Lessons From First Semester....

[nm140520]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Howdy Everyone,

I wanted to let out a bit of a rant and hopefully get some feedback from you guys on anyone that has encountered a similar situation.

Background: I graduated early from college back in December 11' with a undergrad degree in the arts. I have been extremely involved in the arts since being 14 years old and continued this into college and even graduated early. After school, I went up to New York for a bit to get a taste of what a career in the art center of the world would be like and after having a bit of a apprehension before graduating on pursuing a career in the arts, my feelings grew worse and I decided to go into the medical field (Currently pursuing PA). I packed up my things with a secure job waiting for me back in Texas and a volunteer position in a major hospital.

Currently: Fast forward a bit. I now work 45-50 hours per week, I take two classes (Pre cal and Gen Chem ) at a school that is an hour away with no traffic (1.5 hours with traffic) and a few things have become very apparent to me.

A. I SEVERELY UNDERESTIMATED THE AMOUNT OF STUDYING I NEED. Studying for 2-3 hours per day at work doesn't do much of anything to help me. After getting off work at 10pm and going up to the local 24/7 diner and trying to get in a solid hour or two of "quiet studying", I sometimes feel better about what I'm learning, until it comes to test time.....Any and all extracurricular studying with study groups or extra tutoring has not been possible with my schedule of going to class and immediately having to go to work.

B. This has caught up to me come test time, where simple memorization doesn't cut it for me. I made an 85 on the first test, a 70 on the next test, and I'm pretty sure the last test yesterday was the worst of the three. I've already accepted that I will need to retake Chem 1 but for anyone who's reading this from similar shoes...please realize that studying means 2-3 hours per day IN SILENCE or in a very constructive environment such as study groups to toss ideas back and forth and discuss topics. My pre cal class has been no problem.🙄

C. On friday afternoons, I have started doing volunteer work in the emergency department of a major hospital for 7 hours each shift (7 hours per week) and I have to admit, I LOVE IT! I actually feel happiest during these 7 hours of the week and am excited for doing more.😀

D. I have discussed these issues with my parent's (who I'm staying with) and it looks like next semester I will being taking a full course load and most likely will only be working for 20 hours on the weekends (maybe not working at all).

So for anyone reading this, has anyone out there started a post bacc plan and hit a few speed bumps/unfortunate realizations? I figured I'd put out a bluntly honest post on what my route has been like and see what others have found as well

 

[docelh]

40+ hr. Job + Commute + School + EC.

I think you're in for a world of hurt.

 

[Ranniks]

I think you need to set up some priorities. Think about this: if you become a doctor in 10 years, you will earn enough to cover any debts made.

How about you stop working, loan as much as you need and work FULL TIME AS A STUDENT? Treat school as your job and you will become a medical student. Persevere and work hard.

It's just an idea and something I would do if I were in your shoes.

Sjure it's scary....But going for something you dream of is always scary. Have the courage and faith in God to push through.

 

[ShoTyme]

I think you need to set up some priorities. Think about this: if you become a doctor in 10 years, you will earn enough to cover any debts made.

How about you stop working, loan as much as you need and work FULL TIME AS A STUDENT? Treat school as your job and you will become a medical student. Persevere and work hard.

It's just an idea and something I would do if I were in your shoes.

Sjure it's scary....But going for something you dream of is always scary. Have the courage and faith in God to push through.

This is good advice. The other advice I'd give is to not do that volunteer work right now. That should only be done once you have everything else well under control. My point is that it's better to have all A's and no volunteering than to have a ton of volunteering with B's and C's. The latter just won't cut the mustard.

 

[popopopop]

You're not at UTA are you? I just took a chem test a few days ago lol.

 

[Deadlifts]

I'm taking Physics and Ochem, volunteering 3-6 hours a week, working two 12 hour shifts on the weekends and commuting ~ 45 minutes each way for classes. I have some free time but it's concentrated around planning rigid study sessions and crunch time for the pretty heavy amounts of physics homework (so I heard you like free body diagrams)?

So compared to you I have half the commute, <.5 FTE, less time volunteering and I feel crunched even with my workload. Yikes.

I'm dropping one shift a week (maybe more per month) when I add biochem next term. Honestly, if you can financially afford it, move to part-time. If you can't, you might want to see about how much you can save working full-time and then trying school again full-time later. Grades are honestly the most important thing at this point.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Howdy Everyone,

I wanted to let out a bit of a rant and hopefully get some feedback from you guys on anyone that has encountered a similar situation.

Background: I graduated early from college back in December 11' with a undergrad degree in the arts. I have been extremely involved in the arts since being 14 years old and continued this into college and even graduated early. After school, I went up to New York for a bit to get a taste of what a career in the art center of the world would be like and after having a bit of a apprehension before graduating on pursuing a career in the arts, my feelings grew worse and I decided to go into the medical field (Currently pursuing PA). I packed up my things with a secure job waiting for me back in Texas and a volunteer position in a major hospital.

Currently: Fast forward a bit. I now work 45-50 hours per week, I take two classes (Pre cal and Gen Chem ) at a school that is an hour away with no traffic (1.5 hours with traffic) and a few things have become very apparent to me.

A. I SEVERELY UNDERESTIMATED THE AMOUNT OF STUDYING I NEED. Studying for 2-3 hours per day at work doesn't do much of anything to help me. After getting off work at 10pm and going up to the local 24/7 diner and trying to get in a solid hour or two of "quiet studying", I sometimes feel better about what I'm learning, until it comes to test time.....Any and all extracurricular studying with study groups or extra tutoring has not been possible with my schedule of going to class and immediately having to go to work.

B. This has caught up to me come test time, where simple memorization doesn't cut it for me. I made an 85 on the first test, a 70 on the next test, and I'm pretty sure the last test yesterday was the worst of the three. I've already accepted that I will need to retake Chem 1 but for anyone who's reading this from similar shoes...please realize that studying means 2-3 hours per day IN SILENCE or in a very constructive environment such as study groups to toss ideas back and forth and discuss topics. My pre cal class has been no problem.🙄

C. On friday afternoons, I have started doing volunteer work in the emergency department of a major hospital for 7 hours each shift (7 hours per week) and I have to admit, I LOVE IT! I actually feel happiest during these 7 hours of the week and am excited for doing more.😀

D. I have discussed these issues with my parent's (who I'm staying with) and it looks like next semester I will being taking a full course load and most likely will only be working for 20 hours on the weekends (maybe not working at all).

So for anyone reading this, has anyone out there started a post bacc plan and hit a few speed bumps/unfortunate realizations? I figured I'd put out a bluntly honest post on what my route has been like and see what others have found as well

My situation in part D is similar to yours where I do live with my mom to save money and because I was in a masters program (non-thesis) it was easier to get RA and TAships to pay for my education.

My first suggestion to you is remember the hardest exam you took and totally destroyed (like A or A+). Now remember the amount of hours and days you needed to study for it. Multiple this study time by the amount of classes you are taking. This will be what you need to do well in your post-bacc.. Try to get a study schedule and stick to it the best you can (you will most like not but it will help in the long run).

The next step is to maximize your chances at getting an A in the class. This means previewing the material before class and reviewing it after (this will cut down on study time and you will understand more of what your professor is saying). You should also see if your professor has a study guide or previous exams. By looking at these you will understand the high yield material and the low yield material. Make sure to look at your old exams as well to see why you had certain questions wrong. Was it because of a lack of understanding of the material? Or was it because you could not understand the question being asked or even misinterpreted what was being asked?

If possible, try to see a learning specialist. I did this just the pervious semester and have learned a lot of useful techniques (a lot of trial and error though, in the end it is how you best study).

Good luck to you

 

[nm140520]

More than anything, I was putting this up as a rant and a learning lesson for those that might be considering doing post bacc work (especially anyone coming from the arts). I agree whole heartily with everyone's feedback and I sat down with my parents to discuss that I need to obviously retake chemistry and that working as much as I do and everything else going on just doesn't mesh. Next semester we've already agreed on not working very much, and I'll be transferring to UTA rather than UTD just for the saving of time and money in commuting (UTA is 15 min away) and also, UTA is MUCH less expensive than UTD. I am realizing the value of the various study groups and tutoring opportunities that I wish I had the time for if my schedule allowed it this semester.

 

[popopopop]

UTA (where I am at) has a really reputable chemistry department. We have lots of resources to help you pass any chem class. There's a chem clinic here that opens from Monday to Saturday. I wouldn't be getting an A in chemistry this semester without the tutors here (most of them are biochem seniors/juniors and are excellent). Study groups aren't that great for chem class, doing practice tests (available through the school and online) will be what will teach you the materials.

Take chem1 with Tanazaki if you want to get an easier A, you'll still learn the materials, but the test takes some of the "cute" stuff out. Second best would be Rodgers. Rodgers is a better teacher but his tests are ridiculously hard unless you have chem background. Rodgers also has his lectures available online, so you can benefit from his lecture while taking Tanazaki. If you want more help, feel free to pm me here or what not. If you have the desire to learn chemistry 1, there's enough help for you to ace it!

 

[MedWonk]

Howdy Everyone,

I wanted to let out a bit of a rant and hopefully get some feedback from you guys on anyone that has encountered a similar situation.

Background: I graduated early from college back in December 11' with a undergrad degree in the arts. I have been extremely involved in the arts since being 14 years old and continued this into college and even graduated early. After school, I went up to New York for a bit to get a taste of what a career in the art center of the world would be like and after having a bit of a apprehension before graduating on pursuing a career in the arts, my feelings grew worse and I decided to go into the medical field (Currently pursuing PA). I packed up my things with a secure job waiting for me back in Texas and a volunteer position in a major hospital.

Currently: Fast forward a bit. I now work 45-50 hours per week, I take two classes (Pre cal and Gen Chem ) at a school that is an hour away with no traffic (1.5 hours with traffic) and a few things have become very apparent to me.

A. I SEVERELY UNDERESTIMATED THE AMOUNT OF STUDYING I NEED. Studying for 2-3 hours per day at work doesn't do much of anything to help me. After getting off work at 10pm and going up to the local 24/7 diner and trying to get in a solid hour or two of "quiet studying", I sometimes feel better about what I'm learning, until it comes to test time.....Any and all extracurricular studying with study groups or extra tutoring has not been possible with my schedule of going to class and immediately having to go to work.

B. This has caught up to me come test time, where simple memorization doesn't cut it for me. I made an 85 on the first test, a 70 on the next test, and I'm pretty sure the last test yesterday was the worst of the three. I've already accepted that I will need to retake Chem 1 but for anyone who's reading this from similar shoes...please realize that studying means 2-3 hours per day IN SILENCE or in a very constructive environment such as study groups to toss ideas back and forth and discuss topics. My pre cal class has been no problem.🙄

C. On friday afternoons, I have started doing volunteer work in the emergency department of a major hospital for 7 hours each shift (7 hours per week) and I have to admit, I LOVE IT! I actually feel happiest during these 7 hours of the week and am excited for doing more.😀

D. I have discussed these issues with my parent's (who I'm staying with) and it looks like next semester I will being taking a full course load and most likely will only be working for 20 hours on the weekends (maybe not working at all).

So for anyone reading this, has anyone out there started a post bacc plan and hit a few speed bumps/unfortunate realizations? I figured I'd put out a bluntly honest post on what my route has been like and see what others have found as well

I was in somewhat of a similar situation when I started. I commute 1 to 1.5 hours to get to school, and realized very quickly how much time it burned. I also started volunteering and realized that each class demanded about 12 hours/week of solid studying. So, I quit my job. I didn't want to, as it was a way I could've done my post-bacc without borrowing money, but ultimately, I decided that putting everything into getting A/A- in all my classes is more important. I pick up shifts at warehouses in the area on some days where I have time (usually right after an exam) through a temp agency, and I work at a local dept. store through winter. During the semester, I don't work. Fortunately, after the MCAT my schedule clears up and I can take on a job/other ECs.

It'll be worth the poverty in the long run. Unless you have a family to take care of. Then it might not be.