Never got an A in a science class

[mitrieD]

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Am I one of the only ones on here who've never gotten an A in a science class? Don't get me wrong, I'm not the slacking type. I'm the type of student that studies all of the time, and hardly makes time to have fun.

Unfortunately no matter how hard I try, I never seem to be able to get an A in a science class; only B's, and nothing below. When it comes to other classes than science, they are A grades.

Why does everyone else seem to get it except me? Am I just made out for this? Are good grades meant to be strolls in the park like general ED? Some people tell me its not the amount of hard work you put in it, but the way you study.


I know for D school only B's in sciGPA is unacceptable.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

Get a kickass score in the science sections of your DAT. That'll help offset the B's.

You should be making A's in your general Bio classes though. Those are usually straightforward.

 

[tpwelie34]

How are you studying? When you say that you study most of the time, are you actually focusing 100%, or are you skimming over the notes/books as you watch youtube videos? I study roughly 2 hours everyday (very focused studying) during the quarter and I am able to get A's and A+'s.

 

[SeattleRDH]

I hate to say this but focus less on learning and more on preparing for the test. Go to office hours. Ask the TA what he/she thinks will be on the test. Go through EVERY practice problem that the prof gives you.

 

[Nymphicus]

Anecdote

One of my dental friends with multiple dental acceptances had only one science A when accepted.

 

[molar3]

depends what school you go to , and how your profs are and how youre studying

 

[wizi]

Here are two things that might help you.

1. Ratemyprofessor.com
2. Visit your professor's office often and keep reminding him that his class is very important to you. You take his class very seriously. Make sure that you show up every class, do all the homework. Your grades keep increasing.

If you do all this, sometimes a B+ can become an A-. I am just saying...

 

[supermax]

I was in your situation for a while, I start making As and still on a roll. Change some study habits.

 

[wired202808]

Here are two things that might help you.

1. Ratemyprofessor.com
2. Visit your professor's office often and keep reminding him that his class is very important to you. You take his class very seriously. Make sure that you show up every class, do all the homework. Your grades keep increasing.

If you do all this, sometimes a B+ can become an A-. I am just saying...

👍 students dont do this often enough. Speaking to professors is an excellent way to remind them of your long term goals and a way for them to help you out as much as they can.

I know i'm going to get a lot of backlash from pureist or idealistic predents who'll say "grades should be earned." I can only respond by stating that many of your classmates are already doing this and competition is fierce. All's fair in love, war, and d-school admission. 🙂

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

👍 students dont do this often enough. Speaking to professors is an excellent way to remind them of your long term goals and a way for them to help you out as much as they can.

I know i'm going to get a lot of backlash from pureist or idealistic predents who'll say "grades should be earned." I can only respond by stating that many of your classmates are already doing this and competition is fierce. All's fair in love, war, and d-school admission. 🙂

Lol that sounds like the mindset of a gunner. Unless you're on the border of a b+/a-, the majority of professors aren't goin to bump you up just because you're buddy/buddy with them. That would just discredit their class and everything they've been teaching all semester. If every annoying premed/predent kid came to my office everyday just to chat, I'd get pretty pissed off. Everyone's trying to get somewhere in life, just work hard and get the grades. No need to beg anyone for that A.

 

[wired202808]

Lol that sounds like the mindset of a gunner. Unless you're on the border of a b+/a-, the majority of professors aren't goin to bump you up just because you're buddy/buddy with them. That would just discredit their class and everything they've been teaching all semester. If every annoying premed/predent kid came to my office everyday just to chat, I'd get pretty pissed off. Everyone's trying to get somewhere in life, just work hard and get the grades. No need to beg anyone for that A.

There is nothing wrong in asking anyone for anything. Call it begging or whatever you want, it doesn't matter. An A is an A is an A.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

There is nothing wrong in asking anyone for anything. Call it begging or whatever you want, it doesn't matter. An A is an A is an A.

I really would love to see a professors face when you ask him to bump a C to an A just so you can get into dental school.

 

[wired202808]

I really would love to see a professors face when you ask him to bump a C to an A just so you can get into dental school.

You never know 😀

 

[iralex801]

👍 students dont do this often enough. Speaking to professors is an excellent way to remind them of your long term goals and a way for them to help you out as much as they can.

I know i'm going to get a lot of backlash from pureist or idealistic predents who'll say "grades should be earned." I can only respond by stating that many of your classmates are already doing this and competition is fierce. All's fair in love, war, and d-school admission. 🙂

Ya, those kids are also the annoying gunning ones. Anyways, if it worked in your undergrad, I can assure you, it won't work it D-School. I would definitely label a kid who practices this method a gunner. Begging for grade raises based on no merit is just annoying.

 

[wired202808]

Ya, those kids are also the annoying gunning ones. Anyways, if it worked in your undergrad, I can assure you, it won't work it D-School. I would definitely label a kid who practices this method a gunner. Begging for grade raises based on no merit is just annoying.

so how do you feel about students who "beg" d-schools for interviewees via emails, phone calls, personal visits, etc. Its essentially the same thing. You can say hey student X hasn't been contacted and look at them reach out to the school and try to "beg" his way in. Maybe student X doesn't belong in that school but he/she might get in if they reach out enough times. Honestly who cares? Life works by working with people. There's no shame in asking for anything. In fact, the people that don't ask are usually the ones who get left behind. I clearly remember reading an article that stated an interesting reason why men earn more than women in an academic setting. Wanna know the reason? 9 times out of 10 men asked for raises and got them in the form of tenure, more vacation, etc. Meanwhile, women tend to expect or await those types of things w/o speaking up. And the end result is clear, they don't get those things as much as often as they should. Lesson of the day: the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Also what bout level of undergrad difficulty? Some students went to super hard schools around my area and were subjected to exceptionally low GPAs because the course work load was horrendous, they didnt get into the d-schools they wanted beause they seemed like weaker applicants. Meanwhile, other kids I know went to easier schools and got into most of their top choices.

Life's not fair, what can you do? Work with what you have.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Lol that sounds like the mindset of a gunner. Unless you're on the border of a b+/a-, the majority of professors aren't goin to bump you up just because you're buddy/buddy with them. That would just discredit their class and everything they've been teaching all semester. If every annoying premed/predent kid came to my office everyday just to chat, I'd get pretty pissed off. Everyone's trying to get somewhere in life, just work hard and get the grades. No need to beg anyone for that A.

There is nothing wrong with developing a relationship with a professor by going into there office hours and chatting with them. Obviously, don't make it mindless chitchat, but have an agenda. Ask them a couple of questions about the class, bring up an interesting science article you read recently, or ask about their personal research. Trust me, professors are people too, and enjoy breaking up the mundane day with a visit from a student. I have done this consistently with most of my science professors and not one has gotten "pretty pissed off".

You may call this a "gunner" attitude, but if you don't do this how are you expecting to get any decent letters of recommendation? And if the Professor likes you... other opportunities open up to you: research positions, TA positions, and well... possibly a grade bump up.

I know that personally, because of my relationships with my professors i have had a B bumped to a B+, A- to an A, and 2 B+'s to a regular A. Of course i was only a single percent or so away from the grades, but they bumped me nevertheless. Better yet... i didn't even ask them to do so, they just did it.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Life works by working with people.

Couldn't agree more. Fact is the "gunner" attitude is what is going to make you a successful dentist. You can be the best clinician in the world, but if you are not willing to create relationships... you will end up bankrupt. The "gunner" dentists who end up... staying later, opening earlier, work a saturday or two, spend an extra 5 min talking in the chair to the patient, give gift baskets, have special patient giveaways, etc. They are the ones who will be most successful, so why the hell not be practicing going the extra mile in undergrad and be rewarded for your efforts accordingly.

 

[wired202808]

There is nothing wrong with developing a relationship with a professor by going into there office hours and chatting with them. Obviously, don't make it mindless chitchat, but have an agenda. Ask them a couple of questions about the class, bring up an interesting science article you read recently, or ask about their personal research. Trust me, professors are people too, and enjoy breaking up the mundane day with a visit from a student. I have done this consistently with most of my science professors and not one has gotten "pretty pissed off".

You may call this a "gunner" attitude, but if you don't do this how are you expecting to get any decent letters of recommendation? And if the Professor likes you... other opportunities open up to you: research positions, TA positions, and well... possibly a grade bump up.

I know that personally, because of my relationships with my professors i have had a B bumped to a B+, A- to an A, and 2 B+'s to a regular A. Of course i was only a single percent or so away from the grades, but they bumped me nevertheless. Better yet... i didn't even ask them to do so, they just did it.

+1 After your brilliant answer I expect people to say "well wired didnt put it like that" hahaha

Most predents dont know how to network and hence are either jealous or confused about it. They think its unfair that you can get more with honey than with vinegar. Knowing how to network is how you can get a great job, into a great school and meet the right people that will you set you up for success.

Even if you did imply or outright ask for a grade bump, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. A professor has discretion over grades and usually builds in a cushion such as participation or term papers. And since the prof is a human being he/she appreciates a student who can build a relationship with them via rapport.

 

[BTown DDS]

I think you guys have the wrong definition for a gunner. A gunner is someone that only cares about achieving their goals and not helping classmates that ask for help. They keep any resources to themselves and take advantage of everbody elses resourses. I agree that networking and establishing relationships is important but you don't have to be a gunner to do this.

 

[wizi]

Lol that sounds like the mindset of a gunner. Unless you're on the border of a b+/a-, the majority of professors aren't goin to bump you up just because you're buddy/buddy with them. That would just discredit their class and everything they've been teaching all semester. If every annoying premed/predent kid came to my office everyday just to chat, I'd get pretty pissed off. Everyone's trying to get somewhere in life, just work hard and get the grades. No need to beg anyone for that A.

Begging is a strong word in this situation. Begging means that you visit the professor and practically "beg" for better grades.

What I am saying here is not begging. You develop a good relationship with your professor, show him that you try hard to do good in his class (showing up, take notes etc). You make yourself stand out from the rest of the pack. You get better grades before of your hard work.

Believe me, the prof is not stupid. They know if you are being genuine or not.

 

[wizi]

I think you guys have the wrong definition for a gunner. A gunner is someone that only cares about achieving their goals and not helping classmates that ask for help. They keep any resources to themselves and take advantage of everbody elses resourses. I agree that networking and establishing relationships is important but you don't have to be a gunner to do this.

This is an example of a mean gunner. 🙂

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

Haha what's up with all this team up action guys? I never said don't talk to your professors. I'm just saying don't be one of those kids who just talk to professors so they can help you get an A. That's just a very bad mindset to have in life.

Like I've said, the majority of professors I know have said that they won't bump you up no matter what. Not if it's 0.1% or if it's 10%. Why? Because it's not fair to others or respectful to everything they've been teaching all year. That's the way I believe it should be. Is the real world like that? No. I understand it's all about who you know and relationships. But I would like to think that some people still believe grades should be earned and if you were close to an A, you'll learn to try harder next time.

I know i'm going to get a lot of backlash from pureist or idealistic predents who'll say "grades should be earned." I can only respond by stating that many of your classmates are already doing this and competition is fierce. All's fair in love, war, and d-school admission.

I'm guessing everyone missed this wonderful little life advice by wired. I'm very aware of the definition of a gunner, no need for the clarifications. This right here is the same attitude and motto they go by. Let's do everything possible to get into dental school because it's ME against EVERYONE ELSE. You see this all the time in dental school. It's a very selfish attitude and unfortunately there are a lot of people like this.

 

[wired202808]

Haha what's up with all this team up action guys? I never said don't talk to your professors. I'm just saying don't be one of those kids who just talk to professors so they can help you get an A. That's just a very bad mindset to have in life.

Like I've said, the majority of professors I know have said that they won't bump you up no matter what. Not if it's 0.1% or if it's 10%. Why? Because it's not fair to others or respectful to everything they've been teaching all year. That's the way I believe it should be. Is the real world like that? No. I understand it's all about who you know and relationships. But I would like to think that some people still believe that grades should be earned and if you were close to an A, you'll learn to try harder next time.



I'm guessing everyone missed this wonderful little life advice by wired. I'm very aware of the definition of a gunner, no need for the clarifications. This right here is the same attitude and motto they go by. Let's do everything possible to get into dental school because it's ME against EVERYONE ELSE. You see this all the time in dental school. It's a very selfish attitude and unfortunately there are a lot of people like this.

Networking and earning grades via rapport in undergrad is no different than what you'll do when you "beg" d-schools for admission via emails, follow up calls, and personal visits. All's fair whether you like it or not. Dont be jealous. If you networked with profs and got better grades for yourself, I'd congratulate you for being smarter than the average bear.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

People are trying to teach you some life advice but you can do as you like. I'm not on here to convince anyone of my logic. Networking is the #1 way to succeed in life. If you think thats unfair, its just too bad, its the way the world works. Also, last time I checked life wasn't fair. But hey man do as you like..

Haha thank you for the life advice, but I have plenty. I'm just trying to tell OP that the trick to making A's in college is to do the work and the results will pay off. Half of you guys on here are telling him "GO TALK TO YOUR PROFESSOR AND BE HIS FRIEND. HE'LL GIVE YOU AN A!"

Networking is the #1 way to succeed in life. If you think thats unfair, its just too bad, its the way the world works..

Actually the last time I checked, hard work and perseverance were the #1 way to succeed at life.


Thank you for editing your post BTW.

Networking and earning grades via rapport in undergrad is no different than what you'll do when you "beg" d-schools for admission via emails, follow up calls, and personal visits. All's fair whether you like it or not. Dont be jealous. If you networked with profs and got better grades for yourself, I'd congratulate you for being smarter than the average bear.

I'm not sure what's there to be jealous of? I'm in dental school, I'm just trying OP here with how to make A's. I earned my A's in undergrad without having to buddy up with professors just for that purpose.

 

[molar3]

Haha thank you for the life advice, but I have plenty. I'm just trying to tell OP that the trick to making A's in college is to do the work and the results will pay off. Half of you guys on here are telling him "GO TALK TO YOUR PROFESSOR AND BE HIS FRIEND. HE'LL GIVE YOU AN A!"



Actually the last time I checked, hard work and perseverance were the #1 way to succeed at life.


Thank you for editing your post BTW.



I'm not sure what's there to be jealous of? I'm in dental school, I'm just trying OP here with how to make A's. I earned my A's in undergrad without having to buddy up with professors just for that purpose.

+ 1 👍

 

[wired202808]

x

 

[wired202808]

Haha thank you for the life advice, but I have plenty. I'm just trying to tell OP that the trick to making A's in college is to do the work and the results will pay off. Half of you guys on here are telling him "GO TALK TO YOUR PROFESSOR AND BE HIS FRIEND. HE'LL GIVE YOU AN A!"



Actually the last time I checked, hard work and perseverance were the #1 way to succeed at life.


Thank you for editing your post BTW.



I'm not sure what's there to be jealous of? I'm in dental school, I'm just trying OP here with how to make A's. I earned my A's in undergrad without having to buddy up with professors just for that purpose.

lol do you get a cookie for all your hard earned As? Do as you like man. I'll say it for the millionth time an A is an A is an A. cut it and slice it up anyway you like it.

 

[iralex801]

Networking and earning grades via rapport in undergrad is no different than what you'll do when you "beg" d-schools for admission via emails, follow up calls, and personal visits. All's fair whether you like it or not. Dont be jealous. If you networked with profs and got better grades for yourself, I'd congratulate you for being smarter than the average bear.

Lol. Begging D-Schools for admissions and begging for grade bumps are all part of gunning. If you aren't ashamed of gunning, then there is nothing more to discuss. Just know that you are gunning and your non-gunning peers will find you annoying.

 

[wired202808]

Lol. Begging D-Schools for admissions and begging for grade bumps are all part of gunning. If you aren't ashamed of gunning, then there is nothing more to discuss. Just know that you are gunning and your non-gunning peers will find you annoying.

haters gonna hate 🙂

 

[UltimateHombre]

Bravo sir. Bravo. That's a great story to be proud of. You didn't earn any of your grades and needed special assistance to get your A's. Good luck in dental school.

Wow... thanks for the personal attack AwesomeTeeth. I appreciate you passing brash and quick judgement on me, without knowing hardly anything about me.

You are probably right that i didn't earn "ANY" of my grades and i just asked for "Special Assistance" all through my entire undergrad experience. This is a very sound argument and makes you sound super nice and helpful. If it helps you sleep at night, 2 of those A's were for non-sci classes and even if the grades weren't changed, out of my 140 credits, the effects on my 3.8 GPA would have been negligible.

Dude, AwesomeTeeth... i honestly expected more from you man/woman. Never have i once attacked you on this forum and the one time our opinions disagree, you come out and insult my character and ethics for my entire undergrad career. Seriously?! What the hell man?!

At the end of the day, i never asked for a grade bump and my professors did it on their own free will and choice.

Oh... and good luck in dschool to you too!

 

[iralex801]

Couldn't agree more. Fact is the "gunner" attitude is what is going to make you a successful dentist. You can be the best clinician in the world, but if you are not willing to create relationships... you will end up bankrupt. The "gunner" dentists who end up... staying later, opening earlier, work a saturday or two, spend an extra 5 min talking in the chair to the patient, give gift baskets, have special patient giveaways, etc. They are the ones who will be most successful, so why the hell not be practicing going the extra mile in undergrad and be rewarded for your efforts accordingly.

This is the gunner mentality. This is also how they justify their actions. If you don't care that you are gunning, then there is nothing more to discuss. You do whatever you want. Just know that your non-gunning peers will find you annoying.

I wouldn't necessarily say gunners are the most successful. I find that people who gun are usually the ones that weren't smart enough to get the grades the correct way and have to resort to any means possible to get the grade (moral or not moral).

 

[wired202808]

Wow... thanks for the personal attack AwesomeTeeth. I appreciate you passing brash and quick judgement on me, without knowing hardly anything about me.

You are probably right that i didn't earn "ANY" of my grades and i just asked for "Special Assistance" all through my entire undergrad experience. This is a very sound argument and makes you sound super nice and helpful. If it helps you sleep at night, 2 of those A's were for non-sci classes and even if the grades weren't changed, out of my 140 credits, the effects on my 3.8 GPA would have been negligible.

Dude, AwesomeTeeth... i honestly expected more from you man/woman. Never have i once attacked you on this forum and the one time our opinions disagree, you come out and insult my character and ethics for my entire undergrad career. Seriously?! What the hell man?!

At the end of the day, i never asked for a grade bump and my professors did it on their own free will and choice.

Oh... and good luck in dschool to you too!

Hombre who cares what other people think of you? Jealous people exist on this planet. May g-d bless us all and keep us all healthy. You cant take everyone's opinion to heart.

 

[wired202808]

This is the gunner mentality. This is also how they justify their actions. If you don't care that you are gunning, then there is nothing more to discuss. You do whatever you want. Just know that your non-gunning peers will find you annoying.

I wouldn't necessarily say gunners are the most successful. I find that people who gun are usually the ones that weren't smart enough to get the grades the correct way and have to resort to any means possible to get the grade (moral or not moral).

Waaaaaaaaaa

 

[UltimateHombre]

Lol. Begging D-Schools for admissions and begging for grade bumps are all part of gunning. If you aren't ashamed of gunning, then there is nothing more to discuss. Just know that you are gunning and your non-gunning peers will find you annoying.

Do specialists not "beg" for referrals from GPs?

Again, i think begging and networking are being very confused here... I guess both are means to a similar end, but the path to get there is very different.

Begging = Bitch
Networking = Business man

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

Wow... thanks for the personal attack AwesomeTeeth. I appreciate you passing brash and quick judgement on me, without knowing hardly anything about me.

Dude, AwesomeTeeth... i honestly expected more from you man/woman. Never have i once attacked you on this forum and the one time our opinions disagree, you come out and insult my character and ethics for my entire undergrad career. Seriously?! What the hell man?!

At the end of the day, i never asked for a grade bump and my professors did it on their own free will and choice.

Oh... and good luck in dschool to you too!

You're absolutely right, I would like to offer my apology. Definitely got carried away in this discussion. I edited my post accordingly. Sorry about all that 👍

 

[UltimateHombre]

You're absolutely right, I would like to offer my apology. Definitely got carried away in this discussion. I edited my post accordingly. Sorry about all that 👍

No worries and thank you! Wow... this thread has definitely been derailed.

 

[iralex801]

To Wired, just know that your tactic might've worked for your undergrad, but it definitely doesn't work for all undergrad institutions and definitely won't for D-School.

Meh. 30 year old resorting to childish insults lol. If you want me to shoot back with a childish insult, let me know. I'm good at them. I just don't want to get banned. 🙁

 

[wired202808]

To Wired, just know that your tactic might've worked for your undergrad, but it definitely doesn't work for all undergrad institutions and definitely won't for D-School.

Meh. 30 year old resorting to childish insults lol. If you want me to shoot back with a childish insult, let me know. I'm good at them. I just don't want to get banned. 🙁

May g-d bless us all. My intention was to offer an opinion and not to fight with anyone.

I can do as I like and you can do as you like. May G-d be with you.

 

[invictusx]

Am I one of the only ones on here who've never gotten an A in a science class? Don't get me wrong, I'm not the slacking type. I'm the type of student that studies all of the time, and hardly makes time to have fun.

Unfortunately no matter how hard I try, I never seem to be able to get an A in a science class; only B's, and nothing below. When it comes to other classes than science, they are A grades.

Why does everyone else seem to get it except me? Am I just made out for this? Are good grades meant to be strolls in the park like general ED? Some people tell me its not the amount of hard work you put in it, but the way you study.


I know for D school only B's in sciGPA is unacceptable.

Make sure you kick butt on the science portion of the DAT.

 

[mitrieD]

Are you guys really arguing about if students should talk to their professors or not?


Anyways yea I'm just going to try a very different approach to studying. Maybe more time on practice problems instead of the text book too much. Thanks 🙂

BTW I go to a large and competitive public school in California, so the whole "grade bump student/professor relationship" isn't very relevant; helped in community college though.