Question about grades

[Podicus]

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Hey guys,

I had a question pertaining to grades. I'm a first year and I keep scoring just barely above average if not average on all my exams here at DMU (85-86%).

I can't help but feel upset as it makes me feel worried about landing a good residency.

If you apply for residencies whilst being middle of the class are you at a disadvantage for choices? I don't know if I'm over reacting or not but I feel like It's taking a toll on my psyche as I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.

 

[duckied123]

Just relax! You're only a few months into school and I think you guys have technically only finished one course so far (pod med, right?)There's no need to be worrying about landing a good residency at this point. There are many more tests for you to take this year and plenty of opportunities to boost your gpa! If you're having trouble identifying some of your weaknesses you can always make an appointment with someone in the Center for Teaching and Learning (used to be called CASE). You can do it! Good luck!

 

[Moose A Moose]

You're average. Accept it or start burning the midnight oil.

 

[footNankle]

I don't mean to hijack this thread but can a 3rd or 4th year DMU student fill me in on how you get graded at clinical rotations? Do you still get a letter grade that contributes to your GPA? Or is there some other type of system?

 

[heybrother]

During 3rd year you receive letter grades for EBMs. For the clinic rotations themselves you just receive a P. The professors also fill out these silly little packets in which they score you on a variety of things best summarized as showing up on time and being interested. Supposedly these will be provided in our residency applications - they are so worthless that it is unbelievable. Its a 1-4 grade with 2 being a pass. A few of the professors give low scores because a 4 is supposed to mean you are an unbelievable genius who is already ready to be a doctor. A few give everyone 4's all the time. Your 4th year clerkships also are supposed to be filling these out, but they just seem to fill in the 4 column. I've yet to receive a word of written feedback during 4th year. While we're talking about silly things - LORs - might as well ask everyone for one when the time comes. You get to see it so if you don't like it - don't submit it. The professors I used wrote a few nice things and then basically dumped my CV into the letter.

My take on the early years:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/different-approach-to-learning.1082126/#post-15419968

 

[footNankle]

Thanks for the quick response!

 

[Podicus]

Will I be at a severe disadvantage if I'm in the middle of my class in ranking?

 

[ldsrmdude]

Will I be at a severe disadvantage if I'm in the middle of my class in ranking?

Severe disadvantage for what? There are a few programs that won't even look at your application if you're below a certain rank, or top 1/2 or 30% of class, but most don't have that cut off. If you can show something that sets you apart during clerkships, you should have too much of a problem matching where you want.

 

[feet2017]

As far as class ranking it really only matters for getting externships and a few elitist residencies. Being in the middle of class will definitely not put you at a severe disadvantage though.