What does a "good student" do?

[Kochanie]

I go to such a hard university, if I could do it all over again I would pick a ****ty school everyone from my high school went to over my university, even though it was my "dream school".

But I can't, and I can't transfer. I'm way too stubborn for that.

Only the top 10% of my pre-med classes get A's, what are they doing to get 100's on exams? How do they manage their time?

This is my last chance. I'm taking the Orgo sequence this summer and requirement classes + some Bio this year.
Next year and my senior year will be mostly, if not all, sciences.

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[kyamh]

Hmmmm....you're in a tough pickle....I guess your options are to get over your pride and transfer, or get over your pride and ask your peers for help - they seem to be doing something right. Seriously, make a study friend with someone who is better than you - you get them coffee, they help you become a better student. Win/win.

 

[ChartaBona]

Learn what's testable material, and study said material. In some courses they only test you on the lectures and not the massive text books they may have scammed you into buying.

Don't put off studying until the night before the big exam.
Do practice problems.

It really all depends on the course, professor etc. etc. Maybe you need a tutor or study-buddy.

 

[masaraksh]

Yeah asking for help is a good thing. I didn't have trouble with studying/getting good grades and as a tutor I had experiences being on the side helping others.

I would have several students who I would meet with once a week for the semester and help them with classes. Some of them straight up told me they wouldn't have gotten that A in OCHem without my help.

 

[Goro]

To this I would add going to your school's learning center and finding out how best to study and take tests.

Hmmmm....you're in a tough pickle....I guess your options are to get over your pride and transfer, or get over your pride and ask your peers for help - they seem to be doing something right. Seriously, make a study friend with someone who is better than you - you get them coffee, they help you become a better student. Win/win.

 

[Med_Fit]

Two words: MASTERMIND GROUP

Find the the top students in your courses. Strike up a conversation with them and ask about their study habits, practice habits, and any groups they are involved in.
I have done this in every course since I entered college, even damn philosophy! I am sold that the mastermind groups have contributed to my ongoing 4.0 gpa.

 

[487806]

I go to such a hard university, if I could do it all over again I would pick a ****** school everyone from my high school went to over my university, even though it was my "dream school".

But I can't, and I can't transfer. I'm way too stubborn for that.

Only the top 10% of my pre-med classes get A's, what are they doing to get 100's on exams? How do they manage their time?

This is my last chance. I'm taking the Orgo sequence this summer and requirement classes + some Bio this year.
Next year and my senior year will be mostly, if not all, sciences.

Lol ok, and I figure you'll be way too stubborn to heed to the above advice. Not surprised since you're clearly too stubborn to use the search function and see dozens of threads repeating the same topic over and over again.

All I can say OP is, premed reqs aren't difficult at all regardless of college difficulty. You need to be organized and find ways to improve (such as getting a tutor, group study etc.). But the first step is to lose the stubborn attitude and be open-minded.

 

[Pacna]

Two words: MASTERMIND GROUP

Find the the top students in your courses. Strike up a conversation with them and ask about their study habits, practice habits, and any groups they are involved in.
I have done this in every course since I entered college, even damn philosophy! I am sold that the mastermind groups have contributed to my ongoing 4.0 gpa.

 

[karayaa]

Lol ok, and I figure you'll be way too stubborn to heed to the above advice. Not surprised since you're clearly too stubborn to use the search function and see dozens of threads repeating the same topic over and over again.

All I can say OP is, premed reqs aren't difficult at all regardless of college difficulty. You need to be organized and find ways to improve (such as getting a tutor, group study etc.). But the first step is to lose the stubborn attitude and be open-minded.

They can be made difficult by a bad teacher - poor explanations, poor exams, poor organization, etc. But the subject matter itself is not difficult. (I'm not sure that any class/subject is difficult - even art and the most advanced physics is teachable/learnable, based on a foundation of other knowledge, and presented so that people can learn it).

 

[edgerock24]

They can be made difficult by a bad teacher - poor explanations, poor exams, poor organization, etc. But the subject matter itself is not difficult. (I'm not sure that any class/subject is difficult - even art and the most advanced physics is teachable/learnable, based on a foundation of other knowledge, and presented so that people can learn it).

Yep. Doesn't matter where you go to school: BIO101 is still BIO101. However, if Professor A unfairly tests his students on material that they have never seen before, while Professor B tests his students on the material that was covered in class, then the students who put in the work will likely only do well in Professor B's class.

Unfortunately, there are tons of jerk professors out there that are simply unfair with their courses, and evaluations of students. It sucks.

 

[Acosi]

OP, I had a bunch of friends in a similar situation as you. Any chance you go to a school in Evanston?

1) Take as many classes over the summer as possible at easier institutions. 2) Take as many GPA boosting classes as possible...Ecology, etc. 3) Take comfort in two things - the first is that your difficult pre-med curriculum will help you immensely on the MCAT and the second is that schools do take into account if you went to a difficult undergrad (usually).

To the other posters, I don't know if it's so much that the OP is struggling with the material as s/he is with the curve. If only 10% of the class gets A's, you have to be spending a lot of time in the library to come out with a good GPA.

 

[Joata Wisont]

Yeah asking for help is a good thing.

 

[AllHasOne]

It's not always about getting 100's on exams. It could also do with good lab grades as well as homework grades.... Or whatever is also included.

 

[Kochanie]

OP, I had a bunch of friends in a similar situation as you. Any chance you go to a school in Evanston?

1) Take as many classes over the summer as possible at easier institutions. 2) Take as many GPA boosting classes as possible...Ecology, etc. 3) Take comfort in two things - the first is that your difficult pre-med curriculum will help you immensely on the MCAT and the second is that schools do take into account if you went to a difficult undergrad (usually).

To the other posters, I don't know if it's so much that the OP is struggling with the material as s/he is with the curve. If only 10% of the class gets A's, you have to be spending a lot of time in the library to come out with a good GPA.

IS IT THAT OBVIOUS? Yes, I go to Northwestern.

I know the class is technically the same, but it really isn't... I have seen Organic exams from other universities and I have tutored people who were taking Inorganic Chemistry at other universities. The level to which you need to know the material for exams is not the same...

 

[Kochanie]

It's not always about getting 100's on exams. It could also do with good lab grades as well as homework grades.... Or whatever is also included.

Homework = not graded
Lab Grades = not calculated into the grade (it's another class)

 

[Acosi]

.

 

[Eaglefan]

Either transfer (perfectly reasonable) or make peace with putting in way more time. Yeah, I agree it's ****ty that you have to do so much better than everyone else in other unis. But you get to relish in it when you are way more prepared for the MCAT and way better at studying/managing time in medical school. That, or you can just transfer.

Bad situation OP, but being top 10% for an A isn't the worst thing I've ever heard. Some profs here only give >A- to the top 5. But it's not a uni-wide thing

 

[Kochanie]

I know, that's why I'm looking for help. I have ADD and don't want to resort to drugs in order to do well.

 

[Med_Fit]

I know, that's why I'm looking for help. I have ADD and don't want to resort to drugs in order to do well.

I feel like we all have ADD to an extent... depends on the kind of environment you were brought up in though...
Addy is extremely addictive and I have seen best friends I graduated with get hooked on the stuff because they feel like they can't study without it. STAY AWAY!

 

[karayaa]

I know, that's why I'm looking for help. I have ADD and don't want to resort to drugs in order to do well.

there might be stuff you can change in your environment to increase/decrease your add. drugs aren't the only answer.

 

[plumhill]

If you're miserable, I don't see why you're against transferring. I transferred out of a grade deflation school and it's the best thing I could have done for myself. No one cares where you go for undergrad. Now isn't the time to be stubborn if you're serious about getting good grades.

 

[Kochanie]

But if I can't learn to study at my school, wouldn't medical school be an absolute nightmare?

 

[plumhill]

But if I can't learn to study at my school, wouldn't medical school be an absolute nightmare?

Studying for medical school (though I obviously can't speak from experience) seems like it will be different. The schedules, types of classes, and the amount of time you have is going to vary from what undergrad is like. You also don't have to worry about ECs or random fluff gen ed courses getting in your way. For right now, you need to be in an environment where you can continue to develop your study skills, but where they will also pay off. Also remember that in medical school, you'll be a few years older, and study skills improve as you age and get used to a certain pace.

 

[bambam92]

OP have you been evaluated by a psychiatrist? If the doc thinks you would benefit from adderall/vyvanse I don't see why anyone who thinks their ADD is impacting their academic aptitude wouldn't give it a shot. This whole process of getting into med school is unbelievably completive, you essentially have four years of undergrad to determine/mess up your future. If taking a study drug (adderall w.e.) enables you to excel in undergrad and matriculate to med school and do well there, I think it is unquestionably worth it. I am saying this for students who can't do the work without the drugs, so if with the drugs they can get their MD--I say the pros of this far outweigh the negatives. Thats just me, and I am someone who would never abuse drugs. Don't be ashamed if you can get a script for a study drug is all I'm saying, its very possible it would help out big time!

I got a script this semester (I'm a junior) for adderall, due to add and some anxiety. Just to give you an idea I got a 4.0 with 18 credit load, including classes such as physics, human physiology, and biomechanics, and labs everywhere. I also had a lot of extracurricular and was in a research lab. The drug definitely helped me, and I only take 10-20 mg a day. (very small amount.) I had some of my highest exam scores ever while utilizing it. Yes, I did well in school before getting the script and being evaluated, but it took me so much more time to study and I was so inefficient. For example without the adder all I would go to the library for say 6 hours and only get 3 hours of actual solid studying done, thus I was ALWAYS thinking about the studying I had to do cause I procrastinated. This procrastination led to anxiety--it was a real mess before getting on the medicine. Anyways, all I'm saying is OP and everyone else I am someone who got an adder all script and am not falling apart from addiction to it or w.e. For example over xmas break I will take it very lightly if at all since I'm relaxing and have no academic stress. I know some kids who turned their academic lives around by getting medicated for their add, so I wouldn't always rule it out! Thats all I'm saying.

 

[Kochanie]

Thank you, I might have to see a doctor before the winter break ends...

 

[Kochanie]

OP have you been evaluated by a psychiatrist? If the doc thinks you would benefit from adderall/vyvanse I don't see why anyone who thinks their ADD is impacting their academic aptitude wouldn't give it a shot. This whole process of getting into med school is unbelievably completive, you essentially have four years of undergrad to determine/mess up your future. If taking a study drug (adderall w.e.) enables you to excel in undergrad and matriculate to med school and do well there, I think it is unquestionably worth it. I am saying this for students who can't do the work without the drugs, so if with the drugs they can get their MD--I say the pros of this far outweigh the negatives. Thats just me, and I am someone who would never abuse drugs. Don't be ashamed if you can get a script for a study drug is all I'm saying, its very possible it would help out big time!

I got a script this semester (I'm a junior) for adderall, due to add and some anxiety. Just to give you an idea I got a 4.0 with 18 credit load, including classes such as physics, human physiology, and biomechanics, and labs everywhere. I also had a lot of extracurricular and was in a research lab. The drug definitely helped me, and I only take 10-20 mg a day. (very small amount.) I had some of my highest exam scores ever while utilizing it. Yes, I did well in school before getting the script and being evaluated, but it took me so much more time to study and I was so inefficient. For example without the adder all I would go to the library for say 6 hours and only get 3 hours of actual solid studying done, thus I was ALWAYS thinking about the studying I had to do cause I procrastinated. This procrastination led to anxiety--it was a real mess before getting on the medicine. Anyways, all I'm saying is OP and everyone else I am someone who got an adder all script and am not falling apart from addiction to it or w.e. For example over xmas break I will take it very lightly if at all since I'm relaxing and have no academic stress. I know some kids who turned their academic lives around by getting medicated for their add, so I wouldn't always rule it out! Thats all I'm saying.

I think I need to do it... But, I'm under my parents for insurance and they are VERY against it.

 

[bambam92]

I think I need to do it... But, I'm under my parents for insurance and they are VERY against it.

Most likely. And I can sympathize with the whole northwestern intensity thing cause the prof I do research for went there and she said it was tough!

 

[papi89]

I'm confused... is the school you currently go to prestigious from an academic / application standpoint or just somewhere that you wanted to go for personal reasons?

 

[orangeman25]

A "good" student gets at least a 33 on the mcat. That's what I think.

 

[swolebrah]

My school I go to is similar in regards that only 12% of students got a A in the organic chemistry department. Same with biochemistry and physics. I ended up with a A- in Ochem 1 and A in physics 2 .

I knew nobody in organic chemistry and just had to put the effort in and still cam up short (A- instead of A 🙁 ...) , however I met these 3 smart Asians in my physics class that helped me out by giving me access to previous tests banks and hw questions the professor gave his old students the year before. That immensely helped me. The thing is, the professor never gave this material to the general public. His tests averages were always around the 50-60%, while only a few handful of students received A/B's. I was lucky enough to network my way to get these previous test banks and hw sets. It sad, but the reality is a lot of classes no matter how much you study, the professors always test on the randomest ****. To beat this you have to get access to old tests and materials they used.

 

[CheshireCat1]

OP, I go to Loyola. I am in the area. What have you heard about my school? Some people here complain of the same thing and I don't know why compared to schools like UChicago and Northwestern. I do research at UChicago so I hear a ton of complaints over there.

 

[Beargryllz]

I think I need to do it... But, I'm under my parents for insurance and they are VERY against it.

Make sure they understand that your doctor knows more about the treatment for this condition than they do. You don't have to tell them to **** off, but you can achieve similar results without the animosity if you word it just right.

 

[Kochanie]

both.

 

[Kochanie]

Hmm I really don't want to pay for it myself. My parents pay 0.40-2.00 for all their medications so not going under them would be.pointless, but they will just not understand why I'm taking 'mind altering drugs'. That being said, my appointment is next week so I don't know what the doctor will actually do /say as far as treatment goes.

 

[Kochanie]

Not much except that you guys are pretty close. But, most students are out of state so Northwestern is all they know.

 

[Aerus]

I've heard that students at Northwestern take Organic Chemistry at other places like the Ivy Leagues because it's so grade deflating there. Good luck.

 

[Kochanie]

I think they stopped allowing that.. I'll check into it, but my friend who transferred in had to retake most sciences.

 

[ponyo]

I won't repeat the other advice in this thread, but on the ADD point: There are other drugs out there for ADD that are less addictive and less immediately satisfying than Adderall. If you're worried about being hooked/drugs altering who you are, there are non-stimulant tx options and you should bring it up with your doctor. E.g. some more conservative docs might use Wellbutrin, which would be off-label but some pts seem to do well on it. There are also therapy options for ADHD which, in the long term, might be more in line of what you're personally looking for.

(Disclaimer: clearly not a physician)

In terms of your grades: if you're unwilling to transfer, clearly you can only do your best, so maybe it's worth thinking more about padding up other aspects of your application/personality. You are from a pretty prestigious school, so network with alums and profs in the field and make sure that even if your grades aren't the best, you'll have great LoRs and ECs and seem like an interesting applicant.