This...isn't normal

[Gigantron]

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I am a hopeful applicant for ANY combined BS/MD and BS/DO programs. I am a junior. I say any combined BS/MD or DO program because I am beginning to feel desperate. I really want to be a doctor, and I really want to be in a combined program like this. What I don't understand, is why am I scoring lower and lower on the SAT's EACH TIME I TAKE IT??? Is it stress? Anxiety? I really don't have a clue, and I really am beginning to feel like I'm just not meant to be in a combined program...let alone college.

I will just break it down:

PSAT (10th grade) - I scored a 210/240. This was during my SOPHOMORE YEAR. No, this is not a fake score either. Now, during 10th grade, I really didn't have much exposure to how the scoring system worked. I just looked at percentages. Needless to say, I was decently happy. But nothing could help me explain my future scores.

PSAT (11th grade) - I scored a 154/240. "Okay...", I thought to myself. I was actually more upset than just "okay...", only because I really don't know how I could have scored higher when I was in 10th grade, and score lower with more knowledge a year later. Since this was the PSAT, it really doesn't count towards college admissions...but I can kiss the National Merit Scholarship goodbye.

December 2009 SAT - I scored a 1580/2400. Okay...at least SOME improvement. But I was still pretty pissed at this point. But then again, I had no tutoring in any PSAT/SAT test I took. But at this point, I really don't understand how I could have scored lower. I pretty much think that I should just give up on any type of BS/MD program, let alone college. =|

Sometime later in December - I took a practice SAT from the college board website. I scored a 1510/2400. My reaction: 😕...followed by......then with.... I'm giving up at this point.

Last Saturday - I took yet ANOTHER practice SAT offered by Kaplan. I got my score back today, and scored a 1410/2400. I'd rather not talk about this one...

But if anything, why ONE HUNDRED points?!? It could've have been at least 20 points lower...and then I wouldn't feel like crap as much.



So...basically, my score keeps getting lower, and lower, and lower. Thing is, I really don't know what to do, and why I seem to be scoring lower than any previous test taken. I'm afraid to get a tutor now, not only because it's not really cheap and affordable, but because I'm afraid my score is going to eventually end up in the 900's or lower. I seriously don't know what to do. Is there ANY way I can score higher?

 

[loveoforganic]

Sounds like you might be having test anxiety. Anyway, getting into a combined degree isn't the only way to be a doctor (or the most common way BY FAR). I wasn't even aware of them in high school.

 

[Gigantron]

Sounds like you might be having test anxiety. Anyway, getting into a combined degree isn't the only way to be a doctor (or the most common way BY FAR). I wasn't even aware of them in high school.

I know it isn't the only way to be a doctor. I get that. I've heard it so many times at this point, that it is the most thought of phrase in my head...second to "BS/MD programs are still a good way to become a doctor!!". Funny how things work. The thing is, I can't imagine myself going through another four years of "Highschool 2.0". I actually want a challenge. An accelerated biology major (or neuroscience if I get to choose) is just that. I want to be spared from the overbearing cutthroat competition that pre-meds have against each other. Just thinking about it makes me sick. In a BS/MD program, I feel that despite it being accelerated...I would be at ease knowing that I have a guaranteed seat at medical school. And on top of that, I get to shave off one or two years of college, and move on to things that I feel actually matter.

I'm in pretty much all the IB classes I can be in, and my grades in them are pretty good for the average IB student. I volunteer at my hospital...A LOT. I've shadowed a physician for more than 200 something hours. I plan on taking three advanced science courses next year, since I'm pretty good at the science needed for the rest of highschool and even some of the MCAT. But what I don't know is...why can't I score high enough on those DAMN SAT's?!?

And that is why I'm extremely perplexed at the very fact that I can do well in advanced science...when I can't even score higher than a 440 in tenth grade math. =|

 

[FuturaDocta]

Test anxiety indeed.

You may want to hinder those extreme goals for a bit. Or, you could go cwazy! Even though you may be smart enough to get into one of those programs, you might be overwhelming yourself. Therefore, you hinder your performance. It's true. The hippocampus, responsible for forming memories and such, is extremely susceptible to stress.

Besides, if all goes wrong with your current dreams, you can just go to another university and have a blast. Trust me, college is not just hard work, but FUN!

Personally, I balance my life by taking what I call a "mental health month" where I don't let my future pressure me. Instead, I take it easy and just study and go on with my life. It's great and very relaxing.... hippocampus relaxing 😉

Take care. 🙂

 

[loveoforganic]

I know it isn't the only way to be a doctor. I get that. I've heard it so many times at this point, that it is the most thought of phrase in my head...second to "BS/MD programs are still a good way to become a doctor!!". Funny how things work. The thing is, I can't imagine myself going through another four years of "Highschool 2.0". I actually want a challenge. An accelerated biology major (or neuroscience if I get to choose) is just that. I want to be spared from the overbearing cutthroat competition that pre-meds have against each other. Just thinking about it makes me sick. In a BS/MD program, I feel that despite it being accelerated...I would be at ease knowing that I have a guaranteed seat at medical school. And on top of that, I get to shave off one or two years of college, and move on to things that I feel actually matter.

I'm in pretty much all the IB classes I can be in, and my grades in them are pretty good for the average IB student. I volunteer at my hospital...A LOT. I've shadowed a physician for more than 200 something hours. I plan on taking three advanced science courses next year, since I'm pretty good at the science needed for the rest of highschool and even some of the MCAT. But what I don't know is...why can't I score high enough on those DAMN SAT's?!?

And that is why I'm extremely perplexed at the very fact that I can do well in advanced science...when I can't even score higher than a 440 in tenth grade math. =|

You're going to have potentially 40+ years to practice as a physician. You've got 4 years of college. Unless money is a huge issue for you, don't rush it. I go to a state school and the premeds are great. None of the ones I know are cut throat whatsoever. They might be less inclined to pass around homework they did to others or something, but that's how it should be. College is great. Whether you do a combined degree or the traditional route, take your time.

 

[Gigantron]

You're going to have potentially 40+ years to practice as a physician. You've got 4 years of college. Unless money is a huge issue for you, don't rush it. I go to a state school and the premeds are great. None of the ones I know are cut throat whatsoever. They might be less inclined to pass around homework they did to others or something, but that's how it should be. College is great. Whether you do a combined degree or the traditional route, take your time.

Money isn't a "huge huge" issue, but it becomes an issue when paying for SAT prep + tutors, it can equal nearly as much as $5,000. Come to think of it, there's a kid who has parents that pay nearly that much for his SAT prep, and he can still score only around in the 1800's. Better than me, but I also feel like I'm being cheated out of good prep because not everybody can buy a 1800-2100+ on the SAT...

With my scores, I'm not even competitive for most decently good universities. If anything, I wanted to go to SUNY Stonybrook (since I live on Long Island) for a four-year pre-med program...but as the people at Kaplan said last night, my scores are far below what they expect for the current entering class of 2013: an 1835.

🙁

 

[SydSue027]

What have you gotten on ACT's? Most schools now accept ACT scores in place of SAT scores. I actually think they're a better indicator just because they actually have science on them. If you can find out how they translate an ACT to and SAT score, that'd help. But, although I didn't apply for the bs/md program at my school, I would've qualified because my ACT was a 32. The required SAT for that was a 1400/1600 (I took mine the year before they changed to the new scoring system). So, that's something else to consider. Instead of retaking a test your hung up on.

 

[austinblnd]

What have you gotten on ACT's? Most schools now accept ACT scores in place of SAT scores. I actually think they're a better indicator just because they actually have science on them. If you can find out how they translate an ACT to and SAT score, that'd help. But, although I didn't apply for the bs/md program at my school, I would've qualified because my MCAT was a 32. The required SAT for that was a 1400/1600 (I took mine the year before they changed to the new scoring system). So, that's something else to consider. Instead of retaking a test your hung up on.

The ACT does have a science section, but that is misleading. All it is is like another of reading section except with graphs of stuff with complicated names that you have no idea what it is. I would consider myself better in science than most kids that take the ACT, but it still was my lowest score. I do agree the ACT is easier to get a good score on then the SAT, but I have not taken the SAT, just heard stories😱

 

[Ischemic]

It doesn't really matter where you go to college if you want to go into medicine. As long as you have a good GPA and decent MCATs, ECs and shadowing experience. I would actually say a state school is easier so that you can do better in that realm. YOu don't have to associate with crazy premeds if you don't want to, it's up to you ... though your test anxiety might be tough on the MCATs cause that's much harder than the sat or act. Anyway, things don't always go to your plan so just do what you gotta do and keep on chuggin.

 

[SydSue027]

The difference between the two is the type of questions and the way test is laid out. I got a 32 on my ACT just because it was a better layout for me. I was just suggesting he/she try to take the ACT instead of the SAT if that format isn't working out for them. I agree that the science isn't difficult. BUT, all-in-all, the ACT is set up a lot like the MCAT. At least a lot more so than the SAT. Personally, I just think the ACT would be worth a shot for this person.