Throw in the towel?

[bostonpet]

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I decided to go back to school last year (former English major with 3.3 from state U) to begin my pre-reqs in order to apply to vet school. I started taking classes at Harvard Extension, but wasn't mentally ready for it and failed a couple courses. I take responsibility for my bad grades - really enjoyed (and am enjoying again) the classes and the teachers, I just wasn't ready for the amount of work necessary to succeed, and working full-time.

I've decided to take the classes again, hoping to improve my grades and learn the material, regardless if I apply to vet school. Recently, I spoke with an advisor, who gave me candid advice, and recommended I explore other options besides vet school.

I'm currently having a tough time with chemistry - I enjoy it a lot, but it's not something that comes naturally to me, and I am TERRIBLE on tests. I'm writing tonight because I think I just bombed my second exam after about 2 weeks of studying (probably a combined 30 or so hours - which was not enough for me). If I had more time, I honestly believe I could have done 20 points better. But, I didn't, so I'm pretty sure it's a goner.

Sorry for the extensive prologue - but should I give up on the idea of vet school? I'm almost 28 with a decent job/salary. I've done a lot of thinking about this, and deep in my heart I want to try to get in - but I'm already struggling with the first class...any honest opinions? I'm thinking I shot myself in the foot with my performance last year and it's going to be more than an uphill battle...

On another note - I do realize classes aren't the only requirement to get in. I've been volunteering at the zoo for the past year, and was thinking of going back to school full-time and finding a part-time job at a clinic, once I proved to myself I could focus on classes....but right now, that's not looking very likely...at least for another year or so...

 

[HopefulAg]

Speaking as what I would do in your situation, I'd just stick it out. Everyone has a class that doesn't go well for them for whatever reason. Don't click with the professor, or their teaching style, or just an off semester. Who knows. But to give up based on one class? I wouldn't want to do it.

By the way my class that didn't go well for me was Pharmacology. Barely got a C and I think that's only because the professor was generous. Part of it was my fault for not taking Physiology first (pre-req) but still, no matter how much I studied it seemed that a C was my destination for that course.

 

[lailanni]

I'm currently having a tough time with chemistry - I enjoy it a lot, but it's not something that comes naturally to me, and I am TERRIBLE on tests. I'm writing tonight because I think I just bombed my second exam after about 2 weeks of studying (probably a combined 30 or so hours - which was not enough for me). If I had more time, I honestly believe I could have done 20 points better. But, I didn't, so I'm pretty sure it's a goner.

Sorry for the extensive prologue - but should I give up on the idea of vet school? I'm almost 28 with a decent job/salary. I've done a lot of thinking about this, and deep in my heart I want to try to get in - but I'm already struggling with the first class...any honest opinions? I'm thinking I shot myself in the foot with my performance last year and it's going to be more than an uphill battle...

Talk to your professor about getting extra time for exams. Or talk to your advisor/counselor. Test anxiety is a real thing and can be tough on some people. If it's especially tough on you, you may be able to qualify for more time. You may need a counselor to evaluate you for approval, but really it's a good thing. Just knowing you have extra time will help you focus during the exam - there are several veterinary students with test anxiety that are granted extra exam time.

You probably still have some tests left. Don't be afraid to get super hardcore - double your study time and find a tutor. I remember studying 35+hrs/week at some points and I did use the tutor services. A tutor can show you how to study smarter, not harder. Try several tutors to find out which one works best with you.

Don't give up yet! I hated, hated, *hated* the first few science courses I took. And a few after that too. It may not be an easy battle - for me it certainly wasn't. But you'll impress yourself with how much you can learn and accomplish.

I'm not sure which chem series you're on, but for me I struggled all though gen chem. Never made much sense. Then I got to O-chem and it was totally different. LOVED it. It made sense and I was actually kind of good at it! Just because one class sucks doesn't mean they all do.

 

[VeganChick]

DO NOT GIVE UP!!

I was an international relations major undergraduate and hadn't taken a science class since high school when I decided to go for the vet school dream at age 35. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do anywhere close to as badly as I have performed in my science classes. Two C-, 1 D. It has been hell and there's been a lot of crying. But, I refuse to give up. I have retaken courses, I have gone to professors about my grades and gotten great advice and most of all, I am proud that I am sticking it out. Will I get into vet school? Who knows. But nobody - and especially me - can say I didn't try.

Oh, and I do know. I will get into vet school one of these days, even if I have to take every single prereq over and apply for ten more cycles.

 

[168135]

Oh, and I do know. I will get into vet school one of these days, even if I have to take every single prereq over and apply for ten more cycles.

That's exactly how I feel.

Chemistry isn't my thing too. I took a higher level science in grade 10. The chemistry that we did in that class was WAY over my head. Bad teacher in grade 11 and 32 loud and obnoxius kids in my grade 12 class left me pretty unprepared. Add that to the fact that I have had horribe profs, and right now, can't get a tutor, my lab instructor likes to pick out individuals and embarrass them in front of the entire class... ha. It's not pretty.

Compared to everyone I know who wants to go to vet school, I know my heart is in it more. I'm willing to do whatever it takes, which to me means re-taking courses, taking summer courses, traveling OUT OF THE COUNTRY to get large animal experience. I'm definitely in a worse position, but I'm not gonna give up. I'm a very strong bio student... one of these days, I'll get a break when it comes to chemistry.

 

[efab]

when i set out nearly 10 years after undergrad (bs in fine art and education - zero science or math) i told myself the prereqs would take 5-7 years - turns out i was right. i knew the process would be a struggle - night school, weekend studying - maintaining my day job as a career and money maker - volunteer every other moment - eventually give up my well paying job for lesser paying animal related work - and struggle with finances - not being able to save money for my potential, eventual debt (strange feeling to give up something that could help me in the long run - i.e. pay for vet school that has gotten SO expensive in recent years). so, now i work at a clinic AND run a business out of my home AND continue to take classes - because there is always another class to take!

throughout, i told myself i can only do my BEST and take it from there. at least i have a goal and a purpose.

no doubt about it, the most difficult series of tasks i ever undertook - i barely had time to make food - not to mention the time to eat said food after it was made. i am now 37 - second time applicant after being waitlisted/rejected at tufts, rejected outright from davis.

push forward - always move forward. find a way. i think as we get older, it is a winding path, not a direct line.

my advice, TRULY learn what the meaning of being a veterinarian is and how it relates to you and your capabilities - is this something you are willing to work for continually?

 

[thereservoirdog]

Talk to your professor about getting extra time for exams. Or talk to your advisor/counselor. Test anxiety is a real thing and can be tough on some people. If it's especially tough on you, you may be able to qualify for more time. You may need a counselor to evaluate you for approval, but really it's a good thing. Just knowing you have extra time will help you focus during the exam - there are several veterinary students with test anxiety that are granted extra exam time.

You probably still have some tests left. Don't be afraid to get super hardcore - double your study time and find a tutor. I remember studying 35+hrs/week at some points and I did use the tutor services. A tutor can show you how to study smarter, not harder. Try several tutors to find out which one works best with you.

Don't give up yet! I hated, hated, *hated* the first few science courses I took. And a few after that too. It may not be an easy battle - for me it certainly wasn't. But you'll impress yourself with how much you can learn and accomplish.

I'm not sure which chem series you're on, but for me I struggled all though gen chem. Never made much sense. Then I got to O-chem and it was totally different. LOVED it. It made sense and I was actually kind of good at it! Just because one class sucks doesn't mean they all do.

Good post, I second getting a tutor. If you're spending all that time studying and not getting good results you might not be using the best method. Also, chemistry is ALL about writing problems out and practicing them over and over. If you try to go by rote memorization you're not going to do well no matter how many hours of studying you put in.

 

[bostonpet]

Thanks for the helpful advice everyone!

I'm definitely going to talk to my TA about potential time for testing, and take a new approach to my study tactics. I've been working through problems over and over again, and have been doing ok at home, but when it came to last night, I sorta panicked.

I've been studying a lot at night at home, but I think I'm going to try a change in environment as well. And, a friend recommended I try to set a faster pace while I go through my problems, so I'm more accustomed to it while I test.

You've all been really supportive, and I appreciate it a lot. This class means a lot to me, and I want to prove it to myself that I can do it, regardless if vet school works out or not.

 

[twelvetigers]

Good luck. 🙂

 

[pressmom]

Plan of action:

1. Figure out what you're doing wrong academically. Whether it's getting more time for test or changing up your study strategies. It's really important for you to work on this now rather than in vet school because you will be busier in vet school. Look into whether you can find seminars on note taking or test anxiety reduction--we have them here at TN. Also, it wouldn't hurt to see a counselor (s/he can give you advice on calming strategies) if you're insurance has medical benefits or your school offers one.

2. Budget your time differently. Whether it means making a more set schedule or adding more time in for academics.

3. Focus on your goals. Sometimes it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you feel so bogged down in minutia. Set goals each semester--even for non academic things. Don't make them diffuse--make them actionable (like instead of I will make an A in X class or I will study more, say something like I will study 30 hours a week or I will take Tuesday night off to destress by playing the guitar or renting a movie or whatever) Write them down, and go back to them when you feel bad. Also, a speaker I recently heard said go and write down your biggest problems in your day-to-day life. He said it would be amazing to see that most of your problems today will not be problems in just 6 months.

Just remember there are solutions, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that you can do well, you just need to change some things up. It's good that you recognized it now and not later. It's not too late to improve. Good luck!

 

[fargeese]

I am probably going to get a lot of flack for saying this, but I would keep seriously considering if this is for you. I would only consider vet school if you figure out how to budget your time between work and school and get good grades both.

I don't mean to be harsh, but going to vet school all day is a full time job, and then you have to go home and study several hours a night, for several classes at once. And for many of our exams, you do not have the luxury of studying 30 hours for them. In October alone I think I had 10-12 exams, not counting quizzes, papers etc. for 7 or 8 different classes.

So I am not saying it can't be done, but the reality is that often you will not have the time to study things as well as you'd like in school, so if it continues to be a problem for you, there is nothing wrong with re-evaluating your decision to pursue vet school.

Sorry so negative everyone, I am tired from studying %^& anatomy!

 

[mbv]

Classes at HES are harder than at a lot of schools, and the post-bacs in the pre-med/vet classes are hardcore. What if you tried taking some courses at UMass Boston or Northeastern (pretty sure both of them offer evening classes) or some other school? I went to a really rigorous school, which helped me prepare very well for vet school, but there are people from a lot of different academic backgrounds in my class who are able to do well.

If you are taking chemistry with Tucci, he is really nice and you might want to talk to him... Some of the Harvard TAs are really really smart chem graduate students and not necessarily the best at explaining some of the concepts because they didn't have to struggle to understand them; getting a tutor might help. I didn't go to HES so I can't too helpful with specifics.

 

[bostonpet]

It's funny you say that, because I'm wondering the same thing. I really like Tucci, and since I'm already taking chem 1 with him, I'd like to finish the year.

Luckily, I didn't do as poorly as I thought on my second exam, but still pretty bad. It's still going to be a rough six weeks or so, but I'm feeling less hopeless about the grade. I'm going to a tutor tomorrow night to clear up some of my questions, and am working on a new studying routine.

Hopefully, that will help fix things for the semester, if not the year.

Question though: I did poorly in one other class at HES. I'd like to take it again there to remediate the grade since I took it there the first time. But, obviously, with my current situation that may not be a great idea. Do you know what the perception is (if there is any) of getting a bad grade in a class at one school, but going to another to take the same class?