Very serious problem - I really need your help

[VandyDerm]

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Hi guys,

I am in a hole right now. I am currently a sophomore (top 20 university) in 4 classes (2 easy - intro classes in sociology and computers) + 2 hard- physics II and orgo II. Thus, I have already taken and am finishing up my prereqs. I don't have a significant science major (bio, chem, physics, etc..) but am rather a preprofessional major at my college which simply requires 24 credits beyond the premed requirements (essentially a dumbed down bio major). I have, however, have strived to go above and beyond. I have already had 18, 16, and 15 credit semesters and now I am at 15 credit hours. Next two years- my science courses go like this: (junior fall- cellbio, physio, biochem / junior spring- (physicsII...) and neurobiology)/Senior Fall- Microbiology/Senior Spring- Human anatamy w/lab + immunology)...... So definitely a jam packed load of extensive upper level science classes.

Credential-wise, things seem optimistic- 3.96 GPA overall, 3.99 science, currently doing research in an excellent biology/cardiophysiology lab and am continuing after having started during my freshman year. Things have been going really great that I am expected to publish 1st author by the end of this summer or into the summer which has been great especially that you wonder, wow, all these experiments have really paid off into something tangible. Volunteering, Clinical experience, academic honors, extracurriculars, community service have also been prominent with regard to what I hope to put on my resume by the time I apply to medical school.

While I realize my GPA is in a good position to apply for top 10-top-15 ranked medical schools, I have really tried to work hard to get to this stage where things have fallen into place. However, as a result of my health conditions - getting the flu and having to see a neuorologist + CT scan of my head as a result of severe anxiety and stress, I bombed my physics exam (was on the same day as my orgo exam). I managed to do well on orgo-90+ but got a C- on physics. It wasn't a result of my preparation because I tend to work very hard, go above and beyond, but my performance was not reflective of my GPA and hard work in the past and because of that fact that I literally collapsed for the first time during my exam for like 10 minutes and constantly felt my increasing heart rate and pulsations throughout my body. It had been such a physically and mentally drained state but I do feel much better now and I am just looking forward to spring break. I lucked out on orgo because I had 2.5 hours to take the test and it was fairly easy for the entire class.

Well, I spoke to the physics professor, a compassionate guy, but the issue at hand was that I spoke to him after the exam and cited my medical reason and it sort of seems unfair giving me the opportunity to retake or drop the exam solely because I cited the medical issue after performing poorly. I sort of understand, but it was a first time incident for me and I have always tried to push through whatever physical barriers I may endure to strive in academics- which is not the wisest approach as I am realizing after how much I sufferred. Ultimately the issue is this: I really do not want to work for this uphill struggle at shooting for an B+/A- range in physics II, a class I can always take next semester or junior spring. I guess I have always started off really strong in my science classes for the past three semesters, but have really just dropped significantly in physicsII because of health reasons. I don't intend to sound whiny, but if it were a B, B-, it would definitely be something I would be willing to work for but my mind was just a mental blockade at the time of the exam and to have done pretty bad when you go into a semester with initial expectations was pretty disappointing. Plus, GPAwise, as a 4-credit class, I am just thinking perhaps it is not worth a toll- though not as much-may not be necessary now. I also perhaps may need a light semester off because the stress is just getting to me and I am burning out. These are all personal reasons I have stated for why I am thinking of possibly dropping the Physics II course.

Well, this puts me down to 11 credits. I, do however, plan on changing my credit hours in research to 2, putting me at 12 credit hours as a fulltime student, but will take only Orgo, orgo lab, Sociology, and Computers, + Research. My question that I have to ask you guys is the issue of credit hours and courses I will be taking this semster and how its viewed by top 20 medical schools. The way I hope to explain med schools why I took 3 classes + 2credit hours of research is to tell them that I wanted to focus heavily on my research to work really hard on my 1st author publication. I think research has been my biggest extracurricular and I am even continuing into this summer and expect an excellent recc + several posters/presentations. If it were not significant, then I obviously would expect that this leaves a question mark to top 20 med schools with regard to the the 3 classes+research.

I was wondering, would it be worth to drop Physics II, take 3 classes + 2 hours of research? Is a semester of 3 classes + bare minimum 12 credit hours frowned upon by top 20 medical schools? I mean I guess I really hope to do very well on the MCAT and and my other factors and part of me did not want to leave any question marks on my applications, but I was wondering if you could assess the decision I plan on making. What sorts of situations is taking 3 classes frowned upon?

Thanks guys.

 

[Jolie South]

to sum up the post,

OP has a great GPA and good solid foundation for apps. OP had medical issues that stressed him out causing him to get a C on a physics test. He did not talk to the prof prior to the test only after. Thus, the grade will not change.

Should the OP drop physics and increase research hours to make up for the loss in courseload? Or stay in physics and possibly have a B on his transcript?

brevity is everyone's friend. 🙂
-----------------------------------------------------
OP- I think you should just do what you can to crank out a B in physics. This will not kill your gpa. Plus, you will not have to retake physics this way or pay more tuition to do so.

Or, you could withdraw with little consequence. I guess it just depends on whether this late you could add more research credits and if you're willing to pay for the physics class again.

 

[fisko82]

😕

 

[blurry]

Taking 3 classes in a semester will get you blacklisted at all US medical schools, so will getting a C in any course. You really have no way out of your dilemma. Better start shopping around for sales on shorts and flip-flips, you're headed to the Caribbean.

 

[novastorm]

Taking 3 classes in a semester will get you blacklisted at all US medical schools, so will getting a C in any course. You really have no way out of your dilemma. Better start shopping around for sales on shorts and flip-flips, you're headed to the Caribbean.

Oh be nice you were neurotic once too.

You don't know if you will make it into medical school or not until the first day of classes of the cycle you applied for.

If you REALLY want it, it will happen.

 

[SStorm]

Honestly, with your GPA, a B is not going to hurt you much. You could drop it and take more research hours, but I don't think that's necessary. Just rock the rest of your tests/final in Physics and you should be fine to get a B or higher.

Also, I've had interviews at top 15-20 med schools and not one of them batted an eye towards my single minimum credit semester (true, I had 15 or higher in all my other semesters).

 

[NewmansOwn]

Please retitle your post. I was under the impression you had a 'very serious problem.' I already charged up my defibrillators and everything...

 

[VneZonyDostupa]

to sum up the post,

OP has a great GPA and good solid foundation for apps. OP had medical issues that stressed him out causing him to get a C on a physics test. He did not talk to the prof prior to the test only after. Thus, the grade will not change.

Should the OP drop physics and increase research hours to make up for the loss in courseload? Or stay in physics and possibly have a B on his transcript?

brevity is everyone's friend. 🙂
-----------------------------------------------------
OP- I think you should just do what you can to crank out a B in physics. This will not kill your gpa. Plus, you will not have to retake physics this way or pay more tuition to do so.

Or, you could withdraw with little consequence. I guess it just depends on whether this late you could add more research credits and if you're willing to pay for the physics class again.

I find it amazing that Jolie can neatly and clearly summarise a novel in just a few short sentences. I am entirely confident she could write a two-sentence personal statement and make it into Hopkins based solely on that.
😀

 

[Jolie South]

I find it amazing that Jolie can neatly and clearly summarise a novel in just a few short sentences. I am entirely confident she could write a two-sentence personal statement and make it into Hopkins based solely on that.
😀

I'm all about the bottom line. 😎

I also figured that the OP wouldn't get too many constructive posts until the thing was summarized.

 

[Dmizrahi]

Easy solution...

cut a deal with the professor and tell him if you score a certain grade on the final(i.e. 100%), he'll give you an A in the class. Also, take the handicap for your medical condition for the final.

Don't fret... a B isn't going to sink your ship.

 

[blargh]

I'm all about the bottom line. 😎

I also figured that the OP wouldn't get too many constructive posts until the thing was summarized.

and this is why you are a mod 🙂

 

[meowkat444]

I had a semester with only 3 classes (all psych), and no one even mentioned it. See my mdapps... it worked out ok.

The B won't hurt you much either, though.

 

[GoBuckeyes913]

Credential-wise, things seem optimistic- 3.96 GPA overall, 3.99 science, currently doing research in an excellent biology/cardiophysiology lab and am continuing after having started during my freshman year. Things have been going really great that I am expected to publish 1st author by the end of this summer or into the summer which has been great

These are great for a CV, keep up the good work...... but remember that admissions committees want to know that you have a life outside of medicine too. Every admissions committee at every interview I ever went on (including 3 top 20 schools) told me how much they preferred to see students do other things in addition to research, volunteer, etc. If you were on an admissions commitee, would you want the stick in the mud that did nothing but live in a lab and study 24/7? Nope, and programs don't either. That's when you hear about the dude with a 38 MCAT, 3.9 GPA, 500 hours of research not getting an acceptance letter. Just to throw it out there.....


[/quote]I managed to do well on orgo-90+ but got a C- on physics. Well, I spoke to the physics professor, a compassionate guy, but the issue at hand was that I spoke to him after the exam .. I sort of understand, [/quote]

A "C" is not going to kill you, despite what all the premed-gunners tell you here. I got a C in P-chem.... and only one school questioned me about it on interviews to which I replied "I don't think I've ever known anyone to get above a 'C' in p-chem". (If you have, and feel the need to broadcast it here, please save everyone from nausea and DONT) They still sent me an acceptance letter. Freaking out is certainly NOT worth giving yourself a nervous breakdown.... and going to your prof and blaming nerves as a reason for failure isn't going to get you any pity. Just try to relax, you're doing a great job in school so far and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Don't put all this weight on your shoulders, the type of stress you're having is a red flag and very unhealthy.

[/quote]What sorts of situations is taking 3 classes frowned upon?Thanks guys.[/quote]

Nothing. So you took 3 classes, big deal. Tell them the class conflicted with your schedule and you had to drop it. Unless you're enrolled in a combined BS/MD program you have no reason to take any more than 16 hours a semester.

Taking 3 classes in a semester will get you blacklisted at all US medical schools, so will getting a C in any course. You really have no way out of your dilemma. Better start shopping around for sales on shorts and flip-flips, you're headed to the Caribbean.

Don't even listen to this crap. For shame. 👎

 

[thoffen]

I'm all about the bottom line. 😎

I also figured that the OP wouldn't get too many constructive posts until the thing was summarized.

I have a feeling the OP won't get too many constructive posts anyway.

To the OP: you are a whiner. If you waltz into an interview with that attitude, then it will pose a much bigger problem to your future than any potential "poor" grade on your transcript.

That's constructive, right?

 

[littlealex]

Effing neurotic crazy premeds. Are you kidding me? You need to relax before you burn yourself out.

Given your neurotic ridiculous crazy personality, this is my honest best advice for you:
1) Drop physics. Protect your GPA; it evidently means so much to you.
2) Med schools don't give a damn about how many credits you take a semester. No one has time for that.
3) Focus on the rest of your classes, get all A's in them, and just retake Physics II during the summer. Your Sophomore Year overall credits would still be the same, if you care about shyt like that.

That's the best advice I can give given the little neurotic bits of you that I know. Please go away now.

 

[NewmansOwn]

[/quote]Don't even listen to this crap. For shame. 👎[/quote]


Dude. Blurry was obviously kidding.

 

[BoilerWolverine]

I hate you.

 

[Pegasus1731]

Please retitle your post. I was under the impression you had a 'very serious problem.' I already charged up my defibrillators and everything...

Ha! Yes! That made me laugh, go fellow EMS personal!

 

[bioteach]

To the OP: Wow. Just....Wow.

You sure are lucky if this is what consitutes a "VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM" in your world.

 

[VandyDerm]

Hey guys,

thanks for the response. I was expecting a variety of responses but it means a lot to me that you could provide your input. I wanted to say that this would not be a withdrawal that would appear on my transcript. My general emotion is that wow, I feel like I am doing the bare minimum. What's sad too is that I will actually be doing 13-14 credit semesters next year too so it's really not that impressive. If theres one thing you learned, are top med schools-ucla, vandy, michigan, duke -very numbers-based?

Regarding ECs, I really have significant ones outside of academics so with regard to how balanced I am, I have tried to maintain a variety of interests throughout the day. But, I have really hit a stump as far as what to do and how med schools will evaluate this action.

Thanks guys.

 

[Jolie South]

Hey guys,

thanks for the response. I was expecting a variety of responses but it means a lot to me that you could provide your input. I wanted to say that this would not be a withdrawal that would appear on my transcript. My general emotion is that wow, I feel like I am doing the bare minimum. What's sad too is that I will actually be doing 13-14 credit semesters next year too so it's really not that impressive. If theres one thing you learned, are top med schools-ucla, vandy, michigan, duke -very numbers-based?

Regarding ECs, I really have significant ones outside of academics so with regard to how balanced I am, I have tried to maintain a variety of interests throughout the day. But, I have really hit a stump as far as what to do and how med schools will evaluate this action.

Thanks guys.

RELAX!!

i don't think it's big deal either way, but me personally I would stick it out. Getting a B isn't bad, and your GPA won't take a huge hit.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Hey guys,

thanks for the response. I was expecting a variety of responses but it means a lot to me that you could provide your input. I wanted to say that this would not be a withdrawal that would appear on my transcript. My general emotion is that wow, I feel like I am doing the bare minimum. What's sad too is that I will actually be doing 13-14 credit semesters next year too so it's really not that impressive. If theres one thing you learned, are top med schools-ucla, vandy, michigan, duke -very numbers-based?

Regarding ECs, I really have significant ones outside of academics so with regard to how balanced I am, I have tried to maintain a variety of interests throughout the day. But, I have really hit a stump as far as what to do and how med schools will evaluate this action.

Thanks guys.

Alright. You're getting piled on because you're being ridiculous and melodramatic. But I don't hate you, like some other posters, so I'll give you some real advice this time -- do not drop the class. If you did, it would probably raise a red flag. Are the top schools very interested in numbers? Yes. They have to be, because they are so very competitive. Will a C on one test hurt you? Maybe just a little, but maybe not at all, if you ace the rest of the tests and the final.

For your own sake, leave this thread and never return. Your complaints are all-too-familiar and despite your politeness, you will be greeted with distaste here.

And don't drop the class -- that would be supremely idiotic.

 

[thoffen]

Hey guys,

thanks for the response. I was expecting a variety of responses but it means a lot to me that you could provide your input. I wanted to say that this would not be a withdrawal that would appear on my transcript. My general emotion is that wow, I feel like I am doing the bare minimum. What's sad too is that I will actually be doing 13-14 credit semesters next year too so it's really not that impressive. If theres one thing you learned, are top med schools-ucla, vandy, michigan, duke -very numbers-based?

Regarding ECs, I really have significant ones outside of academics so with regard to how balanced I am, I have tried to maintain a variety of interests throughout the day. But, I have really hit a stump as far as what to do and how med schools will evaluate this action.

Thanks guys.

Do something that's interesting to YOU. Take classes that are interesting to YOU. Talk about them passionately on your PS, secondaries, and interviews. Med school admissions is not (entirely) a game. At this point, your best bet is to relax and enjoy a passion of yours, whether it's directly related to medicine or not. That applies to med school as well as life in general. Quit obsessing about the short term.

 

[majik1213]

Taking 3 classes in a semester will get you blacklisted at all US medical schools, so will getting a C in any course. You really have no way out of your dilemma. Better start shopping around for sales on shorts and flip-flips, you're headed to the Caribbean.

wow what a blatant lie .. I took 3 classes in TWO separate semesters and have been given 3 interviews of the 6 schools to which I applied

 

[NewmansOwn]

wow what a blatant lie .. I took 3 classes in TWO separate semesters and have been given 3 interviews of the 6 schools to which I applied

No, it was a blatant joke.

He was kidding. Read that again -- does it look serious to you? Flip-flops? Come on, man; use your head.

I can't believe two people have failed to understand this -- this is why people make fun of pre-meds.

 

[nellia]

Please retitle your post. I was under the impression you had a 'very serious problem.' I already charged up my defibrillators and everything...

this just seriously made my day hahaha so true. this is NOT as "serious problem" at all.. a serious problem would be like, Hi i failed all my prereq's because of some ridic legit situation what do i do now

 

[dienekes88]

to sum up the post,

OP has a great GPA and good solid foundation for apps. OP had medical issues that stressed him out causing him to get a C on a physics test. He did not talk to the prof prior to the test only after. Thus, the grade will not change.

Should the OP drop physics and increase research hours to make up for the loss in courseload? Or stay in physics and possibly have a B on his transcript?

brevity is everyone's friend. 🙂
-----------------------------------------------------
OP- I think you should just do what you can to crank out a B in physics. This will not kill your gpa. Plus, you will not have to retake physics this way or pay more tuition to do so.

Or, you could withdraw with little consequence. I guess it just depends on whether this late you could add more research credits and if you're willing to pay for the physics class again.

THANK YOU. 🙂

OP, it'll be a significant uphill battle, but like you said... a B+/A- is possible. Work your *ss off. It won't be the last time you'll have to do it, so you should get used to it. If you get an A-, then it'll do virtually nothing to your GPA.

Off topic... I think every pre-med should have deal with at least one B- or lower on his transcript. You learn to stop sweating that stuff after you work your butt off and get wrecked anyway. It's just one grade during one semester. Unless you're me. I've gotten my fair share of B-'s. Hahaha. I bet most of you don't even know what a B- looks like. 😀

 

[BloodySurgeon]

I took a bio midterm the day after I was emitted out of the hospital and had a letter from my primary and ER doctor that I shouldn't be taking anything stressful (a.k.a. midterms for a week). I turned this in to my prof and she made me take the exam. She said you could either Fail this midterm and take the class again in spring or just take it now. I took it and although I was scored the second highest in the class for the final and I did everything almost perfectly in that class, I ended up with a B+ in the class. I have similar stories throughout my LS series, but I dun think adcoms will even give a ****. I dun even think im even allowed to mentioned that cuz they will think i was just giving excuses. This doesn't even come close to anything remotely serious worthy problem but I just wanted 2 let u know ur not alone here.

Also I did have a few serious problems but I managed threw them and its nothing that needs to be announced cause we all deal with them and you aint special.

 

[GoBuckeyes913]

No, it was a blatant joke.

He was kidding. Read that again -- does it look serious to you? Flip-flops? Come on, man; use your head.

I can't believe two people have failed to understand this -- this is why people make fun of pre-meds.

I'm not an idiot, it's obvious blurry was being sarcastic. The OP may not have viewed it that way (considering how serious he views the situation), which is why I commented the way I did. Instead of assuming, think before you post and attempt (poorly) to make someone else feel stupid.

 

[BloodySurgeon]

I'm not an idiot, it's obvious blurry was being sarcastic. The OP may not have viewed it that way (considering how serious he views the situation), which is why I commented the way I did. Instead of assuming, think before you post and attempt (poorly) to make someone else feel stupid.

HAHAHAH

 

[NewmansOwn]

I'm not an idiot, it's obvious blurry was being sarcastic. The OP may not have viewed it that way (considering how serious he views the situation), which is why I commented the way I did. Instead of assuming, think before you post and attempt (poorly) to make someone else feel stupid.

Oh ok. See, I would have thought if you were really worried about the OP and knew it was a joke, you'd say something to the effect of "hey, don't joke around -- the OP is distraught." But since we're all friends here and I don't think you're an idiot (just a little uptight), why not give you the benefit of the doubt?

I'm sure we can all agree that medicine (and especially premeds) could use a bit more levity.

 

[GoBuckeyes913]

Oh ok. See, I would have thought if you were really worried about the OP and knew it was a joke, you'd say something to the effect of "hey, don't joke around -- the OP is distraught." But since we're all friends here and I don't think you're an idiot (just a little uptight), why not give you the benefit of the doubt?

I'm sure we can all agree that medicine (and especially premeds) could use a bit more levity.

No hard feelings, I can see how you viewed it 😉 Its really true about the premeds though.... My classmates and I come on here to read how psychotically competitive they get with application stuff. (saying "I have a 3.8 and a 33 MCAT... do you think I'm competitive??? ) This place is an entertaining yet annoying thunderdome, but still we just can't look away LOL.

 

[BoilerWolverine]

God you guys are a bunch of Nancys...

I cherish your friendship! I cherish yours!

 

[Mayday]

There is another option - continue in the class, and see what you get. If you get an A-, you should be good. If you get anything worse than that, you could always re-take the course and the two grades will be averaged when you input them to apply to med schools, which should help to bring your GPA back up.

 

[135892]

Hi guys,

I am in a hole right now. I am currently a sophomore (top 20 university) in 4 classes (2 easy - intro classes in sociology and computers) + 2 hard- physics II and orgo II. Thus, I have already taken and am finishing up my prereqs. I don't have a significant science major (bio, chem, physics, etc..) but am rather a preprofessional major at my college which simply requires 24 credits beyond the premed requirements (essentially a dumbed down bio major). I have, however, have strived to go above and beyond. I have already had 18, 16, and 15 credit semesters and now I am at 15 credit hours. Next two years- my science courses go like this: (junior fall- cellbio, physio, biochem / junior spring- (physicsII...) and neurobiology)/Senior Fall- Microbiology/Senior Spring- Human anatamy w/lab + immunology)...... So definitely a jam packed load of extensive upper level science classes.

Credential-wise, things seem optimistic- 3.96 GPA overall, 3.99 science, currently doing research in an excellent biology/cardiophysiology lab and am continuing after having started during my freshman year. Things have been going really great that I am expected to publish 1st author by the end of this summer or into the summer which has been great especially that you wonder, wow, all these experiments have really paid off into something tangible. Volunteering, Clinical experience, academic honors, extracurriculars, community service have also been prominent with regard to what I hope to put on my resume by the time I apply to medical school.

While I realize my GPA is in a good position to apply for top 10-top-15 ranked medical schools, I have really tried to work hard to get to this stage where things have fallen into place. However, as a result of my health conditions - getting the flu and having to see a neuorologist + CT scan of my head as a result of severe anxiety and stress, I bombed my physics exam (was on the same day as my orgo exam). I managed to do well on orgo-90+ but got a C- on physics. It wasn't a result of my preparation because I tend to work very hard, go above and beyond, but my performance was not reflective of my GPA and hard work in the past and because of that fact that I literally collapsed for the first time during my exam for like 10 minutes and constantly felt my increasing heart rate and pulsations throughout my body. It had been such a physically and mentally drained state but I do feel much better now and I am just looking forward to spring break. I lucked out on orgo because I had 2.5 hours to take the test and it was fairly easy for the entire class.

Well, I spoke to the physics professor, a compassionate guy, but the issue at hand was that I spoke to him after the exam and cited my medical reason and it sort of seems unfair giving me the opportunity to retake or drop the exam solely because I cited the medical issue after performing poorly. I sort of understand, but it was a first time incident for me and I have always tried to push through whatever physical barriers I may endure to strive in academics- which is not the wisest approach as I am realizing after how much I sufferred. Ultimately the issue is this: I really do not want to work for this uphill struggle at shooting for an B+/A- range in physics II, a class I can always take next semester or junior spring. I guess I have always started off really strong in my science classes for the past three semesters, but have really just dropped significantly in physicsII because of health reasons. I don't intend to sound whiny, but if it were a B, B-, it would definitely be something I would be willing to work for but my mind was just a mental blockade at the time of the exam and to have done pretty bad when you go into a semester with initial expectations was pretty disappointing. Plus, GPAwise, as a 4-credit class, I am just thinking perhaps it is not worth a toll- though not as much-may not be necessary now. I also perhaps may need a light semester off because the stress is just getting to me and I am burning out. These are all personal reasons I have stated for why I am thinking of possibly dropping the Physics II course.

Well, this puts me down to 11 credits. I, do however, plan on changing my credit hours in research to 2, putting me at 12 credit hours as a fulltime student, but will take only Orgo, orgo lab, Sociology, and Computers, + Research. My question that I have to ask you guys is the issue of credit hours and courses I will be taking this semster and how its viewed by top 20 medical schools. The way I hope to explain med schools why I took 3 classes + 2credit hours of research is to tell them that I wanted to focus heavily on my research to work really hard on my 1st author publication. I think research has been my biggest extracurricular and I am even continuing into this summer and expect an excellent recc + several posters/presentations. If it were not significant, then I obviously would expect that this leaves a question mark to top 20 med schools with regard to the the 3 classes+research.

I was wondering, would it be worth to drop Physics II, take 3 classes + 2 hours of research? Is a semester of 3 classes + bare minimum 12 credit hours frowned upon by top 20 medical schools? I mean I guess I really hope to do very well on the MCAT and and my other factors and part of me did not want to leave any question marks on my applications, but I was wondering if you could assess the decision I plan on making. What sorts of situations is taking 3 classes frowned upon?

Thanks guys.

So, your "very serious problem" is whether or not you should drop physics? Wow, you must have a really great life

But yeah, I would just try to calculate out what it would take for you to get an A, B, or C. If theres anyway you can still get an A, then definitely don't drop the class. However, if its a situation like where you need to ace the class from here on out just to pull of a B or C, then maybe you should just drop it

 

[MooseKing]

if you are scared that you will get a C in the class, my advise is to just fail the class. that way you dont have to work for it and you dont get a C. 😎

 

[sylus]

well, there is one way you could change your test grade... 😉

 

[scowdeva]

Ok, so you have already worked yourself into a nervous breakdown your sophomore year in college. Step back and consider that! Do you really think you have the cojones to make it in the medical world?

Having the flu is not a valid medical excuse for performing poorly, and citing that (and a CT?? Why???) as an example makes you look foolish. Some of us, myself included, have endured deaths/hospitalizations/MAJOR events and were able to hold it together. Either buck up, grow a pair, and get a thicker skin, or move on to greener pastures.

With regards to the grade- get a B. If they ask, say you were busy that semester or hated the material. And then move on, without any more breakdowns! A patient's family will not be very understanding when you need to have a mental moment rather than buckle down and do your job to save their loved one's life.

 

[HumidBeing]

I'll throw in my own 2 cents. OP, there are no wrong choices in the options you offered here. You can stay in physics & not even worry about the grade. Even if you came out with a "C" in there, it wouldn't really hurt your chances. Of all the pre-req courses, physics is probably the least important when it comes to what you'll be using later. What you WILL want to do is to learn the material well enough that you score well on the physical science section of the MCAT. Do that & it will be obvious that you do indeed know your stuff. A single "C" doesn't sink anyone.

The other option of taking fewer hours won't hurt your chances, either; however, you will get to enjoy the experience of stressing out over this same subject next year.

Your lengthy explanation leads me to believe that the physics class is not your real problem. The words exude the stress and anxiety that you are experiencing. I seriously doubt that whichever decision you make on this matter will do more than to temporarily relieve that stress. The greatest improvement you can make in your chances of reaching your goals is to get the anxiety under control. It appears that you have already sought professional help in that area. Great! Please follow through with that and, if it is not working, seeking additional help. It may even mean reducing some of your EC's or other outside activities. That's OK. You'll be able to sell yourself much better as a calm and confident applicant who has done well in fewer things, than you will as an overworked nervous wreck.

Short version -
OK to finish the physics no matter what passing grade you get
OK to drop it and retake - Neither one will harm your chances
Most important is getting the anxiety under control for the long term

Good luck!

 

[Drogba]

Worst post ever. With a name like vandyderm I'm going to assume troll but what can I say premeds seem to be morphing into trolls everyday here on SDN.

 

[Chuckwalla]

In another thread we have a quadriplegic, who is trying to even have a chance of getting into medical school, calling their problem "serious" and your insignificant situation is "very serious". Get some perspective and a life while you are at it.

 

[Vihsadas]

Your problem is not a serious problem.

THIS is a serious problem:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=497443

 

[iA-MD2013]

Your problem is not a serious problem.

THIS is a serious problem:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=497443

Thank you Vihsadas!!! I recently read that, and I felt the exact same way upon reading this.

 

[HumidBeing]

psst - OP - If you're getting academic credit for the research, it is not an EC. EC means EXTRA curricular - as in not part of your academic work. When you do it for credit, it's for a grade, not something extracurricular.

Later you'll look back at this and realize that the physics issue was nothing in the grand scheme of things. What will wind up being much more important in how things work out for you is how you learn to cope with these minor bumps in life. You can either allow your anxiety to control your life, or you can take the steps necessary to control the anxiety and actually enjoy what you do. The mental health counselors at your school might help to steer you on a path that works for you.