How is it fair....

[PurpleLove]

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If this is the case, you are clearly NOT learning the material '10x better than necessary'

Sounds to me like the 'unfair' part isn't that you won't get in - you have in no way demonstrated your capacity to succeed in med school. The unfair part is, as you say, that other people who are equally as unqualified as you might get in. However, that's not a reason for you to whine - you're getting exactly what you've earned. It's not a reason for them to whine - they get a second chance and many of them make it once they put their nose to the grindstone. It's not unfair to those who go to schools which you consider 'lesser' than your own, because many of them chose their schools for multiple reasons other than ability to get in at your lofty institution, and should not be barred from the MD for it.

You're getting exactly the opportunity you have earned. Some people may get more than they've earned, but so what? It's no skin off your back.

And for the record, I also went to a challenging, well-ranked school and ended up with a 'meh for med school' gpa. I don't regret it - I learned a TON in that school, both academically and personally, and I would not be where I am now without it. Do I have to do a postbacc? Yup. But damn it seems easy now after my ugrad courses! And I am getting to take super interesting upper levels as my postbacc which I think will help me in the long run. I learned how to think critically, synthesize bucketloads of primary research and critique data. I learned how to make myself happy. I am learning how to study efficiently for long-term retention of boatloads of info. I will be a better med student and eventually a better doctor for the route I have taken, and I regret almost nothing (everyone's got 1 or 2 things, right?)

Crank out the rest of your ugrad years, learn to learn better, take a year or two with some cool clinical or research job and some interesting classes on the side (get dat 4.0) - it should be easy for you if your courses are as hard as you are saying. Take your MCAT when you have the time (and learn how to deal with NOT having the time while you're at it). 2yrs sounds like a long time, but it's really not...though it is long enough to make a difference.

Doesn't the fact that postbaccs are so easy clearly point out what's wrong with the system? Oh you worked your ASS off in college, but "too low GPA go take these easy classes". LOL it's so stupid, whatever.

 

[PurpleLove]

They will be much prouder for you giving up your dreams and going to Harvard for PhD than carrying your dreams on at the worst medical school in the country.

That's me, not them?

 

[CSqueed]

That's me, not them?

So essentially you will care more about the name of a school despite what they are teaching you, whether it's shoving you into a lab for 5 years (PhD) or learning medicine?

 

[PurpleLove]

So essentially you will care more about the name of a school despite what they are teaching you, whether it's shoving you into a lab for 5 years (PhD) or learning medicine?

I said that's not them, it's me. I wouldn't mind doing research then medicine if I didn't get in right away.

They don't give two ****s about anything. They're my parents, they will always brag about/support me.

 

[DrCharlemagne]

OP, don't knock the lower tier MD or DO programs, lest you begin whining about how all those medical students at the "easier" schools with P/F pre-clinical grades so they can study more for the USMLE are throwing the match process...

 

[mehc012]

Doesn't the fact that postbaccs are so easy clearly point out what's wrong with the system? Oh you worked your ASS off in college, but "too low GPA go take these easy classes". LOL it's so stupid, whatever.

Nope. The POINT is that I LEARNED more. The point is being a better student, physician, person. Which path you take there is just logistics. Some people take the easier route, but don't learn nearly as much on the way. That's a terrible trade-off.

 

[dieanotherday]

Better take some acting classes so you can hide how you really feel about this whole process IF you even make it that far in the app process to get an interview

Your attitude really sucks. Seriously are you here just to complain? You don't take any advice from anyone and pretty much whine the whole time.

Be glad you don't live in a third world country? Be glad you even have the opportunity to pursue or even think about this career as an option?

Please just go away.

 

[terp720]

Partly, I think so. I mean if someone spends 4 years studying for it, they're obviously going to see some results, but those results will be capped to a certain point. Isn't that how all standardized tests are....?

Nobody studies for the MCAT for 4 years.... If they do, they're probably doing something wrong

 

[PurpleLove]

Nobody studies for the MCAT for 4 years.... If they do, they're probably doing something wrong

Well if you go to a school with easy classes and minimum effort, you COULD study for 4 years to ensure you know what you have to.

 

[PurpleLove]

Better take some acting classes so you can hide how you really feel about this whole process IF you even make it that far in the app process to get an interview

Your attitude really sucks. Seriously are you here just to complain? You don't take any advice from anyone and pretty much whine the whole time.

Be glad you don't live in a third world country? Be glad you even have the opportunity to pursue or even think about this career as an option?

Please just go away.

I'm not taking any advice, because I don't need any. I just wanted my questions to be answered, I'll make it no worries buddy.

 

[PurpleLove]

OP, don't knock the lower tier MD or DO programs, lest you begin whining about how all those medical students at the "easier" schools with P/F pre-clinical grades so they can study more for the USMLE are throwing the match process...

....I am applying to all low tier MD programs and the DO in my state....

 

[PurpleLove]

Nope. The POINT is that I LEARNED more. The point is being a better student, physician, person. Which path you take there is just logistics. Some people take the easier route, but don't learn nearly as much on the way. That's a terrible trade-off.

How did you learn more with easy classes? Did you take different subjects?

 

[terp720]

Well if you go to a school with easy classes and minimum effort, you COULD study for 4 years to ensure you know what you have to.

Um i suppose.. But that's a waste of time.
And if you actually spread out how much time people study for the MCAT over 4 years, I'm sure even you would be able to manage that with your current workload.

If you know the material as well as you say you do, why do you think you'll do poorly? You must have done well on the SAT/ACT to get into your school, so you are most likely naturally intelligent or a good standardized test taker.

 

[terp720]

I'm not taking any advice, because I don't need any. I just wanted my questions to be answered, I'll make it no worries buddy.

I'm glad to see you have at least stopped saying you're giving up, and that you're also now considering DO

 

[PurpleLove]

Um i suppose.. But that's a waste of time.
And if you actually spread out how much time people study for the MCAT over 4 years, I'm sure even you would be able to manage that with your current workload.

If you know the material as well as you say you do, why do you think you'll do poorly? You must have done well on the SAT/ACT to get into your school, so you are most likely naturally intelligent or a good standardized test taker.

I think I'll do okay with what my school has prepared me with and being a good standardized test taker. I just don't know if I will study too much for it. I don't know when. Most people start in the summer, I can't.

 

[PurpleLove]

I'm glad to see you have at least stopped saying you're giving up, and that you're also now considering DO

I just don't want to be resentful as I still don't REALLY get why the process is like this. Yes, some people have said there is a knowledge of school rigor, but barely.

 

[mehc012]

How did you learn more with easy classes? Did you take different subjects?

I learned more by taking the difficult classes I did at the awesome school I went to. I was then able to take some really cool, more specialized courses for my postbacc...even though they are easier to get an 'A' in, that is because I have learned how to learn and how to be excited by things and how to get a really good conceptual understanding of things by going to the school I did. So, while my path may be longer and my GPA lower because of the school I went to for ugrad, I have learned a LOT more, taken cooler courses, and gotten more out of my postbacc courses than I would have before. Getting the 'A' in those courses is relatively easy...but it is NOT my goal and I am not satisfied if I just get the grade.

 

[mehc012]

I just don't want to be resentful as I still don't REALLY get why the process is like this. Yes, some people have said there is a knowledge of school rigor, but barely.

The system is aiming for those who CAN perform well at schools such as your own. You are not doing so currently. SOME of the people in less difficult schools would be able to do well at your school, but have not been given that opportunity. Thus, they are given the chance to show their ability on other measures, such as the MCAT.

More people than are expected to be qualified are given the benefit of the doubt. You were given the chance to show them what you had, and have not yet met that challenge. This is not unfair to you.

 

[youmed]

Dude OP it's just what happens when you start college. You probably were one of the brightest in your high school and you are just not happy with the fact that you are no longer the top anymore no matter how hard you try. It happens to everyone, not just you. But you dont see everyone transfer to a different school because they are no longer the top; they simply keep challenging themselves and eventually you start making yourself way up to the top. I guarentee that if you transfer to an "easier" school and decide to continue your education into medical school, you will face the same exact situation you are in right now.

 

[PurpleLove]

The system is aiming for those who CAN perform well at schools such as your own. You are not doing so currently. SOME of the people in less difficult schools would be able to do well at your school, but have not been given that opportunity. Thus, they are given the chance to show their ability on other measures, such as the MCAT.

More people than are expected to be qualified are given the benefit of the doubt. You were given the chance to show them what you had, and have not yet met that challenge. This is not unfair to you.

It is fair to me, but where is the fairness for them? MCAT, a test you study for?

 

[PurpleLove]

Dude OP it's just what happens when you start college. You probably were one of the brightest in your high school and you are just not happy with the fact that you are no longer the top anymore no matter how hard you try. It happens to everyone, not just you. But you dont see everyone transfer to a different school because they are no longer the top; they simply keep challenging themselves and eventually you start making yourself way up to the top. I guarentee that if you transfer to an "easier" school and decide to continue your education into medical school, you will face the same exact situation you are in right now.

Hm 5 students in a class get As, you can challenge yourself all you want but if #5 is 0.1 percent above you, you're screwed.

The more someone tries to explain to me the "fairness" of this, the more I want to transfer... ASAP.

 

[Lucca]

Well if you go to a school with easy classes and minimum effort, you COULD study for 4 years to ensure you know what you have to.

Study Yield vs. Time is a logarithmic curve. At some point studying more simply doesn't help. In fact, I'd say it could hurt you since you drop your other responsibilities, like studying for other classes.

 

[PurpleLove]

Look at my friend. She went to a crappy private university because she wanted to work full time. Amazing, great. She works in a hospital. She takes all science classes and gets all As. Tell me she isn't in a better position? Not even having to study for 3 of those classes?

 

[Lucca]

Hm 5 students in a class get As, you can challenge yourself all you want but if #5 is 0.1 percent above you, you're screwed.

The more someone tries to explain to me the "fairness" of this, the more I want to transfer... ASAP.

Please transfer, the education you are currently receiving is wasted on you.

 

[PurpleLove]

Let's assume two people are equally smarrt. One goes to MIT and the other to a crappy state school. (not all are crappy, I know but some are).

MIT will get a 3.5 and a 36 MCAT.
Crappy will get a 4.0 and a 36 MCAT.

Crappy's getting in over MIT any time. Simply because of the rigor.

 

[PurpleLove]

Please transfer, the education you are currently receiving is wasted on you.

Nope, learning more and getting crappier grades should be our motto. Makes sense.

 

[Lucca]

Let's assume two people are equally smarrt. One goes to MIT and the other to a crappy state school. (not all are crappy, I know but some are).

MIT will get a 3.5 and a 36 MCAT.
Crappy will get a 4.0 and a 36 MCAT.

Crappy's getting in over MIT any time. Simply because of the rigor.

Does not control for opportunities at MIT (not to mention simply living in the Boston met. area) vs lack of opportunities at crappy school
Opportunities include:

• Cross-registering for Harvard classes, access to Harvard Medical School faculty/facilities
  
• Research opportunities at one of the biggest research powerhouses in the world
• A more rigorous curriculum that will better prepare you to succeed in the real world
• Internship/Job opportunities outside of the medical field

Does not control for different types of intelligence, degrees of intelligence, definition of intelligence is hazy enough as it is

And, finally, both of those scores add up to a LizzyM score acceptable at most medical schools in this country, so both will end up being great physicians. MIT is probly a bump anyway.

 

[mcloaf]

Nobody cares, OP. That this thread made it to 9 pages in a day with half the posts being yours makes it obvious why you aren't near the top of your class.

 

[PurpleLove]

Does not control for opportunities at MIT (not to mention simply living in the Boston met. area) vs lack of opportunities at crappy school
Opportunities include:

• Cross-registering for Harvard classes, access to Harvard Medical School faculty/facilities
  
• Research opportunities at one of the biggest research powerhouses in the world
• A more rigorous curriculum that will better prepare you to succeed in the real world
• Internship/Job opportunities outside of the medical field

Does not control for different types of intelligence, degrees of intelligence, definition of intelligence is hazy enough as it is

And, finally, both of those scores add up to a LizzyM score acceptable at most medical schools in this country, so both will end up being great physicians. MIT is probly a bump anyway.

But, MIT needs to work harder so his EC's might not be as numerous as Crappy's who with all his free time searched for more and did more.

 

[PurpleLove]

Nobody cares, OP. That this thread made it to 9 pages in a day with half the posts being yours makes it obvious why you aren't near the top of your class.

Well I beat over 70% of them, that's as good as I can do. I realize that people who have had these classes already/are geniuses will do better.

 

[PurpleLove]

So why isn't taking easy university classes the same as a postbacc?

 

[Lucca]

But, MIT needs to work harder so his EC's might not be as numerous as Crappy's who with all his free time searched for more and did more.

Unlikely, and that's confounding.

 

[PurpleLove]

Well I know my EC;s are close to zero thanks to my classes.

 

[Optimus-Prime]

Let's assume two people are equally smarrt. One goes to MIT and the other to a crappy state school. (not all are crappy, I know but some are).

MIT will get a 3.5 and a 36 MCAT.
Crappy will get a 4.0 and a 36 MCAT.

Crappy's getting in over MIT any time. Simply because of the rigor.

Crappy might look good on paper, but for your application you list the classes you take, every grade you get. MIT's work will show in both their class selections and how they have performed.

I am the perfect example, I am from crappy I compete with higher tier students with the same numbers, they win. The applicant pool is rather large. Factor in your advantage; you win a tie breaker against any student with the same numbers (on paper). Yet also get a slight bias based on your school's prestige. Its not such a bad deal, and if your harder coursework better prepares you for the MCAT then it was all worth it. Don't underestimate the test its very doable but in by no means is a push over. You will know when you are ready to take it based on your practice tests. When your average reflects the score you want you are ready; took me ~3 months

 

[Optimus-Prime]

PS do some research MDApps will allow you to get a clearer picture of your competitiveness

http://mdapplicants.com/index.php

No EC= no way no how, gotta find time. It could also be the difference maker if your application is lacking in certain other areas

 

[Kochanie]

Sharrrruppppppppp.

 

[CSqueed]

Well I know my EC;s are close to zero thanks to my classes.

If you go to UChicago, the DO in your state is Midwestern University. Their avg accepted GPA is a 3.6 so your chances wouldn't be very high there.

As for your current issue of not getting higher grades than your classmates, have you gone to professors office hours to sit down and talk about the reasons why you are missing some of the problems on their exams? Every problem in science has an answer so it should be possible to obtain such answer. Talking to professors about your issue/method of working out their problems may be a start to beating 90% of your classmates.

 

[PurpleLove]

PS do some research MDApps will allow you to get a clearer picture of your competitiveness

http://mdapplicants.com/index.php

No EC= no way no how, gotta find time. It could also be the difference maker if your application is lacking in certain other areas

I do have some, but not impressive.

 

[PurpleLove]

If you go to UChicago, the DO in your state is Midwestern University. Their avg accepted GPA is a 3.6 so your chances wouldn't be very high there.

As for your current issue of not getting higher grades than your classmates, have you gone to professors office hours to sit down and talk about the reasons why you are missing some of the problems on their exams? Every problem in science has an answer so it should be possible to obtain such answer. Talking to professors about your issue/method of working out their problems may be a start to beating 90% of your classmates.

Of course! One professor even said that I'm doing better than most students so I should keep doing what I'm doing/not to be such a prick basically.... -_-

If I pursued replacement classes at local university, wouldn't that help my chances with DO schools? I'm not from Chicago either so I need to look up the average GPA of the DO schools.

 

[justAstudent]

I'm dying to know what @Goro, @LizzyM, and @gyngyn have to say about this.

 

[PurpleLove]

Meh, I'm just a girl who was lucky to get into her college that should have went somewhere where she had better chances.

Gotta start studying for after break. Bye bye for now SDN.

 

[HeyNapkin]

I have never seen someone who feels more entitled than you. What makes you so certain that you'd do better in a "crappy" school? Knowing you, you'd probably assume you were too smart for the school, do poorly because you didn't study, and then complain that the professor is bad.

 

[PurpleLove]

I have never seen someone who feels more entitled than you. What makes you so certain that you'd do better in a "crappy" school? Knowing you, you'd probably assume you were too smart for the school, do poorly because you didn't study, and then complain that the professor is bad.

Pretty easy to figure out...
I've taken CC Science classes and seen the material at other universities, etc. No worries, I'll give you solid proof soon.

 

[KnuxNole]

Just take the easy path. There is no reason for you especially to do things the difficult way. Find the easiest classes in your current uni, and rack up the easy A's.

That or plagiarize from the foreigners.

 

[Reckoner]

Crappy's getting in over MIT any time. Simply because of the rigor.

"It was bad enough when I lost to a guy named Barack, but Crappy??? I thought this was America"

-Mitt

 

[Boolean]

I'm dying to know what @Goro, @LizzyM, and @gyngyn have to say about this.

 

[PurpleLove]

See http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/just-got-my-final-bio-101-grade.970407/

Yeah, that class must have taken SO much work?

Ugh, people at other universities are giving me chest pains. Time to shut myself off from the world.

 

[PurpleLove]

Just take the easy path. There is no reason for you especially to do things the difficult way. Find the easiest classes in your current uni, and rack up the easy A's.

That or plagiarize from the foreigners.

I want to do both or completely transfer. Haven't decided yet.

 

[solitarius]

Meh, I'm just a girl who was lucky to get into her college that should have went somewhere where she had better chances.

Pretty obvious.

Gotta start studying for after break. Bye bye for now SDN.

Good idea.

I have never seen someone who feels more entitled than you.

Really? I have. 10 pages of self-absorbed nonsense strongly hinted at a female poster.

What makes you so certain that you'd do better in a "crappy" school?

Yeah, bottom-tier Ivy League/top school students are pretty insufferable, but I guess their fragile egos need it.

 

[PurpleLove]

LMFAO, anyone who actually tries to hint at the fact that CC's and SOME crap universities aren't easy, please, just no, common sense much?