and make it 12 credits and get all As as well (it won't get much harder with correct study habits).

3) The third thing is how are you studying each day? Do you just go to lecture and end it there? Or do you preview your lecture notes, go to lecture, and review your lecture notes after lecture? Do you all review all the material through the week during the weekends as well? If not, you should try these things (we are human and have the tendency to forget and review brings it back and helps us retain better).

4) The fourth thing. Go to a "learning specialist" (your university should have one as a free service) and find out your best learning style (ex. visual, auditory, kinesthetic). Also find if there are tutors for the subject like class TAs (or search around campus for one).

5) The fifth thing is PUT THE WORK IN! You have said you had free time with your 9 credit schedule, then you didn't work hard enough. Time manage yourself and also keep time to have some fun as well (don't overwork).

Good luck!

This. Akuma speaks the truth.

 

[IslandStyle808]

This. Akuma speaks the truth.

Thanks

I was able to get a 4.0 this semester due to correct study habits and knowing myself (how I learned best and how much I can tackle). I have a worse GPA than OP but am turning it around. You can do this OP!

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

1) The first thing you need to do is take the idea "you are dumb" and throw that s*** in the dumpster. You are capable person if you are able to make it into college!

2) The second thing you should do is not increase your class load when you are doing bad at 9 credits (15 credits won't help you). Please keep it at 9 credits and stick to that load until you can get an all A semester. Then turn up the heat and make it 12 credits and get all As as well (it won't get much harder with correct study habits).

3) The third thing is how are you studying each day? Do you just go to lecture and end it there? Or do you preview your lecture notes, go to lecture, and review your lecture notes after lecture? Do you all review all the material through the week during the weekends as well? If not, you should try these things (we are human and have the tendency to forget and review brings it back and helps us retain better).

4) The fourth thing. Go to a "learning specialist" (your university should have one as a free service) and find out your best learning style (ex. visual, auditory, kinesthetic). Also find if there are tutors for the subject like class TAs (or search around campus for one).

5) The fifth thing is PUT THE WORK IN! You have said you had free time with your 9 credit schedule, then you didn't work hard enough. Time manage yourself and also keep time to have some fun as well (don't overwork).

Good luck!

I reciprocate this 100%

What you need is metacognition, or, learning how to learn. The amount of time and effort put into something is irrelevant if you aren't studying effectively. Pick up an intro psych book and go through some of the sections on learning and memory; you will be surprised how little genes has to do with "intelligence." you can learn how to learn, and effectively gauge how well you know content.

The first step is to understand how your brain works: how synapses are formed, if you are suffering from a mental disorder, etc. then you must learn the steps to proper learning; this will mean you will have to get to know yourself pretty well. I find meditation (mindfulness) helps me to become "aware" of what my brain is doing. This allows me to assess my current situation, which improves my metacognition, and then I will know how to best prepare myself for a day of learning. Your mood, personality, and many other biological factors directly influence how well you comprehend information, as well as how well you can recall it later.


This sounds like a bunch of mumbojumbo, yet my point is that you are not "dumb" or "too stupid for medicine." you have succeeded already in college, and you have the drive and motivation to improve yourself. all you need is to properly arm yourself with the tools needed to improve yourself. Go talk to your dean, school counselor, and visit the learning center at your campus. There are also countless guides on memory and studying online. All of that is pointless if you can't focus in class or when reading your book, or if you don't investigate the concepts that you don't understand.

Good luck to you. focus on improving yourself, then worry about the medical school process. You might need to consider taking a year or two longer before applying. Don't be dismayed. if you are willing to work towards it, there are many roads to becoming a physician. You may just have to take the winding road that is longer. Between post baccs, smp, and a host of other options, there is room for the less-than-perfect applicant (academically perfect).

 

[TheFamilyDoc]

I've been contemplating this for a while and I'd like to get some clear answers on this question. How do you know if you're not inherently intelligent enough for medicine? I don't mean too lazy or not interested or studying improperly, I mean that you simply aren't intellectually up to par with fellow premeds.

I'm currently enrolled at a university and I just finished my AA at a CC. I'm struggling with academics right now, not doing so well at all. Definitely not medical school competitive. My cGPA is like a 3.3, yada yada yada, I won't go into details as they're irrelevant. But my grades aren't good. I'm already 23 years old as well, so technically, I should be in my first year of medical school if I didn't **** up.

I definitely could have done better if I had tried harder at my CC, I think I could have a 3.7+ right now if I had, but again, general courses for an AA are much easier than a bachelors in science which I'm now pursuing at the university level.

I've always struggled academically, even getting held back a year in high school, my high school counselor even told me to drop out because she said I'd "never" get my high school diploma, then I got my high school diploma.

I feel like I'm struggling way too much to be doing so poorly. Granted maybe I'm not working that hard and I simply think I am? I feel like I'm not up to par with some fellow premeds, some of my friends have 3.9+ and SEEM (key word, since I'm not around them all day) to be working a lot less than me in terms of time and effort exerted.

I don't think I can necessarily attribute this to genetics, as members of my family near my age are very intelligent. Have a cousin at Stanford with 3.9+, other cousin doing engineering at top uni, my little sister was valedictorian or something in high school, other cousin doing near 4.0 chemical engineering at some random uni. However, none of these are me and it doesn't necessarily correlate entirely.

My most recent grades from this Fall 2012 are...
Medical Terminology: A. (Easy)
Organic Chemistry: B. (Points away from B+, could have got B+/A- if I tried harder)
Immunology: C. (Sucks, 79%. Literally needed 2 more questions for a B)
Semester GPA: 3.0.
As you can see, even if I hypothetically did better, I would not have gotten a 4.0 unless something significant changed. Also, I'm not taking the full course load, so 9 credit hours looks ****ing horrible. I'm taking 15 credits (orgo 2, statistics, genetics, fitness class, music class) next semester so we'll see. I had a ton of free time since I wasn't taking a heavy course load too.

I've never had a 4.0 in my entire life. Highest I got was a 3.71 this past summer, but that doesn't count.
Calculus 1: B+. (89.X%, in 10 weeks, still not an A)
Human Biology: A. (Easy online class, which is why it doesn't count)

Am I just not smart enough for medicine? People (including successful friends I've asked) tell me to continue and strive for high goals if I enjoy it and I am passionate about it. That's all good, but it doesn't matter if you're passionate about medicine, passion itself isn't enough. Who cares if I'm passionate when I can't even hack a 4.0? Or even a good GPA.

Seriously, I feel like a complete *******. I don't even want to talk about my GPA to my friends because it's ridiculously low (3.3) and I don't even tell most people in real life that I'm premed.

I know a guy that had a 2.7 HS GPA, 3.3 College GPA, 27 MCAT, and 210 STEP 1. He matched into EM and is in his 1st year of residency. You're smart enough because it's all about work ethic and will power. Don't turn to SDN for validation of your ability to complete medical school because you will find a great deal of neurotic people on these forums. That's what the MCAT is a good predictor for. Simply work hard and take things one step at a time. 👍

 

[Si Se Puede]

Success in life is not measured by any inherent qualities but rather, work ethic. If you are struggling, then put forth the time to succeed. I know several people who have dumped their social lives and study all day because they have to; in the end, they are competitive applicants as well. It's your life and you need to prioritize accordingly.

P.S. Studying a lot does not mean a few hours; there are people who literally stay in the library all day on the weekends just to not fall behind. If you are trying that hard and still find it hard to keep up, then I would advise you to seek out something else. Otherwise, keep at it.

 

[motivateddoctor]

THIS IS AWESOME! I LOVE YOU GUYS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. THIS MAKES ME FEEL SO MUCH MORE MOTIVATED. THANK YOU 🙂

 

[LuluLovesMe]

When you take the MCAT 3 times and still can't score 505 or over

I personally believe that anyone can get a high GPA if they put in the effort.

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

When you take the MCAT 3 times and still can't score 505 or over

I personally believe that anyone can get a high GPA if they put in the effort.

(with all due respect) I must disagree. Theres definitely some schools where the expectations and competition are so absurd that no amount of effort can overcome it.

WashU and Chicago come to mind for truly bonecrushing difficulty

 

[KatniP]

(with all due respect) I must disagree. Theres definitely some schools where the expectations and competition are so absurd that no amount of effort can overcome it.

WashU and Chicago come to mind for truly bonecrushing difficulty

Add in most of the Ivy Leagues too ~___~

 

[LuluLovesMe]

Add in most of the Ivy Leagues too ~___~

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Harvard grade deflation is terrible!! /s

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Harvard grade deflation is terrible!! /s

Yea, I've heard brown is even harder than MIT!

 

[Weltschadenfreude]

How do you know if you're not smart enough for medicine?

If you cannot get higher than 3.0 in undergrad OR
if you consistently cannot score higher than 26 on the MCAT despite having tried different resources.

 

[NotYou20]

Success in life is not measured by any inherent qualities but rather, work ethic. If you are struggling, then put forth the time to succeed. I know several people who have dumped their social lives and study all day because they have to; in the end, they are competitive applicants as well. It's your life and you need to prioritize accordingly.

P.S. Studying a lot does not mean a few hours; there are people who literally stay in the library all day on the weekends just to not fall behind. If you are trying that hard and still find it hard to keep up, then I would advise you to seek out something else. Otherwise, keep at it.

Impressive username to post correlation, guy from three years ago