I think I screwed up.

[AmIThereYet]

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Long story short: I am a Junior, messed up a class freshman year, panicked, changed my major sophomore year, hated it, changed back to premed junior year and royally screwed up. I took Organic over the summer and got a C, but I expected more from myself than that and then I got a D. My school keeps the most recent grade so I am stuck with the D. Now I am going to have to take it again but probably can't get in the class until the Fall.

I finally came to terms with the fact that I am extremely depressed, and it is really affecting my abilities to concentrate. I am working on getting that under control, but I am worried that I am screwed with school. All I have ever wanted is to be a doctor and I am freaking out that I ruined it. Would I be better off just starting over at a different school? I don't know what to do. Has anyone been in this situation? I am not looking for any "you can never be a doctor". I know it looks that way, but I finally got myself figured out and I am fixing my problems. I will become a doctor, I am just lost on what to do right now. Thanks for the help.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

My friend calm down 🙂 "the hardest part about medical school is getting in", "premeds are the most neurotic groups of people I've ever met" from the lips of an adcom at a prestigious school.

You NEVER will get yourself into a situation where you cannot get into school. You might have to jump through some hoops or take extra time, but you will get into med school eventually if you keep trying.

Being a premed is absurdly bad for your psyche; it's ok to freak out for a bit but you have to stay focused. You can't change the past; you can only move forward. There are many roads to being a doctor. Messing up one grade will not keep you out.

 

[MilMD01]

Wow that is a crappy story. O Chem 3 times... 🙁 maybe you can petition your school to allow you to keep your C? Talk to some advisers etc.. idk but that is just plain terrible.

Future direction = improve lol. Stop getting C's. Study more, get a tutor, succeed. Failure is not an option.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

What you can do is take upper division sci courses, do well on the mcat, and show that you can rebound from a bad grade. You can't start over at another school. They would still have your old numbers. I know it's emotionally draining. I find the hardest part of being a premed isn't the sci courses--it's keeping confidence in myself and never losing faith.

Like I said there are many paths to becoming a doctor, and some schools don't require crazy high grades. Some schools will only factor in your most recent grade into your gpa. I wouldn't take o-chem again, unless you really didn't understand the material. Take a higher level chem course (after studying) and get a good score. That is favorable to repeating a class 3 times. There are many post-bacc programs and opportunities as well should you have substandard grades. Just focus on doing well in the rest of your classes, and maybe take some time off to give yourself a mental breather and to add so e EC's.

Never lose faith, never stop doing your best, and never beat yourself up. This is how I get through my days, and I know that I will be a doctor one day.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

Wow that is a crappy story. O Chem 3 times... 🙁 maybe you can petition your school to allow you to keep your C? Talk to some advisers etc.. idk but that is just plain terrible.

Future direction = improve lol. Stop getting C's. Study more, get a tutor, succeed. Failure is not an option.

He should be able to fulfill his ocher reqs without having to take it a third time. Take ochem 2 and do really well, and an upper level chem.

If you have to take ochem 1 again then I would suggest taking a semester off to deal with stress and study. If you have financial aid issues, take some fluffy classes for a bit so you can catch up.

You can't move forward while in a depressed, stunned state.

 

[Belle Melodie]

But how does one just not retake a D? Don't medical schools require a C+ or better?

 

[MedPR]

Long story short: I am a Junior, messed up a class freshman year, panicked, changed my major sophomore year, hated it, changed back to premed junior year and royally screwed up. I took Organic over the summer and got a C, but I expected more from myself than that and then I got a D. My school keeps the most recent grade so I am stuck with the D. Now I am going to have to take it again but probably can't get in the class until the Fall.

I finally came to terms with the fact that I am extremely depressed, and it is really affecting my abilities to concentrate. I am working on getting that under control, but I am worried that I am screwed with school. All I have ever wanted is to be a doctor and I am freaking out that I ruined it. Would I be better off just starting over at a different school? I don't know what to do. Has anyone been in this situation? I am not looking for any "you can never be a doctor". I know it looks that way, but I finally got myself figured out and I am fixing my problems. I will become a doctor, I am just lost on what to do right now. Thanks for the help.

Doing poorly in school and stressed out because of it? Self diagnose depression, problem solved. 👎

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[Fluidity of Movement]

But how does one just not retake a D? Don't medical schools require a C+ or better?

He should be able to sub it with a higher division chem course. It is also possible to get his prof to,change grade to an "I" and then his C will be highest grade.

I'm not sure, he might have to retake it again, but there are other steps that he could do first.

The important thing is to not get down and beat yourself up. Overcome adversity. Make your story into a success story. You have time and many options, don't feel sad but for so long. Let your failure empower you to do better.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

Doing poorly in school and stressed out because of it? Self diagnose depression, problem solved. 👎

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This guy is obviously near a breaking point. Show a little compassion and encouragement?
If that was an attempt at it then I should tell you that it's not really the best way to handle people in a depressed state.

 

[JJR22]

Doing poorly in school and stressed out because of it? Self diagnose depression, problem solved. 👎

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I've been on the forums for a few months and have noticed you (my friend's initials are PR so you always stood out). I just registered this week, though. I remember the days you used to give useful advice. Now all I see are sarcastic remarks that are sometimes pretty rude. I see you got into medical school, looks like that's the reason you became an ass (you probably feel as if you're better than us "pre-meds" now).

OP - what is your state of residence? That could make a big difference. Some states allow for a clean academic start.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

I've been on the forums for a few months and have noticed you (my friend's initials are PR so you always stood out). I just registered this week, though. I remember the days you used to give useful advice. Now all I see are sarcastic remarks that are sometimes pretty rude. I see you got into medical school, looks like that's the reason you became an ass (you probably feel as if you're better than us "pre-meds" now).

OP - what is your state of residence? That could make a big difference. Some states allow for a clean academic start.

Yeah I reported him ... That kind of remark is completely counterproductive to the SDN website.

Also, starting school over is a really, really bad idea. I've heard countless times that post baccs as well as the med school internship programs are way better options. There are always options and always ways to improve. It just might take a while extra. A great mcat score offsets gpa problems as well.

 

[ribbondino]

I concur that MedPR acts like an ass.

AmIThereYet: Seriously, don't worry about it. Worrying will only keep you in your depression. I'm actually going through about the same thing you are. Screwed up, changed major, changed back, now my gpa is 2.76. Upward trends are great, and I guess you will just have to take ochem again, somehow?
I do think that a tutor would be a good idea, maybe even audit a course so that when you take it again you will be fully prepared. One thing that a lot of people forget is that determination is looked at also. True it may take a little more time for you to get into med school or you may have to work a bit harder than others from now on, but if you are determined to go to medical school, you will get there. You just have to work really hard, which may mean changing your lifestyle or other things.
Try to stop panicking and just look toward the future. If you are worrying, you aren't giving 100% to your schoolwork. You can do iiiiit!!!!!!!

Also, stellar ECs will help you too~

 

[JJR22]

oops, double post

 

[JJR22]

Yeah I reported him ... That kind of remark is completely counterproductive to the SDN website.

Also, starting school over is a really, really bad idea. I've heard countless times that post baccs as well as the med school internship programs are way better options. There are always options and always ways to improve. It just might take a while extra. A great mcat score offsets gpa problems as well.

I wasn't aware that post bas > clean starts. Then there's your answer. I think you need to relax, though, or you'll end up like me (scored 5 points below my verbal average on my real MCAT). Anxiety could be a big reason you're not doing well.

But you're absolutely right about the MCAT score. I've heard of people with 3.1s getting in to MD schools because of a great MCAT score. However, I don't think it's a good idea for you to think about it like that. It's much easier to do well in school than to do well on the MCAT, so focus on your grades for now and worry about the MCAT later.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

I concur that MedPR acts like an ass.

AmIThereYet: Seriously, don't worry about it. Worrying will only keep you in your depression. I'm actually going through about the same thing you are. Screwed up, changed major, changed back, now my gpa is 2.76. Upward trends are great, and I guess you will just have to take ochem again, somehow?
I do think that a tutor would be a good idea, maybe even audit a course so that when you take it again you will be fully prepared. One thing that a lot of people forget is that determination is looked at also. True it may take a little more time for you to get into med school or you may have to work a bit harder than others from now on, but if you are determined to go to medical school, you will get there. You just have to work really hard, which may mean changing your lifestyle or other things.
Try to stop panicking and just look toward the future. If you are worrying, you aren't giving 100% to your schoolwork. You can do iiiiit!!!!!!!

Also, stellar ECs will help you too~

100% agree! Ive been to a few premed seminars and heard the adcom panels. Post bacc is always a better option =] if you absolutely feel compelled to retake ochem then you can always grab it at a CC where you won't be prohibited from repeating a class. Only take it again for personal reasons. An A wont be as good as an A in an upper level course.

There are also intern programs that let you sit in on med school classes to prove you can handle the work despite grades. But again, kill the mcat and I doubt your gpa will matter much =] according to the stats on amcas website.

Take a deep breath OP, keep it together. You can do it.

 

[Belle Melodie]

100% agree! Ive been to a few premed seminars and heard the adcom panels. Post bacc is always a better option =] if you absolutely feel compelled to retake ochem then you can always grab it at a CC where you won't be prohibited from repeating a class. Only take it again for personal reasons. An A wont be as good as an A in an upper level course.

There are also intern programs that let you sit in on med school classes to prove you can handle the work despite grades. But again, kill the mcat and I doubt your gpa will matter much =] according to the stats on amcas website.

Take a deep breath OP, keep it together. You can do it.

You give good advice. Im in the same boat as OP only thing mine is chem 2 & bio2. Im also 7 months pregnant so that may play a part. Im continuing school next semester (due feb 28) but im so worried & stressed i wont do well.,

 

[MedPR]

I've been on the forums for a few months and have noticed you (my friend's initials are PR so you always stood out). I just registered this week, though. I remember the days you used to give useful advice. Now all I see are sarcastic remarks that are sometimes pretty rude. I see you got into medical school, looks like that's the reason you became an ass (you probably feel as if you're better than us "pre-meds" now).

OP - what is your state of residence? That could make a big difference. Some states allow for a clean academic start.

My attitude hasn't changed since being accepted.

If you guys buy in to someone being depressed about a couple of bad grades then I guess you've never had real problems.

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[AmIThereYet]

Doing poorly in school and stressed out because of it? Self diagnose depression, problem solved. 👎

Not self diagnosed. I was depressed for years and terrified to tell anyone because I was raised that illness of any form means weakness, and weakness makes you and your family look bad. I was also addicted to narcotics two different times in high school, so I refuse to take pills of any kind. I even refused the vicodin and muscle relaxers after I was in a car accident. I will never let myself go back to the place I was in, which means no antidepressants. I have gotten this far on my own, I am not about to stop.

There is a huge difference between stressed out and disappointed. I have failed myself plenty of times and I thought I was done with that. I am disappointed that I let myself down again and I am just not sure what my next step should be. I am not depressed because of one bad grade. That is probably on my list of best things that have happened in my life. I am all too familiar with real problems and insulting the people that are standing up for me will get you no where. You have no idea where any of them have been. I am really surprised that you want to be a doctor with that attitude. You will lose a lot of patients talking to them like that.

 

[MedPR]

Not self diagnosed. I was depressed for years and terrified to tell anyone because I was raised that illness of any form means weakness, and weakness makes you and your family look bad. I was also addicted to narcotics two different times in high school, so I refuse to take pills of any kind. I even refused the vicodin and muscle relaxers after I was in a car accident. I will never let myself go back to the place I was in, which means no antidepressants. I have gotten this far on my own, I am not about to stop.

There is a huge difference between stressed out and disappointed. I have failed myself plenty of times and I thought I was done with that. I am disappointed that I let myself down again and I am just not sure what my next step should be.

Well then that's quite different than what was presented in the op. Your best bet is to get your condition under control (medicated or not) before taking anymore classes.

Your health is more important than raking classes. Med school isn't going anywhere.
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[theWhat]

The OP stated they got bad grades because they were dealing with depression, not depressed because of bad grades. Not sure why the witch hunt is required.... They're dealing with a tough situation. Not everyone is a troll.

 

[JJR22]

My attitude hasn't changed since being accepted.

If you guys buy in to someone being depressed about a couple of bad grades then I guess you've never had real problems.

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I guess you haven't heard that some people are more prone to depression than others. Maybe for you a couple of bad grades aren't a big deal, but maybe for someone else it's significant enough to push them into it (in addition to other factors, most likely). It's all relative - who are you to judge? The point is, if you're going to mock someone when they say they're in depression, why bother posting? I'm guessing your parents never taught you this: "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Grow up.

 

[JJR22]

The OP stated they got bad grades because they were dealing with depression, not depressed because of bad grades. Not sure why the witch hunt is required.... They're dealing with a tough situation. Not everyone is a troll.

Agreed.

 

[MedPR]

I guess you haven't heard that some people are more prone to depression than others. Maybe for you a couple of bad grades aren't a big deal, but maybe for someone else it's significant enough to push them into it (in addition to other factors, most likely). It's all relative - who are you to judge? The point is, if you're going to mock someone when they say they're in depression, why bother posting? I'm guessing your parents never taught you this: "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Grow up.

Ironic.





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[487806]

Guys, let's try to avoid getting all riled up because of MedPR's joke.

I concur that MedPR acts like an ass.

This is an insult regardless of what MedPR wrote. Let's try to avoid that.

 

[487806]

Yeah I reported him ... That kind of remark is completely counterproductive to the SDN website.

If you're that sensitive to MedPR's remark, imagine how you would feel to many worse remarks seen on SDN.

 

[ribbondino]

Guys, let's try to avoid getting all riled up because of MedPR's joke.



This is an insult regardless of what MedPR wrote. Let's try to avoid that.

Yeahhh you're right. 🙁 I'm sorry, MedPR!

 

[487806]

Long story short: I am a Junior, messed up a class freshman year, panicked, changed my major sophomore year, hated it, changed back to premed junior year and royally screwed up. I took Organic over the summer and got a C, but I expected more from myself than that and then I got a D. My school keeps the most recent grade so I am stuck with the D. Now I am going to have to take it again but probably can't get in the class until the Fall.

I finally came to terms with the fact that I am extremely depressed, and it is really affecting my abilities to concentrate. I am working on getting that under control, but I am worried that I am screwed with school. All I have ever wanted is to be a doctor and I am freaking out that I ruined it. Would I be better off just starting over at a different school? I don't know what to do. Has anyone been in this situation? I am not looking for any "you can never be a doctor". I know it looks that way, but I finally got myself figured out and I am fixing my problems. I will become a doctor, I am just lost on what to do right now. Thanks for the help.

OP, please ignore most of the unnecessary attack posts that resulted because of MedPR's inappropriate joke. First, I appreciate your determination, but right now let's not get too ambitious on the final goals. You should see your physician and get checked up on your depression, which is a medical concern. Once you are feeling better, then focus on attacking the premed courses. Forget what happened in the past and move on. Show your passsion. Do well in future courses and take post-bacc courses. Do well on MCAT and get good EC's. But it's essential for you to see your physician and get your depression treated before moving on. Good luck.

 

[theWhat]

If you're that sensitive to MedPR's remark, imagine how you would feel to many worse remarks seen on SDN.

Doesn't excuse a bad behavior, blaming or mocking people with depression is bad for everyone. That's not being overly sensitive. That's fighting against a bullying culture that oddly many people feel impelled to defend.

 

[487806]

Yeahhh you're right. 🙁 I'm sorry, MedPR!

It's not your fault. MedPR said an inappropriate joke at the wrong time. However, the thread was unnecessarily shifted to his joke rather than OP's main concern.

 

[487806]

Doesn't excuse a bad behavior, blaming or mocking people with depression is bad for everyone. That's not being overly sensitive. That's fighting against a bullying culture that oddly many people feel impelled to defend.

Agreed. MedPR gave an inappropriate joke at the wrong time. But that isn't the focus of this thread, so let's try to get on-topic here.

 

[eggs13]

.

 

[Geebeejay]

My friend calm down 🙂 "the hardest part about medical school is getting in", "premeds are the most neurotic groups of people I've ever met" from the lips of an adcom at a prestigious school.

You NEVER will get yourself into a situation where you cannot get into school. You might have to jump through some hoops or take extra time, but you will get into med school eventually if you keep trying.

Being a premed is absurdly bad for your psyche; it's ok to freak out for a bit but you have to stay focused. You can't change the past; you can only move forward. There are many roads to being a doctor. Messing up one grade will not keep you out.

Unfortunately, this is true for only 40% of applicants. OP, sounds like you're going through some hard times....maybe consider an extended time off from school to get it together, maybe see a doc if you are TRULY depressed, and start figuring out how to cope with stress... because you really need to be close to perfect from here on out. One bad grade won't hurt you, but if you aren't able to truly focus on your goals, you will have a tough time realizing them.

 

[MedPR]

Unfortunately, this is true for only 40% of applicants. OP, sounds like you're going through some hard times....maybe consider an extended time off from school to get it together, because you really need to be close to perfect from here on out.

+1. All this optimism from other people is nice and good for morale, but it means nothing since they don't know your exact situation. You have to look at your academic record thus far, how much you're willing to sacrifice to improve, and then be realistic about your chances of matriculating.

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[theWhat]

I think once you feel you have your symptoms under control and have talked about this with your doctor and possibly a counselor, I would recommend easing back into classes. Stress can really make depression worse and so it's important to keep that under control. Develop a support system: family, friends, tutors, don't be afraid to speak up when you start feeling overwhelmed. Utilize office hours, and address concerns early. This should take some of the pressure off and over time you can hopefully regain your confidence and your grades will show. Don't give up and don't beat yourself up. Learn from your mistakes but don't dwell on them. Best of luck.

 

[MedPR]

I think once you feel you have your symptoms under control and have talked about this with your doctor and possibly a counselor, I would recommend easing back into classes. Stress can really make depression worse and so it's important to keep that under control. Develop a support system: family, friends, tutors, don't be afraid to speak up when you start feeling overwhelmed. Utilize office hours, and address concerns early. This should take some of the pressure off and over time you can hopefully regain your confidence and your grades will show. Don't give up and don't beat yourself up. Learn from your mistakes but don't dwell on them. Best of luck.

If the stress of undergrad is overwhelming you either need to get better control of your depression or not go to med school.

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[theWhat]

If the stress of undergrad is overwhelming you either need to get better control of your depression or not go to med school.

If all steps taken to mitigate overwhelming stress fail then I would agree. It depends on the factors causing the stress and depression. There are a lot of things one can do to cope.

 

[flyers]

This guy is obviously near a breaking point. Show a little compassion and encouragement?
If that was an attempt at it then I should tell you that it's not really the best way to handle people in a depressed state.

Doing poorly in school and stressed out because of it? Self diagnose depression, problem solved. 👎

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Well hopefully he's not planning on going into psychiatry... 😉

 

[theWhat]

I would be curious to hear the perspective of med students who have dealt with depression and have overcome being overwhelmed academically. There's a lot of stigma with this one.

 

[flyers]

I guess you haven't heard that some people are more prone to depression than others. Maybe for you a couple of bad grades aren't a big deal, but maybe for someone else it's significant enough to push them into it (in addition to other factors, most likely). It's all relative - who are you to judge? The point is, if you're going to mock someone when they say they're in depression, why bother posting? I'm guessing your parents never taught you this: "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Grow up.

👍

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

If you're that sensitive to MedPR's remark, imagine how you would feel to many worse remarks seen on SDN.

I'm sorry my friend, I deal with depressed people far too often. When someone is getting bullied I stand up. Whether the jest was with malice or not, the harm is done. I stand behind my post.

 

[Bluto385]

The truth is that even if you take organic for a third time and get an A, it is going to raise a big red flag on your application. It is hard enough for applicants to gain an acceptance even with an A on the first time around. You need to be very aware of the hard statistics that reveal how truly competitive this whole process is. And that is not to deter you from carrying on this path, but only to inform you of what lies ahead.

A sensible person in your situation will start preparing a backup plan if medical school is no longer a viable option now or in the future. I personally took all of the prerequisites for both med and pharm school in the event that anything unfavorable happened, and I'm very glad I did because it did give me peace of mind to have a plan B.

For now, you will probably have to retake Organic and get as high of a score as possible. Combine that with other upper level science courses to support your competence in these areas.

 

[MedPR]

I'm sorry my friend, I deal with depressed people far too often. When someone is getting bullied I stand up. Whether the jest was with malice or not, the harm is done. I stand behind my post.

I dont see where harm was done. OP replied to me and didn't seem offended. They understood that I misunderstood and simply explained the situation more thoroughly.

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[Fluidity of Movement]

Unfortunately, this is true for only 40% of applicants. OP, sounds like you're going through some hard times....maybe consider an extended time off from school to get it together, maybe see a doc if you are TRULY depressed, and start figuring out how to cope with stress... because you really need to be close to perfect from here on out. One bad grade won't hurt you, but if you aren't able to truly focus on your goals, you will have a tough time realizing them.

40% every year. The longer you stick with it the higher your chances are each year; that was my point and it is very valid.

 

[MedPR]

40% every year. The longer you stick with it the higher your chances are each year; that was my point and it is very valid.

Not really. You have to improve your application each year and when your GPA is the weakest link there isn't very much room for improvement. Plus, some schools actually limit the number of times you can reapply.

Sticking with it isn't always the solution.

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[Bluto385]

40% every year. The longer you stick with it the higher your chances are each year; that was my point and it is very valid.

If the process were completely random, then maybe. But, it's not. Even LizzyM has noted that if an applicant is rejected for multiple cycles, it is certainly for a reason, and this may lead schools to receive an old applicant with skepticism compared to a fresh one.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

I dont see where harm was done. OP replied to me and didn't seem offended. They understood that I misunderstood and simply explained the situation more thoroughly.

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You have been posting negative remarks with no real insight or advice, just negative comments and a few bluntly stated facts.

This is evident by several other posters in this forum. I do not think poorly of you, I only ask that you be a little more sensitive when dealing with people on the Internet. I see much disdain towards new SDN members due to their fears of grades.

Just ask yourself, "would I have wanted to be told that when I was having problems?"

I'm not trolling you, and I am not easily offended, I think people sometimes forget that there is a person sitting on the other end of the glass.

 

[MedPR]

If the process were completely random, then maybe. But, it's not. Even LizzyM has noted that if an applicant is rejected for multiple cycles, it is certainly for a reason, and this may lead schools to receive an old applicant with skepticism compared to a fresh one.

Not to mention the stress involved in applying. It's easy to say you'll reapply when you've not been through a cycle yet.

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[Fluidity of Movement]

According to many adcoms at the recent ucdavis seminar the longer you stick with your goals, working on mcat, post baccs, and ECs, the better you will be .. Obviously. There are also many different types of medical schools. Perhaps getting into a top tier US MD school isn't feasible, but becoming a doctor is if you can get the grades...

I have the twitter quotes ....

 

[MedPR]

According to many adcoms at the recent ucdavis seminar the longer you stick with your goals, working on mcat, post baccs, and ECs, the better you will be .. Obviously. There are also many different types of medical schools. Perhaps getting into a top tier US MD school isn't feasible, but becoming a doctor is if you can get the grades...

I have the twitter quotes ....

Yea because an adcom is going to say, in public, that some people just can't make it. Makes sense 👍

In reality there is always someo;e with a better app than you. There's little incentive for schools to take risks on who they matriculate.

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[Bluto385]

According to many adcoms at the recent ucdavis seminar the longer you stick with your goals, working on mcat, post baccs, and ECs, the better you will be .. Obviously. There are also many different types of medical schools. Perhaps getting into a top tier US MD school isn't feasible, but becoming a doctor is if you can get the grades.

AND if you can get the money together to cover all these effing fees associated with the application process. I was only able to cover the cost for the seven schools I applied to with help from family members; I don't know what I would do if I were faced with the thousands of dollars that are lost to applying to 30+ schools for multiple cycles. At some point, a sensible person needs to count their losses and reevaluate career options.