P1 is so different than I expected. Feeling depressed...

[redbluepill]

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Long story short:

In order to be close to my husband, I only applied to 2 pharmacy schools. One is in the top 10 rank (school A) and the other one is not accredited (school B).

My grades and PCAT score qualified for school A, however, I was wait listed #1 on the day of school A orientation. No one gave up their spot, so I ended up in school B.

I was very upset to be in school B. All my hard work in undergrad and my time spent on PCAT..didn't pay off...

I ended up in school B and since school started, I haven't made a single friend.

I came to pharmacy school to be the best pharmacist I could be. I wanted to make As in all my classes. I had so much enthusiasms and now it's all gone.

I feel like everyone around me are looking just to pass the class. (to make C's).

I think since my ambition is so high, my classmates find me intimidating. I am also an introvert. I don't know how to talk to people.

Since i am married...going out and having fun is not what I do anymore. A lot of my classmates are single and looking to go out drinking on weekends...

I got really depressed after exam 1, since I have no friends and school was so demanding that I wish i have someone I can study with.

After the first round of exams, I feel so discouraged. I feel like pharmacy school is not what I thought it would be. I don't even know what kind of pharmacist I want to be or if I would like to be one. I realized now that i jumped into this career path having no idea what it really is.

Pharmacy school is sooo tough. It's even more tough when I have no one to talk to. What is wrong with me?

I often remain quiet in class or in group work. All this has made me so sad.

I also think that i have a lot of resentment in myself that i didnt get into school A. I often wonder how different it would be for me to go to school A where students are more motivated to do well...

I haven't been able to focus much in school since I have been so disappointed. As a result, i failed my second exams (in 2 classes). I feel so lost of what I am doing these days. I think the fact that I don't like my pharmacy school is really bad for me.. I am already thinking of transferring...

 

[Notecard]

If you want to to transfer then make it your goal to get good grades.

I think you should give it another go though. I'm one of the more outgoing people in our class and I can tell you one thing for sure... there are just as many introverted as extroverted people in your class. The difference is that you actually have to make an effort find each other.

Spend a few minutes looking around for the ones not talking at the beginning of class and then sit by them on the next day.

 

[R2pharmD2]

Long story short:

In order to be close to my husband, I only applied to 2 pharmacy schools. One is in the top 10 rank (school A) and the other one is not accredited (school B).

My grades and PCAT score qualified for school A, however, I was wait listed #1 on the day of school A orientation. No one gave up their spot, so I ended up in school B.

I was very upset to be in school B. All my hard work in undergrad and my time spent on PCAT..didn't pay off...

I ended up in school B and since school started, I haven't made a single friend.

I came to pharmacy school to be the best pharmacist I could be. I wanted to make As in all my classes. I had so much enthusiasms and now it's all gone.

I feel like everyone around me are looking just to pass the class. (to make C's).

I think since my ambition is so high, my classmates find me intimidating. I am also an introvert. I don't know how to talk to people.

Since i am married...going out and having fun is not what I do anymore. A lot of my classmates are single and looking to go out drinking on weekends...

I got really depressed after exam 1, since I have no friends and school was so demanding that I wish i have someone I can study with.

After the first round of exams, I feel so discouraged. I feel like pharmacy school is not what I thought it would be. I don't even know what kind of pharmacist I want to be or if I would like to be one. I realized now that i jumped into this career path having no idea what it really is.

Pharmacy school is sooo tough. It's even more tough when I have no one to talk to. What is wrong with me?

I often remain quiet in class or in group work. All this has made me so sad.

I also think that i have a lot of resentment in myself that i didnt get into school A. I often wonder how different it would be for me to go to school A where students are more motivated to do well...

I haven't been able to focus much in school since I have been so disappointed. As a result, i failed my second exams (in 2 classes). I feel so lost of what I am doing these days. I think the fact that I don't like my pharmacy school is really bad for me.. I am already thinking of transferring...

It's very difficult to transfer from one pharmacy school to another, and if your grades are anything less than stellar it's probably not going to happen. If you're seriously considering trying for a different school, then don't do it with the idea in mind that you'll be able to start as a P2.

I really don't understand why your classmates' (perceived) lack of motivation is so troubling for you, and I can assure you that there will be those types regardless of where you go to school anyway. I go to one of the almighty top 10 problems, and there are more than a handful of the "C's get degrees" types there too.

As far as struggling in your courses, it's pretty common for people to struggle to adjust during their first semester. You'll adapt to the course load as long as you keep working at it and identifying which approaches to studying work for you and which don't.

Having said all of that, if you're really convinced that pharmacy isn't the field for you anymore, don't keep digging yourself a deeper debt hole. At least finish out the semester since you're already paid for it, but then reevaluate from there and figure out what in the heck you're doing.

Good luck!

 

[Lubeckd]

First off, get over yourself, we all want to do good; but sometimes the exams are too hard/tricky and we get C's. Being ambitious does not mean that you are smart. Are you going to residency? You are insulting 100 other students in your program who also got picked for pharmacy school.

I know one of my best friend who doesnt study much, hangs out and gets a A- on his exams. Im just passing at the moment but I do try really hard to study for my courses. The material is fair game, I just went by the slides, and didnt listen to the lecture well, the exam was just tricky .etc.

2nd, try talking to some people, start now, networking is good; explore.

 

[rxlea]

Hey, I felt like that in first year- couldn't relate to people, had high hopes, struggled to balance everything, blahblah. At one point I wanted to jump off a bridge (literally)...but I stuck with it. Why? Because I want to be a pharmacist, and a damn good one. Seems like you want to do that too.

It also sounds like you haven't quite found your "niche" yet. When you first get into school, you're scoping out everyone and seeing how you measure up, right? That's what it sounds like you're doing from your post, anyway. You know you can be ambitious in other ways, right? (not just by getting A's). Cast your net far and wide; try some stuff out. Be open minded. but WHATEVER YOU DO, stop comparing yourself to everyone else. That was a HUUUUUGE problem for me first year. There are people who can look through a slide set once and remember everything for the test (and maybe even forget it all afterward!); there are people who have to study hours and hours to memorize crap and they STILL get C's (but manage to integrate their knowledge and PWN case studies/therapeutics); then there are... well, everything in between I guess. To make a long story short, everyone is different. They come from difference circumstances; are married, single, divorced, partnered, whatevs; poor vs. rich; mommy and daddy helping vs. not; lazy vs. gunner; blahblah etc.

DON'T LOSE HOPE! YOU MADE IT INTO PHARMACY SCHOOL! IF BEING A PHARMACIST IS WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, CLING TO THAT WITH ALL YOU'VE GOT!👍👍 One.thing.at.a.time. One.day.at.a.time.

Take it from someone who was at the edge.

P.S. Befriend your professors and preceptors; they were there once too and can relate. They know what you're going through and they can really, REALLY help you out. I've connected with a few of mine and, let me tell you, I might be lost without them.

 

[owlegrad]

but WHATEVER YOU DO, stop comparing yourself to everyone else.

I agree with all of it, but this part really stuck out to me. OP: You go from being the top dog to...not. It is a tough adjustment. Just do your best and don't worry about measuring yourself against your classmates.

 

[Pojman]

My question is, why would you go to a school that is not accredited? This makes your work worth nothing correct? Can someone become a licensed pharmacist from a non-accredited school?

 

[delano2000]

My question is, why would you go to a school that is not accredited? This makes your work worth nothing correct? Can someone become a licensed pharmacist from a non-accredited school?

That just means that they haven't graduated their inaugural class yet but the students are still able to sit for the boards. Once they graduate their first class, they can apply for accreditation.

 

[mustang sally]

I hated P1 year too, so don't feel like you're alone! Granted, I don't know your class, but it seems way too early in the game to write everyone off as partiers. I would encourage you to try and get to know people, join some orgs,etc (as hard as this can be for an introvert). Try to make the best of school "B" if you are thinking you may be there for four years. It would be kinda depressing to be surrounded by people who just want to get by, but I wouldn't let it hold you back from trying to do the best you can (just don't be self-righteous about studying, getting good grades, and so on). I am sure you will find at least one like-minded person in your class; sometimes these things just take time!

 

[Lubeckd]

I agree with all of it, but this part really stuck out to me. OP: You go from being the top dog to...not. It is a tough adjustment. Just do your best and don't worry about measuring yourself against your classmates.

yeah, Im just a avg guy in my school. A small percentage of people are smart, I studied with the smart kids who have A's, including my best friend. The results vary from A-D. We study in a group, I know most of my stuff, so did the other kid. He is a hard worker but he got a D grade, Im just passing at the moment, but it's hard.

It's a slap to your face, but at the end of the day when you look at the exam, what was not on the slides, what was a tricky question; your friends (Who have A's and you help them out on some concepts" look at you like and say "This kid knows his stuff, but he couldnt put it on the exam" you feel like you --tried-- your best. And that is all, Im just averaging one A this semester. But I did surround myself with gunners.

 

[Pharmizzle]

Your situation isn't uncommon. Most people have high expectations about pharmacy school (or any goal that they have) and are disappointed by the reality when they attain something that they may have idealized in their minds. So there is nothing "wrong" with you for feeling that way.

There's usually a wide range of ages, maturity levels, life situations, etc. among people in pharmacy school. Odds are good that there are a few other people in your class who you could relate to; you just have to find them. You also shouldn't limit yourself to the people who are in your class. Get involved in organizations and try to get to know people who are in the classes above you as well. Does your school offer any kind of mentoring program?

If you really feel like you can't relate to any other students, perhaps you should talk with the dean or a faculty member you feel comfortable with. I'm sure the dean has probably heard from plenty of other students who are struggling, emotionally and/or academically. Most schools don't want people dropping out, and hopefully they can help point you in the right direction or offer some reassurance or assistance.

What about your friends who aren't in pharmacy school, or your husband? The majority of my friends aren't in pharmacy school, and while they might not understand 100%, I can still share stories with them or vent to them. I think it's important to have a support system outside of school, because you don't always want to be around your classmates and constantly talking about studying and tests.

Finally, you say you're not sure you even want to be in the pharmacy field. What was it that made you want to go to pharmacy school in the first place? You should remind yourself of those reasons to stay motivated. Maybe find a pharmacy where you can volunteer for a few hours a week to help recharge your interest.

 

[Rx MPLS]

Your situation isn't uncommon. Most people have high expectations about pharmacy school (or any goal that they have) and are disappointed by the reality when they attain something that they may have idealized in their minds. So there is nothing "wrong" with you for feeling that way.

......

Finally, you say you're not sure you even want to be in the pharmacy field. What was it that made you want to go to pharmacy school in the first place? You should remind yourself of those reasons to stay motivated. Maybe find a pharmacy where you can volunteer for a few hours a week to help recharge your interest.

Great advice, Pharmizzle.

I think everyone feels a bit of burnout when they start to feel the stress levels that accompany school. A lot of this is just learning the best way to learn in pharmacy school. It's a different learning environment than undergraduate classes. The first few tests were difficult, but it takes time to realize what's expected and how to get where you want to be, grade-wise.

Also, I find that being behind the counter of a pharmacy is remarkably therapeutic and brings the stress levels down after a tough day at school. Joining pharmacy-related groups at school is also fun and will help introduce you to people with similar goals.

 

[EmuPro]

You'll be shocked what a bit of exercise every other day can do to lift your mood and build confidence to talk to ppl. I consider myself an introvert as well, and frankly I've been disappointed with my P1 year so far too. I'm not looking to get by and I do want to keep growing, but it's been a pathetic disgrace compared to the workload I had in undergrad so far. Also, anyone who says they don't have the time to exercise are individuals who won't make time for it. How hard is it to step outside on a study break and jog for 15-20 minutes?

 

[joetrisman]

But I did surround myself with gunners.

I find that this helps. You become surprised at what you are capable of when you are competing against the best in your class. Plus they usually keep you on track with assignments, opportunities, etc.

 

[Dalteparin]

I know how you feel. I was so intimidated by my classmates during P1 that I barely said a word the first semester. I got through it by forcing myself to get involved; I went to every organizational meeting I could and signed up for whatever extra activities they offered. That gave me a chance to get to know people in a small group setting. By the end of P1 year, I had a few classmates who I could - and still do - consider my friends.

If you don't have a job, try to find one; this may help you recapture your enthusiasm. And for [deity of your choice]'s sake, STOP comparing yourself to other people in your class!! This is a recipe for misery!

Hang in there. It gets better!

 

[twester]

Dalteparin is right on. You have to get involved. Find a good group of people to study with. Hang out on campus continually when you study. You'll start to recognize the people who do the same thing and become at least conversation buddies. A couple of my study mates are still my friends even though we are now separated by a continent. And your only competition is with yourself.

But, if you think you're depressed now, wait until you get out into this nonexistent job market having gone through everything you're about to experience.

 

[Lubeckd]

Ack I feel so cheated. The book said bpg was stronger than co in biochem. Yet on the exam co was the strongest! Madness I say! Lost 10 points on that one graph question. Boooo, got to change my study habit to meet the professors expectation and not the book, because it was a different graph in the book compared to his... 🙁

If that graph didn't mess me up, I would only get 5 questions wrong on his exam, at least I know I'm not stupid at the end of the day, and that is what counts 🙂

 

[Carboxide]

Ack I feel so cheated. The book said bpg was stronger than co in biochem. Yet on the exam co was the strongest! Madness I say! Lost 10 points on that one graph question. Boooo, got to change my study habit to meet the professors expectation and not the book, because it was a different graph in the book compared to his... 🙁

If that graph didn't mess me up, I would only get 5 questions wrong on his exam, at least I know I'm not stupid at the end of the day, and that is what counts 🙂

Books are good sources, but the fact is that real life information changes a LOT faster than books are printed. If the professor said in class that co is stronger, then you should have known THAT. NEVER take the book over the professor!

 

[Albo]

Ack I feel so cheated. The book said bpg was stronger than co in biochem. Yet on the exam co was the strongest! Madness I say! Lost 10 points on that one graph question. Boooo, got to change my study habit to meet the professors expectation and not the book, because it was a different graph in the book compared to his... 🙁

If that graph didn't mess me up, I would only get 5 questions wrong on his exam, at least I know I'm not stupid at the end of the day, and that is what counts 🙂

Wait, you guys actually have books??? Only book I read is Medical Terminology

 

[aocutiepi]

First off, get over yourself, we all want to do good; but sometimes the exams are too hard/tricky and we get C's. Being ambitious does not mean that you are smart. Are you going to residency? You are insulting 100 other students in your program who also got picked for pharmacy school.

I could be wrong, but I thought OP was talking more about the people who openly say, "I just have to get my C to get a degree!" and use that as an excuse to slack, not people with motivation who work hard for those Cs. Maybe I'm just surrounded by a lot of those people (people who aren't even IN med/pharm/dental school yet and say... after I get my As and get into my program, I can put in minimal effort and get Cs!!!) but that's how I took it. I'm not projecting, either--I have multiple classmates who have legitimately said that they plan on "relaxing" (their word, not mine) and getting Cs.

I work with kids who are brilliant but skate by in high school (substitute teacher) because they just have to pass to graduate. It's that whole "wasted potential" thing that frustrates me about the students I teach and my classmates. I took that to be OPs meaning as well, and think the "get over yourself" was a wee bit uncalled for.

Who knows, maybe OP is making a leap that her classmates earning Cs are just earning Cs because they want to party all weekend and get that "big pharmacist salary" without putting effort into it. Maybe they all study loads. After all, she said she hasn't really gotten to know them. In my experience, however, the ones who feel that way tend to be demonstrative about it in some way.

Just another perspective. Back to your regularly scheduled thread.

 

[Trent Steele]

I think since my ambition is so high, my classmates find me intimidating. I am also an introvert. I don't know how to talk to people.

Nobody is intimidated by you. I think you found the source of your problem here. Quit being socially awkward, and school will be more fun. Tranferring isn't going to change anything. Work to improve your personality and you will enjoy your years in pharm school and eventually become a better pharmacist than you would if you were still introverted. 👍

 

[Carboxide]

Nobody is intimidated by you. I think you found the source of your problem here. Quit being socially awkward, and school will be more fun. Tranferring isn't going to change anything. Work to improve your personality and you will enjoy your years in pharm school and eventually become a better pharmacist than you would if you were still introverted. 👍

Actually, I definitely agree with this. NO ONE is intimidated by you, and the fact that you think that's the reason they aren't your friend is ridiculous. Trust me - everyone wants to hang out with the smart people.

 

[owlegrad]

Actually, I definitely agree with this. NO ONE is intimidated by you, and the fact that you think that's the reason they aren't your friend is ridiculous. Trust me - everyone wants to hang out with the smart people.

Ah.......

If that were true my highschool experience would have been totally different.

 

[ld9]

Ah.......

If that were true my highschool experience would have been totally different.

I don't think people had a problem with smart people in my high school. It was usually the know it alls.

 

[Carboxide]

Ah.......

If that were true my highschool experience would have been totally different.

Lol. Fair enough. But pharmacy school isn't high school...even if it feels like it!

 

[owlegrad]

Lol. Fair enough. But pharmacy school isn't high school...even if it feels like it!

Yeah, most of the time it is best not to take me too seriously. 😉

 

[redbluepill]

I know how you feel. I was so intimidated by my classmates during P1 that I barely said a word the first semester. I got through it by forcing myself to get involved; I went to every organizational meeting I could and signed up for whatever extra activities they offered. That gave me a chance to get to know people in a small group setting. By the end of P1 year, I had a few classmates who I could - and still do - consider my friends.

If you don't have a job, try to find one; this may help you recapture your enthusiasm. And for [deity of your choice]'s sake, STOP comparing yourself to other people in your class!! This is a recipe for misery!

Hang in there. It gets better!

Hi Dalteparin,

What kind of activities / organizations were you involved in? Would you give suggestions of where I can start?
My school is quite new and we have a APhA club and that's about it..(at the moment). I am a member of the club and go to their monthly meeting.

Thank you everyone for responding to my post. I haven't been here for a while and was happy to see so many supporters.

 

[Hello2011]

Hi Dalteparin,

What kind of activities / organizations were you involved in? Would you give suggestions of where I can start?
My school is quite new and we have a APhA club and that's about it..(at the moment). I am a member of the club and go to their monthly meeting.

Thank you everyone for responding to my post. I haven't been here for a while and was happy to see so many supporters.

What do you get out of sitting through a APHA meeting?

 

[xiphoid2010]

What do you get out of sitting through a APHA meeting?

Papa johns pizza and coke. 😀

Well also reimbursement for going to the national meeting. ASHP for reimbursement of going to mid year.

 

[Dalteparin]

Hi Dalteparin,

What kind of activities / organizations were you involved in? Would you give suggestions of where I can start?
My school is quite new and we have a APhA club and that's about it..(at the moment). I am a member of the club and go to their monthly meeting.

Thank you everyone for responding to my post. I haven't been here for a while and was happy to see so many supporters.

I was in SSHP, ASP/APhA, and a pharmacy fraternity. (I'm not saying which one - I've seen where these fraternity discussions go!) As for where to start, for SSHP you could probably just show up to the next meeting. For the fraternities, you may need to wait until next semester or next year; by now most of them have probably completed their pledge periods and had their initiation ceremonies.

Going to the monthly meetings is nice, but to really get to know people (and make yourself stand out with potential employers), it helps to do extra activities. Does your APhA chapter do Katy's Kids, health fairs, or any other public outreach? What about fundraising? These are all good places to get involved.

 

[Albo]

I am starting to get very annoyed and shoot down...there are a few classes where no matter how much i study i am not able to get an A. I want to do a residency and my GPA needs to be above average.

 

[Hello2011]

I am starting to get very annoyed and shoot down...there are a few classes where no matter how much i study i am not able to get an A. I want to do a residency and my GPA needs to be above average.

What GPA do you consider average?