Wow...what have I done to myself~Help!

[AllSmiles66]

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Wow...I need everyones advice.

I officially screwed myself over big time.

Freshman year--I didn't have a strong science background and had problems adjusting so low GPA.

This past year I had some pretty bad professors and was pretty overwhelmed...after 3 bad semesters, I started to go crazy...and even started to reconsider my career paths and then all of this stuff happened with my family...then I started to become depressed which was really bad because I still had Organic Chemistry and other science classes/labs.

Anyway, I've dug myself into a hole...with all of these screwups I know I won't make anymore mistakes in the future...but would it be better to get withdrawals for all of my science classes since I took a mental academic leave or at least stay in Organic and somehow learn all that I can the next 16 days?

Any tips on learning as much Organic?

Sorry if this post is a little sad...I just don't know what I've done to myself!!!

 

[OSUdoc08]

Wow...I need everyones advice.

I officially screwed myself over big time.

Freshman year--I didn't have a strong science background and had problems adjusting so low GPA.

This past year I had some pretty bad professors and was pretty overwhelmed...after 3 bad semesters, I started to go crazy...and even started to reconsider my career paths and then all of this stuff happened with my family...then I started to become depressed which was really bad because I still had Organic Chemistry and other science classes/labs.

Anyway, I've dug myself into a hole...with all of these screwups I know I won't make anymore mistakes in the future...but would it be better to get withdrawals for all of my science classes since I took a mental academic leave or at least stay in Organic and somehow learn all that I can the next 16 days?

Any tips on learning as much Organic?

Sorry if this post is a little sad...I just don't know what I've done to myself!!!

apply this criterion to all classes:

A. Possible C or above = complete the class (retake if needed later)
B. Likely D or F = drop and retake

--keep in mind that W's often appear as failures in admissions committees eyes, so have both a good reason and be sure you will fail it and there is nothing more you can do

 

[Vince]

Wow...I need everyones advice.

I officially screwed myself over big time.

Freshman year--I didn't have a strong science background and had problems adjusting so low GPA.

This past year I had some pretty bad professors and was pretty overwhelmed...after 3 bad semesters, I started to go crazy...and even started to reconsider my career paths and then all of this stuff happened with my family...then I started to become depressed which was really bad because I still had Organic Chemistry and other science classes/labs.

Anyway, I've dug myself into a hole...with all of these screwups I know I won't make anymore mistakes in the future...but would it be better to get withdrawals for all of my science classes since I took a mental academic leave or at least stay in Organic and somehow learn all that I can the next 16 days?

Any tips on learning as much Organic?

Sorry if this post is a little sad...I just don't know what I've done to myself!!!

Just my $0.02. Organic isn't something you can cram. I should know...I couldn't do it...got D's and had to retake it. I had numerous Withdraws during Jr. College, but none once I transferred into a University. If you think you can pull out at least a C, then go ahead and stay in...otherwise maybe just withdraw since it sounds like you have "legitimate family reasons, etc."

Osteopathic Medical Schools tend to look at the "whole application" and if you can explain your transripts, then you may be okay. Do MUCH MUCH better from here on out...A's in everything and do well on the MCAT. Have some extracurriculars too to round out your application.

As a side note, medical school is 50x harder than undergrad....and at my DO school we calculated it out and first semester you are taking about 38 units/credits.....in one semester. I don't know what your family situations were and I don't need to know...but if you need to focus on time management, etc. do it now while you are in college....because you won't be able to learn it in medical school.

Good luck.

P.S. One more thing after re-reading your post.....there were quite a few of "bad professors" in medical school so get used to teaching yourself.

 

[Em&M]

Hi, I have to agree with the above posters about withdrawing if you might actually fail but sticking it out if you will at least land a C. I would also like to impart a little of my own experience because, though my circumstances were probably a little different than yours, I was once standing in your shoes as an undergrad student.

My first two years, I played and had fun and thought that I could just rest on my laurels to get by. College had different ideas. It is weird how 4.0 in high school means nothing in college! I kept telling myself that I would eventually pull it together and get those good grades that I needed to get into med school (when I say bad grades, I am talking low C's and low B's in science and math) Then, my junior year, I gave birth to my daughter and everything really went to the dogs, though I did graduate in 4 1/2 years with a science major and minor but my gpa was only 3.1!

I tell you this because I, like you, thought that my medical school dreams went out the window when I didn't have a 4.0. I could barely keep a roof over our heads working full time and going to school letalone have enough time to volunteer and study constantly. After college graduation, I didn't know what to do with myself. All that I ever felt that I was meant to do was be doctor. I spent far too many years believing that my mistakes in college had permanently ruined my chances at the career of my dreams... it has now been 5 years but I am finally on track to taking back what I gave away so long ago.

Don't feel bad about taking time off. Don't beat yourself up about a few bad semesters. I had a lot of bad semesters (some good ones too...) but I am now doing medical research for a reputable institution (one that didn't consider my gpa when deciding to hire me) and I am taking some more science courses and gettting A's in them. The difference is the timing. I am no more smart now than I was then but I have learned to deal with the blows that life hands you. I know how to time manage, I know how to really prioritize (i.e. family, school, work, volunteering) I have a great suport network in place. This is important.

Perhaps you should listen to your gut instinct. If life is overwhelming right now, take a break. You will get into medical school, I can pretty much guarentee it! It is so cliche, but it is true, where there is a will, there is a way. I can't tell you how many people (even on these forums) who have screwed up their undergrads for every reason under the sun and are still sucessful not only getting into medical school (MD and DO) but go on to be amazing doctors.

Think of this time as a lesson in accepting change. I once had a concrete plan but my daughter came along and forced me to completely reevaluate how I was going about making it happen. Life happens, do not worry about this. Everyone is right, maybe take a break for a semester from school and spend your time doing some volunteer work as you prepare to tackle school again. Whatever your situation, have plan A but for the sake of your sanity, also have plans B and C in place too.

I am sorry this was so lengthy but your situation just reminded me of myself at your age. I really thought that I had doomed myself but the more knowledge you have about the process of getting into medical school and what it takes, the more you will realize that this is a setback, it is not a permanent situation.

Good Luck!!! 🙂