Should I withdraw?

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FutureSoBrightMaybe

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Let me start off by saying math has never been my strong suit. However, I've always been able to study really hard and at least get an B in highschool.

I decided to take a calc course in community college. I didn't think it would be this dificult, but I'm literally failing the class. I just got the first test back and I had a 57%. We had a bunch of quizzes before this and I've been getting D- on basically all of them. I'm really struggling because this teacher makes exams so that you don't have time to think about how to solve it, you need to know it by instinct.

I really don't want to have a W. This would be my first. I have a 3.8 gpa (1 B) so far. If I end of dropping this class then I'll take statistics instead because I heard it was easier.

Would medical schools count this against me? Im a dual enrollment student if that helps....
 
A single W won’t kill you, but you don’t want to make a habit out of it. I’m not sure if calculus is required for your degree or not, but most medical schools only require statistics these days. The statistics preference does not apply to all schools so check up on that.

Also, don’t forget that you will need to complete a full year of physics. You need to address your shortcomings and perform well in those courses.


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Ah, the ol' 'community college is way easier' problem. I'd definitely take the W before getting a D or an F. What year are you? How many other courses are you taking?
 
Ah, the ol' 'community college is way easier' problem. I'd definitely take the W before getting a D or an F. What year are you? How many other courses are you taking?

I'm in highschool, but this is technically my 2nd year of college. I'm only taking a psych course with this. If I drop I'll probably sign up for some 8 week class and begin studying for the MCAT
 
I'm in highschool, but this is technically my 2nd year of college. I'm only taking a psych course with this. If I drop I'll probably sign up for some 8 week class and begin studying for the MCAT
Wait what? I'm gonna out on a limb here and say it's probably way to early to be thinking about the MCAT. Before taking the MCAT you need to have completed at the very least general Bio 1 and 2 plus labs, general Chem 1 and 2 plus labs, organic chemistry 1 and 2 plus labs, physics 1 and 2 plus labs, any math higher than college algebra, biochemistry, and even some higher level biology and chemistry classes as well. As a highschool student taking classes at a community college for 2 years, I doubt you have all these classes done already.

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Wait what? I'm gonna out on a limb here and say it's probably way to early to be thinking about the MCAT. Before taking the MCAT you need to have completed at the very least general Bio 1 and 2 plus labs, general Chem 1 and 2 plus labs, organic chemistry 1 and 2 plus labs, physics 1 and 2 plus labs, any math higher than college algebra, biochemistry, and even some higher level biology and chemistry classes as well. As a highschool student taking classes at a community college for 2 years, I doubt you have all these classes done already.

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The only classes I haven't taken for the MCAT are Phys and Biochem. I would especially focus on orgo this year since I decided not to take orgo 2 (professor said some weird stuff and he was the only orgo 2 prof)
 
The only classes I haven't taken for the MCAT are Phys and Biochem. I would especially focus on orgo this year since I decided not to take orgo 2 (professor said some weird stuff and he was the only orgo 2 prof)

Biochem is probably the most important course for the MCAT...
 
How old are you OP? If you don't mind me asking
 
You are in high school. High school students should not be thinking of taking the MCAT - PERIOD!

I understand you position as some who graduated high school with over 90 college credits. Many of these credits don't mean anything. Once you get into college depending on the college you go to many will not take the bulk of your credits. I only got 30 of my credits accepted at my undergrad institution (Top 10). This all being said I would highly advise to not take with you any of the credits regarding premed courses. Retake all these courses at whatever undergrad you go to. This will 1) help give you a leg up in the courses and you should get straight A's in them and 2) help you better prepare for the MCAT since you will have seen most of the material at least twice. Do not rush the process just because you took some dual enrollment courses. Again this is all from personal experience, I tried to rush the process and got smacked upside the head with the increased difficulty in my undergrad courses for which they were all upper division courses.

Also drop the course, take the W and just do not do it again. By the time you apply it will be 4 years after this and you can say you were a cocky, naive high school student at the time learned form the experience and grew from it.

I really hope you head this advise and wish you the best of luck moving-forward.
 
You are in high school. High school students should not be thinking of taking the MCAT - PERIOD!

I understand you position as some who graduated high school with over 90 college credits. Many of these credits don't mean anything. Once you get into college depending on the college you go to many will not take the bulk of your credits. I only got 30 of my credits accepted at my undergrad institution (Top 10). This all being said I would highly advise to not take with you any of the credits regarding premed courses. Retake all these courses at whatever undergrad you go to. This will 1) help give you a leg up in the courses and you should get straight A's in them and 2) help you better prepare for the MCAT since you will have seen most of the material at least twice. Do not rush the process just because you took some dual enrollment courses. Again this is all from personal experience, I tried to rush the process and got smacked upside the head with the increased difficulty in my undergrad courses for which they were all upper division courses.

Also drop the course, take the W and just do not do it again. By the time you apply it will be 4 years after this and you can say you were a cocky, naive high school student at the time learned form the experience and grew from it.

I really hope you head this advise and wish you the best of luck moving-forward.

VERY good advice! SLOW DOWN @FutureSoBrightMaybe --

As much as it may impress some people if you graduate from college in just two years, medical school admissions committee members will not be part of that group. Your application will be evaluated alongside those of much older and wiser students who've had more time to develop leadership skills and maturity, to volunteer in meaningful ways, to do research, to shadow physicians, etc.

Right now, if you've still got a 3.8, you're ahead of the game. Don't blow your lead -- it's surprisingly easy to do.

Spend some time on this site (like the time you would have spent on that Calculus course - drop it immediately!) and plan your strategy carefully assuming you will spend the full four years in college and apply to medical schools after year 3. (Hint: Retake your med school pre-reqs rather than even attempting to get the credits)

You have time to plan ahead -- use it wisely!
 
Agree with what everyone else said. Don't rush it.
Think about it this way:
When it's your 20th year practicing medicine, are you really going to be like, "damn, I WISH it's my 22th year practicing."
 
You are in high school. High school students should not be thinking of taking the MCAT - PERIOD!

I understand you position as some who graduated high school with over 90 college credits. Many of these credits don't mean anything. Once you get into college depending on the college you go to many will not take the bulk of your credits. I only got 30 of my credits accepted at my undergrad institution (Top 10). This all being said I would highly advise to not take with you any of the credits regarding premed courses. Retake all these courses at whatever undergrad you go to. This will 1) help give you a leg up in the courses and you should get straight A's in them and 2) help you better prepare for the MCAT since you will have seen most of the material at least twice. Do not rush the process just because you took some dual enrollment courses. Again this is all from personal experience, I tried to rush the process and got smacked upside the head with the increased difficulty in my undergrad courses for which they were all upper division courses.

Also drop the course, take the W and just do not do it again. By the time you apply it will be 4 years after this and you can say you were a cocky, naive high school student at the time learned form the experience and grew from it.

I really hope you head this advise and wish you the best of luck moving-forward.

Thank you for your advice, but I'm not really sure I understand.

You want me to retake college courses that I got an A in because I took them when I was in high school? I've checked with all the colleges I've applied to and they accept all my credits. Whats the difference between an 18 year old spending their first 2 years of undergrad at a community college and me? I am on the same timeline as everyone else on this site, except 2 years younger. Just like everyone else, I will take the MCAT my junior year of college except ill be 19 instead of 21

I understand university is much harder, but thankfully I've been given the opportunity to slowly transition myself from high school to college unlike my other classmates still in high school. I'm planning on reviewing the MCAT for an entire year before so I can better prepared.

It might seem as though I am rushing myself, but I only skipped 2 years of high school because I was bored of taking useless classes that I would repeat again in college.
 
VERY good advice! SLOW DOWN @FutureSoBrightMaybe --

As much as it may impress some people if you graduate from college in just two years, medical school admissions committee members will not be part of that group. Your application will be evaluated alongside those of much older and wiser students who've had more time to develop leadership skills and maturity, to volunteer in meaningful ways, to do research, to shadow physicians, etc.

Right now, if you've still got a 3.8, you're ahead of the game. Don't blow your lead -- it's surprisingly easy to do.

Spend some time on this site (like the time you would have spent on that Calculus course - drop it immediately!) and plan your strategy carefully assuming you will spend the full four years in college and apply to medical schools after year 3. (Hint: Retake your med school pre-reqs rather than even attempting to get the credits)

You have time to plan ahead -- use it wisely!

I have an entire year to volunteer and shadow before applying to medical school. I'm not sure, but I think the past 2 years also count since they're technically my freshman and sophomore year of college. I am a little worried about getting extracurriculars, but if I do get rejected (hopefully not) Ill have an entire year to work on that.

I dont understand why you are assuming I will fail once I enter university. Of course its harder, but every freshman had to go through that transition and not all of them failed.

I appreciate the advice, but I just dont see why I need to retake my courses.
 
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So I'm thinking of staying in Calc until my second test and seeing how I do on that. I've signed up for tutoring and am planning to study 10x harder. I realized that this is a required course for my major, so do you think it will look weird if I did end up withdrawing and taking it at a later time?
 
So I'm thinking of staying in Calc until my second test and seeing how I do on that. I've signed up for tutoring and am planning to study 10x harder. I realized that this is a required course for my major, so do you think it will look weird if I did end up withdrawing and taking it at a later time?
You know med schools only take college credit with grade for most pre-reqs right? Bio, Chem, Orgo and physics all require lab component. Did you take those too? I don’t understand why you’re in such a hurry. Patience is a virtue.
 
Slow down. Medical schools aren't going anywhere, but your time as a teenager is fleeting. Aren't you excited for the social experience of attending a four-year university -- parties, academic clubs, reflecting on life, making stupid mistakes that you'll laugh about years down the road, etc.? Please don't spend the entire 18th year of your life hunched over Kaplan MCAT books in the library.

Oh, and to answer your actual question... Yes, withdraw.
 
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I have an entire year to volunteer and shadow before applying to medical school. I'm not sure, but I think the past 2 years also count since they're technically my freshman and sophomore year of college. I am a little worried about getting extracurriculars, but if I do get rejected (hopefully not) Ill have an entire year to work on that.

I dont understand why you are assuming I will fail once I enter university. Of course its harder, but every freshman had to go through that transition and not all of them failed.

I appreciate the advice, but I just dont see why I need to retake my courses.

So I'm thinking of staying in Calc until my second test and seeing how I do on that. I've signed up for tutoring and am planning to study 10x harder. I realized that this is a required course for my major, so do you think it will look weird if I did end up withdrawing and taking it at a later time?

To be clear, I am NOT assuming you'll fail in college - far from it. Truly. But I am assuming that the dual-credit class you took/are taking in high school is likely to be somewhat less intense than the 'chem for science majors' version Top University offers, and that this slightly less rigorous version will prepare you slightly less well for the MCAT and medical school. So even though it might technically be viewed as a 'retake', it really won't be; there will be plenty of new content. Yes, it'll be easier for you than for the average student. Use the extra time you have available to enhance your application in other ways -- for example, those ECs you'll need.

Think of it this way -- You might be able to garner an acceptance to State U. School of Medicine at 20. Or you could have a good shot at Harvard or Stanford School of Medicine at 22. Which would you prefer?

Before you decide to 'stick it out' in calculus, be sure to check the withdrawal dates.
 
You know med schools only take college credit with grade for most pre-reqs right? Bio, Chem, Orgo and physics all require lab component. Did you take those too? I don’t understand why you’re in such a hurry. Patience is a virtue.

What does college credit with grade mean? Also the only class I havent taken is Phsyics which I plan on doing next year
 
What does college credit with grade mean? Also the only class I havent taken is Phsyics which I plan on doing next year
That means bio/chem/orgo/physics plus lab, credit plus grade transfer to college transcript. Some school only transfer credit but not grade. I’m hoping you’re not talking about AP credits.
 
I think withdrawing or staying in your calc course is not the problem here.
Do you realized that medical schools will NOT favor you or think you are smart because you are younger than other applicants.
If you are lucky, you will be evaluated equally to other students.
1 year of volunteering will not be enough.
Remember that most highly ranked school will require some type of research, too.
 
That means bio/chem/orgo/physics plus lab, credit plus grade transfer to college transcript. Some school only transfer credit but not grade. I’m hoping you’re not talking about AP credits.

Thanks for explaining. I am in community college right now taking college classes that have nothing to do with high school. The university I am planning on going to accepts my grade/credit so I should be good to go 🙂.
 
I think withdrawing or staying in your calc course is not the problem here.
Do you realized that medical schools will NOT favor you or think you are smart because you are younger than other applicants.
If you are lucky, you will be evaluated equally to other students.
1 year of volunteering will not be enough.
Remember that most highly ranked school will require some type of research, too.

I never said medical schools would favor me. I know that I'll be evaluated at the same level as everyone else.

I'm not the first person to apply to medical school at age 19...
 
I never said medical schools would favor me. I know that I'll be evaluated at the same level as everyone else.

I'm not the first person to apply to medical school at age 19...
There is an inherent bias against younger applicants. The adcoms will need a proof of your maturity, which is usually done by looking at your ECs and LOR. Will you be able to do enough extracurricular activities within one year of college? I highly doubt it.

We are just trying to help you here. Slow down and enjoy college before it's too late.
 
One thing you do seem to be lacking is maturity. But many high school seniors are immature. And they sure don’t know everything, particularly about med school admissions. You have a quick reply for every piece of advice given to you. Many(most) of the people replying to your OP have much more experience and know what they are talking about. You might want to start reading their replies as a helpful thing and not as just speaking to speak. Take your time, work on your ECs, enjoy life in college, grow as a person. And find out when the last drop day is for sure.
 
A W is definitely not the end of the world. In fact, I would say it’s better than any grade lower than B-, as long as you can explain, learn from it and do amazing next time. I withdrew from an important pre-med class due to personal illness, retook it, and got unprecedented test scores at my school. The professor also wrote me a strong LOR. I’ve been fortunate to get quite a few interview invites and acceptances from top 10 schools this application cycle. No school will write you off just for that W. What’s important is to make sure the rest of your application is as strong as possible.
 
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I never said medical schools would favor me. I know that I'll be evaluated at the same level as everyone else.

I'm not the first person to apply to medical school at age 19...
Can you tell us why you are in such a rush? Maybe we’re not understanding your circumstances fully.
 
OP I'm sure you're feeling bombarded by everyone giving you advice on something that you did not ask for. You're not in a unique situation to be dual enrolled, most of my friends came into college with either AP credits or dual enrollment credits. And if your college accepts your grades for the classes that are included in your BCPM, thats awesome. Take advantage of that. Weed out classes in college are a thing and you don't need to retake those gen ed classes if you don't have to. I would personally suggest dropping the calc class and take the W and take an easier math class like statistics either through dual enrollment or when you get to college because your math classes are included in your BCPM. If you're having trouble with calc, take pre calc to get a better foundation for when you do take calc.

If you can complete all of your pre req courses sooner and get A's in them, more power to you. The important thing is to not push yourself extremely hard because you gave yourself a two year lead and you think you would be wasting it if you didn't graduate early. You have an oportunity to be done with your pre reqs sooner, study for the MCAT for 4 months uninterrupted without any other academic obligation (studying for a year is counterproductive- you will forget information) and have time to build relationships with professors for letters of req and be involved in very meaningful extracurriculars. You should be very proud of yourself for giving yourself that opportunity. So you use it properly.

Then again, its your path and sometimes you need to stumble by yourself for a bit regardless of the advice given to you. We've all been there. Your determination is a wonderful quality to have when pursuing this career and will favor you if used appropriately. I wish you success in all aspects of your future!
 
I've checked with all the colleges I've applied to and they accept all my credits.
- No college is going to accept 60 college credits (2 Years of courses) towards a degree unless you apply as a transfer student which you can do if you have the 60 credits. Again for the higher ranked undergrad institutions (which not sure if you are looking into these) getting accepted as a transfer student is extremely difficult for a high school student regardless if you have the credits to qualify as a transfer applicant.

Whats the difference between an 18 year old spending their first 2 years of undergrad at a community college and me?

- For starters your credits are from a community college, and in that sense yeah you are no different than an undergrad at a community college and that in and of itself is an issue for you and the regular undergrad in our hypothetical scenario. Medical schools do not like community college course work especially the higher ranked medical schools (if you are aiming for those).

I've been given the opportunity to slowly transition myself from high school to college
- I felt the same way and again was smacked upside the head when I started undergrad (at a top 10 university). The difficulty of community college courses when I took them were easier than my high school AP courses (and high school honor courses for that matter). If you go to a state schools what you are saying might be true since the course work at a state school, the way you are tested on the material, the amount of material is less than you will learn from a top undergrad.

What your saying is right if you are aiming for a state-college and a state medical school/maybe a lower tier medical school. The advise I am giving you is in case you are looking to go to a top school and how to excel once their - which would be to humble yourself and retake any of the premedical course work. Your GPA will thank you come graduation.
 
I've checked with all the colleges I've applied to and they accept all my credits.
- No college is going to accept 60 college credits (2 Years of courses) towards a degree unless you apply as a transfer student which you can do if you have the 60 credits. Again for the higher ranked undergrad institutions (which not sure if you are looking into these) getting accepted as a transfer student is extremely difficult for a high school student regardless if you have the credits to qualify as a transfer applicant.

Whats the difference between an 18 year old spending their first 2 years of undergrad at a community college and me?

- For starters your credits are from a community college, and in that sense yeah you are no different than an undergrad at a community college and that in and of itself is an issue for you and the regular undergrad in our hypothetical scenario. Medical schools do not like community college course work especially the higher ranked medical schools (if you are aiming for those).

I've been given the opportunity to slowly transition myself from high school to college
-
I felt the same way and again was smacked upside the head when I started undergrad (at a top 10 university). The difficulty of community college courses when I took them were easier than my high school AP courses (and high school honor courses for that matter). If you go to a state schools what you are saying might be true since the course work at a state school, the way you are tested on the material, the amount of material is less than you will learn from a top undergrad.

What your saying is right if you are aiming for a state-college and a state medical school/maybe a lower tier medical school. The advise I am giving you is in case you are looking to go to a top school and how to excel once their - which would be to humble yourself and retake any of the premedical course work. Your GPA will thank you come graduation.

Woah. I love all these assumptions you are making about me. It seems as though you're talking about your situation and not mine. Once again, I checked with my university and all my credits are being accepted as a FIRST YEAR STUDENT. I haven't taken even close to 60 credits.

I also know that the medical schools I'm interested in applying to don't care about community college courses because I asked them. Yeah, I've done the research. My community college is one of the best, and was going to become a 4 year university had there been another community college nearby, so I'm not too worried about the rigor of courses changing once I enter university. Does that mean I'm going to slack off and earn bad grades? No, it means I'll study harder. I'm not the first one to have done this and I certainly wont be the last.

I'm not interested in attending Harvard or any other top tier schools. Those may be your dreams, however, I'm content with studying at a university and medical school near my family. Whether it be MD or DO, I dont care. What I do care about is 2 full years of my life that you are telling me to waste by taking courses I have already aced in again. Why? So I can enjoy the "party life" and get drunk every weekend? No thanks, I'm fine with the social life I have right now. If I do end up getting rejected my first cycle, that gives me an entire year to work on my application without falling behind.

Thanks for your concern and advice tho.
 
One thing you do seem to be lacking is maturity. But many high school seniors are immature. And they sure don’t know everything, particularly about med school admissions. You have a quick reply for every piece of advice given to you. Many(most) of the people replying to your OP have much more experience and know what they are talking about. You might want to start reading their replies as a helpful thing and not as just speaking to speak. Take your time, work on your ECs, enjoy life in college, grow as a person. And find out when the last drop day is for sure.

Is it wrong for me to question their advice? I am asking them why I should repeat my classes, yet nobody can give me a straight answer. I've done my research just like everybody else on here. Them being 2 years older gives automatically makes them more knowledgeable?
 
I don't see the point of arguing with OP if he/she refuses to accept any of your advices. Let OP choose his/her own path, and if he/she fails then maybe he/she'll come back more willing to bend next time.

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Is it wrong for me to question their advice? I am asking them why I should repeat my classes, yet nobody can give me a straight answer. I've done my research just like everybody else on here. Them being 2 years older gives automatically makes them more knowledgeable?
I've seen plenty of responses about why you should repeat. My advice go back and read them again.

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Woah. I love all these assumptions you are making about me. It seems as though you're talking about your situation and not mine. Once again, I checked with my university and all my credits are being accepted as a FIRST YEAR STUDENT. I haven't taken even close to 60 credits.

I also know that the medical schools I'm interested in applying to don't care about community college courses because I asked them. Yeah, I've done the research. My community college is one of the best, and was going to become a 4 year university had there been another community college nearby, so I'm not too worried about the rigor of courses changing once I enter university. Does that mean I'm going to slack off and earn bad grades? No, it means I'll study harder. I'm not the first one to have done this and I certainly wont be the last.

I'm not interested in attending Harvard or any other top tier schools. Those may be your dreams, however, I'm content with studying at a university and medical school near my family. Whether it be MD or DO, I dont care. What I do care about is 2 full years of my life that you are telling me to waste by taking courses I have already aced in again. Why? So I can enjoy the "party life" and get drunk every weekend? No thanks, I'm fine with the social life I have right now. If I do end up getting rejected my first cycle, that gives me an entire year to work on my application without falling behind.

Thanks for your concern and advice tho.

For one, I never mentioned anything about partying and getting drunk. That was probably someone else's comment here.

Second, you are the one that said that your "technically" in your second year of college which means you will have 60 credits by the end of the year. Two years of college course work amounts to 60 credits. That's not me making an assumption that is me going off of what you said in your original post and you not knowing how many credits actually count as a full year of college course work.

For future post you should be clear with what you are aiming for because any advise is dependent on what your goal actually is. And its not just top tier schools that look down on community college course work mid-tiers do as well. Which is why I said you will be perfectly fine for lower-tier or state schools and I did not mean that in any sort of condescending way which it seems you took it as. If that is what your aiming for more power to ya, and I'm glad your heading towards the thing that will make you happy and wish you the best of luck.
 
Is it wrong for me to question their advice? I am asking them why I should repeat my classes, yet nobody can give me a straight answer. I've done my research just like everybody else on here. Them being 2 years older gives automatically makes them more knowledgeable?

Straight answer: Similar to the anti-DO bias that exists in terms of applying to residency, there is simply a bias among the people who accept or deny applications (adcoms) against the quality of community college work, in general. Period.

I kinda did the same thing as you, except I had the 60 credits and a higher GPA. Had I not joined the military, I still think I would have struggled to get into med school (but CA competitiveness is ridiculous, even for DO schools). You'll do fine in terms of individual merit, but people are kinda picking up on personality traits you seem to be showing here (which I think we share... this is no bueno lol).

Getting into med school has an additional aspect that is not talked about often: Adcoms always ask themselves "Can this applicant get into good residencies that meet or exceed our school's historical averages?" This is partially why it may seem we're attacking you. Just something to think about. Good luck sir or ma'am.
 
One of the 'joys' of being older is having raised teenagers. (Yes, that much older.)

We've led this horse to water and are at the point of shoving her head into the trough. This filly just won't drink.

I'm outta here.
 
The main thing when you arrive on a univeristy campus is to prove that you can handle upper level science course. I would suggest simply waiting to take Biochem until you are on a univeristy campus and take various other upper level sciences courses like Microbio, Immunology, Genetics, Anatomy, etc. I don't think you've said what courses you've taken besides calculus but when I was in highschool they were usually basic gen ed courses that don't need to be repeated. So unless you're taking these upper level science courses at your CC also, I'm not sure what everyone is fussing about it honestly.
 
I think most people here are frustrated because you have the potential to get into a very good med school if you take your time. With all said, if you are happy with the med school near you, the choice is yours.

Just remember that 20 years down the line, there is no could’ve, would’ve and should’ve.
 
I will say that you should not apply until you think your application is at its ultimate peak. Reapplying to med school should not be taken lightly. I know that a lot of people need multiple cycles before being accepted but you should not already be okay with that possible future. You already have time on your side. Reapplying puts you with a pool of people whose stats and ECs are as competitive as you but did it in one try. Which gives them an edge. Don't sell yourself short.
 
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