how screwed am I?

[premeddreamsgone]

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i've had a really rough semester and i feel like i've screwed everything up in terms of academics bc of family problems.

my sister unfortunately passed away and it's really taken a toll on me. I had to take a W in a non sci class, P/F a bio class (bio elective, non premed requirement but still listed as BIO), will end up with a C- (maybe C) in gen chem 2/lab, and might even get B's in some of the easy fluff classes I'm taking. How screwed am i in terms of grades? My sci GPA is going to be crushed i feel like (along with my regular GPA). I had a B in gen chem 1/ A in chem 1 lab, so I knew I needed to do well this year in gchem 2 but it didn't turn out that way 🙁

idk what to do at this point. will admissions be forgiving of my situation? ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh. i'm a soph btw if that makes a difference.

i have strong EC's imo but academically i was just screwed over this sem. i've had to travel back and forth from home to school several times and ugh idk.

how screwed am I?

 

[JB50]

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like you are still in the early undergrad portion so I don't think screwed is an appropriate term. Realistically you should allow adequate time to adjust and head back into school full swing.

Sorry for your situation. I hope you the best.

 

[Frogger27]

If you can get W's in everything, withdraw now and explain later. Make sure you are emotionally ready to continue taking classes... Sorry for your loss 🙁

 

[bananafish94]

I'm very, very sorry to hear that. I imagine an admissions office would be understanding of extraordinary circumstances like this, especially in the context of otherwise excellent grades. Also, a C and a few Bs is not a disaster at all.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[purplefrog13]

Withdraw or take Incompletes if possible. Professors should be understanding.

As long as it's just a semester (take next semester off if you need), you will be absolutely fine. If they ask you to explain a dip in grades, you have a very sound reason.

 

[woodca3]

First, I am so sorry for your loss.

You are not at all screwed for medical school, especially if you show a strong upward trend since you are only a sophomore. I had a W in a calculus class and 3 Cs on my transcript in science courses my first two years. I explained them as I was having a difficult time during my parents divorce, which is way less significant than a death in my opinion. Admissions committees are understanding of extraordinary circumstances in most cases.

I currently have 2 DO acceptances (0 rejections) and 3 MD interviews (no acceptances yet, 1 rejection pre-interview).

 

[premeddreamsgone]

Withdraw or take Incompletes if possible. Professors should be understanding.

As long as it's just a semester (take next semester off if you need), you will be absolutely fine. If they ask you to explain a dip in grades, you have a very sound reason.

It's too late to take W's/Incomplete because the semester is about to end. It was my fault on the end for making the dumb decision to think that I could still handle school. I have a W, P/F in two classes which I'm glad I did bc it would've otherwise crushed my grade, but I'm still gonna be stuck with the chem grade and some other fluff grades.

 

[sullen-burger]

It's too late to take W's/Incomplete because the semester is about to end. It was my fault on the end for making the dumb decision to think that I could still handle school. I have a W, P/F in two classes which I'm glad I did bc it would've otherwise crushed my grade, but I'm still gonna be stuck with the chem grade and some other fluff grades.

I am very sorry to hear about your sister. To answer your question, though, no; this will not ruin your future. It's not over. You can make the GPA up in the next year. And before that next year starts, maybe consider making sure your mental and physical health are healed before you start. I think that would only serve to help you with your studying and decision making.


People can get into medical school with C's and B's all day long. And you have a powerful story to explain the reason for the dip. I wish you the best of luck. Your future is not over.

 

[slippydubloons]

It's too late to take W's/Incomplete because the semester is about to end. It was my fault on the end for making the dumb decision to think that I could still handle school. I have a W, P/F in two classes which I'm glad I did bc it would've otherwise crushed my grade, but I'm still gonna be stuck with the chem grade and some other fluff grades.

Have you tried going to your dean and explaining the situation? At my undergrad, there were hard dates you had to withdraw by or else you were SOL, BUT in extenuating circumstances people could be withdrawn from their entire course load up until the day of finals. It'd be a lot easier to explain all Ws in a semester than a bunch of low grades that'll affect your academic #s and may potentially get you screened out of some schools before you're able to provide an explanation.

Alternatively, you could also see a mental health professional and have your dean see about getting you a medical withdrawal if you are having a tough time mentally right now.

I wish you the best.

 

[JustAPhD]

It's too late to take W's/Incomplete because the semester is about to end. It was my fault on the end for making the dumb decision to think that I could still handle school. I have a W, P/F in two classes which I'm glad I did bc it would've otherwise crushed my grade, but I'm still gonna be stuck with the chem grade and some other fluff grades.

Sorry about your loss. Time to take a deep breath; you'll be ok. Do well in your remaining semesters and show that this was an anomaly because of your unfortunate situation.

 

[Frogger27]

I got 2 B- and a C+ (retook for A) in pre reqs... There is no hurry.. It the help you need and come back and get back to the grind! This is a marathon, not a sprint. You will be okay! If you need anything feel free to message me, I'd love to help in any way I can!

 

[pseud0]

my dad died and then i got a 502 on the mcat 2 weeks later and I'm still going to be a doctor.

if you want it, you'll get it. Sorry for your loss.

 

[purplefrog13]

It's too late to take W's/Incomplete because the semester is about to end. It was my fault on the end for making the dumb decision to think that I could still handle school. I have a W, P/F in two classes which I'm glad I did bc it would've otherwise crushed my grade, but I'm still gonna be stuck with the chem grade and some other fluff grades.

I'm sorry to hear that. Have you talked to campus life?

 

[premeddreamsgone]

Update: Took my lab final and to my surprise I don't I totally messed up. Turns out the LOWEST grade I could get in Lab based on the final I just took is a B. So, who knows - I might even pull higher.

As for Chem lecture, it's still set for a C unfortunately.

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I'm really, really going to am for a 4.0 going through the rest of college

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

It's too late to take W's/Incomplete because the semester is about to end. It was my fault on the end for making the dumb decision to think that I could still handle school. I have a W, P/F in two classes which I'm glad I did bc it would've otherwise crushed my grade, but I'm still gonna be stuck with the chem grade and some other fluff grades.

Petition. Schools are much more understanding of tragic life events than it appears sometimes. You need to petition your academic office to get Ws. The main reason being that you deserve it, I am so sorry for your loss. This kind of thing is never easy and would mess anyone up for a while. You need to meet with someone and explain your whole situation and that you need some time away to regather yourself, and that you thought you could push through but have realized your head hasn't been right. In this situation I would honestly be surprised if they didn't af least consider your petition.

Then you need to take some time away and do whatever you need to take care of yourself emotionally, school won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Take care of yourself my friend!

 

[premeddreamsgone]

Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for your kind words and in dealing with me in my current situation. I've talked to the Dean of Academic Affairs and put in a request. It's going to be reviewed in 72 hours and I'll get notification by then. Until then I'm still prepping for the rest of my finals in the chance I am not granted the W's.

Question: I'm not familiar with the actual technical aspects of the application process...but, is there somewhere to write on the application about special circumstances of why I had the dip in the semester? Or do I have to make it to the interview round before to share that kind of information? I know it's reality, but in the case I'm not handed an appeasement, I'd hate to already be cut off by some schools b/c of GPA. I have other wise strong EC's and such.

Thanks again everyone 🙂

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for your kind words and in dealing with me in my current situation. I've talked to the Dean of Academic Affairs and put in a request. It's going to be reviewed in 72 hours and I'll get notification by then. Until then I'm still prepping for the rest of my finals in the chance I am not granted the W's.

Question: I'm not familiar with the actual technical aspects of the application process...but, is there somewhere to write on the application about special circumstances of why I had the dip in the semester? Or do I have to make it to the interview round before to share that kind of information? I know it's reality, but in the case I'm not handed an appeasement, I'd hate to already be cut off by some schools b/c of GPA. I have other wise strong EC's and such.

Thanks again everyone 🙂

Every secondary I filled out had some form of, "is there anything you would like the committee to be aware of as it reviews your file?"

Let us know how the appeal goes.

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

I'd like to add my sympathies to those expressed by everyone else.
Accedemically it looks like you are doing all you can right now. You've just gotta roll with the punches and try your best from here. But please if you aren't emotionally ready to be back at school look at taking a semester off.

 

[premeddreamsgone]

Update: Hey everyone! To my surprise, I was not given an appeasement. I have a meeting with the Dean of the Arts & Science school later today to discuss further since my initial request was rejected since they believed I had enough time to recuperate since her death (if you call a month enough time?)

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Update: Hey everyone! To my surprise, I was not given an appeasement. I have a meeting with the Dean of the Arts & Science school later today to discuss further since my initial request was rejected since they believed I had enough time to recuperate since her death (if you call a month enough time?)

Wow....

 

[slippydubloons]

Update: Hey everyone! To my surprise, I was not given an appeasement. I have a meeting with the Dean of the Arts & Science school later today to discuss further since my initial request was rejected since they believed I had enough time to recuperate since her death (if you call a month enough time?)

The fact that they can quantify "enough time" is ludicrous. Everyone is different. Check the student handbook (every school has one) and see what it says because I highly doubt that they have this in writing. A month isn't even that long of a period of time PLUS if it's been a month since her passing your grades from that event until now have since been greatly affected too...I don't see their reasoning here...I'm honestly outraged on your behalf.

 

[NucleusO]

Really sorry for your loss. First you need to make sure that you take care of yourself. If your grief becomes too hard to deal with you can always go to therapy/ grief counseling and there's nothing wrong with that. It's also not a crazy idea to take time off from school if you feel like you need it.

I've also experienced loss of a loved one in undergrad and I wished that I had gotten help instead of keeping it inside and being a zombie at school. I also had 3 Cs on my transcript, but so far I've had three MD interviews as a re-applicant. As long as you have an upward trend in your grades and you're able to explain your dip in performance you will be fine. Best wishes to you and your family.

 

[Papa Oso]

Update: Hey everyone! To my surprise, I was not given an appeasement. I have a meeting with the Dean of the Arts & Science school later today to discuss further since my initial request was rejected since they believed I had enough time to recuperate since her death (if you call a month enough time?)

Good Luck! Maybe the Dean will have a heart and help you out. Regardless, even if things don't work out, if you explain the situation in your personal statement, many school will take it into consideration. Verbatim from multiple interviewers in medical school, they like the fact that applicants have "real adult difficulties" because if they are able to survive that, they won't break down if they say.... fail a med school exam or something and bounce back. Heck, I interviewed at my top choice MD (in November so relatively early) despite being in the bottom 10th percentile for their accepted students in both GPA and MCAT showing that at least some med schools look at more than just your stats.

I also have had family issues that affected my grades (not as bad as your situation) so try to use it as an experience, and tie it with your desire to help people via medicine. I am sorry for your loss, but honestly, this experience will grow you as a person. I think your sister would be proud that her death further inspired you to be a better doctor/person and make as big of a positive impact on as many people as possible.

Again, sorry for your loss but you will survive this and med school is very attainable as long as you work for it. Take care of your self physically, mentally and spiritually and then get back on the wagon when you are ready.

God Bless you my friend.

 

[premeddreamsgone]

Hey everyone. So I talked with the head honcho, and turns out that there is a stipulation enacted by my school for purposes of dropping courses because of death/other reasons. They enacted like a 45 or 60 day policy to drop the courseload (which i missed) when a death happens in immediate family - some BS like that. I started zoning out when I heard this crap. Didn't know my school was such a .......

anyways, i'm still powering through. Finished 2 finals and about to write in my final essay for a 3rd. Not really worried abot Bio (not prereq bio) b/c I already have that P/F (along with the other W 🙁....mainly worried about Chem and certain gonna pull a C. Hopefully adcoms are understanding.

Wish me luck .... on the bright side get to go home soon and be with family <3

And thank you everyone, truly, for being so kind and uplifting 🙂

 

[Monkitty]

That is pretty much the DEFINITION of "crappy customer service".

However, your attitude - amazing. Again, so sorry for your loss, but your attitude for chugging through this is amazing and will do you wonders through out life.

Best of luck to you.

 

[premeddreamsgone]

welp, got that C I predicted in Chem. But to my surprise it was actually a C+. I know nothing to fancy. Still waiting for some other grades but at least I'm homeeeeeeeee

 

[premeddreamsgone]

Question: does anyone think it's necessary for me to retake Chem 102 since I got the C+? Should I be? I also have a B- from gen chem 1, an A from lab, so my overall BPCM is quite low. Is it worth retaking 102 or just buff up on and get good grades in upper level?

 

[Goro]

Don't retake, just do better from now on.

Question: does anyone think it's necessary for me to retake Chem 102 since I got the C+? Should I be? I also have a B- from gen chem 1, an A from lab, so my overall BPCM is quite low. Is it worth retaking 102 or just buff up on and get good grades in upper level?