When to give up on being premed?

[ayn]

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Hi,

I got a bad grade on my first Chemistry test, a D. It was well below the curve as well. I realized that it's because of my bad study habits and since I didn't take AP Chemistry like many people did, and I'm trying to remedy this problem for the next test, but there's so much information I doubt I can manage it well, even with drastically improved study habits. It's Gen Chem 1 and I know that's supposed to be one of the easier classes for premeds, and it's going to be much harder from here on. A part of me wants to stay positive and get myself through this with the idea that I'm still adjusting to college standards and I'll do better, but I also feel skeptical and wonder if this is an early indicator of trouble ahead.

Basically, I want to be a doctor, but I'm not doing well in science classes so far. I know in my case it's first semester freshman year and it seems like I'm rushing to conclusions too fast. But I'm wondering if I should just quit the idea of premed (or really prehealth in general) early before my GPA gets worse throughout the years and I'm stuck applying with a subpar GPA to medical schools with the realization that I couldn't handle the courses all along. Here's the thing: I don't really know when I should realize science isn't for me and just "give up." I do want to be a doctor, but not everyone can be one for obvious reasons, so I don't think sheer desire is enough in some cases, not even if that desire is combined with hard work. And I'm struggling with the first chemistry course—I'm pretty sure this cancels put practically every other prehealth field I'm interested in, period.

So, as a whole...when should I realize I don't have the aptitude a doctor requires and give up?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Moko]

Hi,

I got a bad grade on my first Chemistry test, a D. It was well below the curve as well. I realized that it's because of my bad study habits and since I didn't take AP Chemistry like many people did, and I'm trying to remedy this problem for the next test, but there's so much information I doubt I can manage it well, even with drastically improved study habits. It's Gen Chem 1 and I know that's supposed to be one of the easier classes for premeds, and it's going to be much harder from here on. A part of me wants to stay positive and get myself through this with the idea that I'm still adjusting to college standards and I'll do better, but I also feel skeptical and wonder if this is an early indicator of trouble ahead.

Basically, I want to be a doctor, but I'm not doing well in science classes so far. I know in my case it's first semester freshman year and it seems like I'm rushing to conclusions too fast. But I'm wondering if I should just quit the idea of premed (or really prehealth in general) early before my GPA gets worse throughout the years and I'm stuck applying with a subpar GPA to medical schools with the realization that I couldn't handle the courses all along. Here's the thing: I don't really know when I should realize science isn't for me and just "give up." I do want to be a doctor, but not everyone can be one for obvious reasons, so I don't think sheer desire is enough in some cases, not even if that desire is combined with hard work. And I'm struggling with the first chemistry course—I'm pretty sure this cancels put practically every other prehealth field I'm interested in, period.

So, as a whole...when should I realize I don't have the aptitude a doctor requires and give up?

Thanks in advance!

A bad first semester is common and far from a deal breaker for medical schools. Take time to reflect upon your study habits and where things went wrong. The idea that you did poorly because you didn't take AP chemistry is bullsh*t, so don't use those excuses. Was your course load too high? Did you take on too many extracurricular activities? Did you underestimate the number of hours needed each week to keep up with the material? Did you go to office hours and utilize your school's study center and tutors? Are you comfortable with the algebra needed to be successful with chemistry (and physics)? The list goes on. Figure out what contributed to your poor academic performance and address them before taking additional courses. Consider taking a W and then retaking this course after the above issues have been addressed. Good luck

 

[IsleyOfTheNorth]

I was in a similar situation with a D on a Chem 1 test, no AP chem or anything like that.

Chemistry is about practice problems, so I put extra effort into the class, did a bunch of practice problems before each exam, and ended with an A. Rinse and repeat for all of my other chemistry classes and I have completed all my Chemistry classes with an A. The secret is just studying and practice.

 

[Dr. Anonymouss]

I think it's too early to throw in the towel, I would throw in the towel when you are CONSISTENTLY unable to maintain good grades/understand the concepts presented in your science classes. It can take some time to adjust your study habits. At the minimum I would say get a year under your belt. If you can't manage this during your second year then consider alternative options.

 

[blockrudder1]

Sounds like you've determined it's most likely your study habits, which is pretty common. I failed/ D on some exams in college. It motivated me to study differently. Ended up being a TA for those classes. Ended up at a top 10 medical school. At the end of the day it's about how you react to these small failures. Thrive or die

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

Don't give up til you're sub 3.4 and 70-90 credits in.