Rough first semester... advice please!

[TeaAndCookies]

Hi guys!
This is my first semester of my freshman year, and it's been pretty rough. My grades are not what they need to be, and I'm having a really difficult time trying to figure out what I should do. Here's an idea:
In general chemistry I, I have 4 exams. My grades on the first 3 are 60, 65, and 60.
In general biology I, my grade is around a C+ to a B.
In calculus, my grade is a D+ (I have 2 more large exams, so I have an opportunity to improve).
I feel very depressed. I am not immersed in my academics. Simply put, I feel miserable. I can't study properly, and I am always exhausted. Whenever I try to study, I fall asleep . If I sit in class too long, I fall asleep. Many times this is after a good 8 hours of sleep, but I can't control it. I am constantly feeling tired. I also don't know how to study effectively.
I work 20-25 hours a week (10-ish hours on Saturday and Sunday), as and ER scribe. I commute (my brother goes to the same school so I rely on him for transportation) and much of my time is spent waiting for someone to pick me up.
I struggle to advocate for myself, because it feels embarrassing and I know that I don't have a "real" excuse for my bad performance. I'm worried that my current performance will stop me from getting in to medical school.

Here are my questions for you:
1. Should I retake any classes?
2. What are some effective ways to study? How can I improve?
3. How can I manage my time efficiently, any tips?
4. Do I still have a chance for med school?
5. Any more advice on how I should proceed after a rough semester?

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer this!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[NotASerialKiller]

1) Don't work 20 hours a week if you're exhausted and not keeping up with school
2) Seek help from various campus services, academic assistance and possibly counselling which can be good for any stressful periods not just severe mental illness

edit: The two things that strike me, not question reponses

 

[Turkishking]

Typically, most people have a tough time transitioning into college. You have to find the right balance, and see what works for you. I can't really give much insight as others but I suggest trying pull those grades up as much as you can. As for feeling tired, maybe your diet is bad, I'm not sure. One thing I've learned and read from many posts, medical schools like to see upward trends and you've got a while to go.

 

[ivorypearls]

I feel very depressed. I am not immersed in my academics. Simply put, I feel miserable. I can't study properly, and I am always exhausted. Whenever I try to study, I fall asleep . If I sit in class too long, I fall asleep. Many times this is after a good 8 hours of sleep, but I can't control it. I am constantly feeling tired. !

What you are describing here sounds exactly how I felt all throughout my undergraduate years. I didn't seek any professional help until after I graduated college and was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I was prescribed medication, which really boosted my energy levels, made me actually focus on tasks, and stopped me from taking constant naps. Perhaps you don't have clinical depression or need the medication, however seeking help from counseling/psychiatric services wouldn't be such a bad idea (esp. if its impacting your academics to this extent). Looking back, I wished I would have sought out professional help earlier. Not saying that it would have drastically improved my grades by much because I was ultimately able to pull through, but having focus and the motivation to actually study would have definitely made my experience in undergrad a lot easier.

 

[TeaAndCookies]

What you are describing here sounds exactly how I felt all throughout my undergraduate years. I didn't seek any professional help until after I graduated college and was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I was prescribed medication, which really boosted my energy levels, made me actually focus on tasks, and stopped me from taking constant naps. Perhaps you don't have clinical depression or need the medication, however seeking help from counseling/psychiatric services wouldn't be such a bad idea (esp. if its impacting your academics to this extent). Looking back, I wished I would have sought out professional help earlier. Not saying that it would have drastically improved my grades by much because I was ultimately able to pull through, but having focus and the motivation to actually study would have definitely made my experience in undergrad a lot easier.

Thank you so much for your response. I will try and seek out counseling, how were you able to get through undergrad feeling like this? Do you think I should retake any of my courses?

 

[miu2015]

You might want to go see a sleep specialist to see if you have any other underlying condition that causes your excessive sleepiness. Good luck.

 

[SOMBound13]

Are you working so many hours to pay for college? It sounds like you're commuting from home? Is that right?

What were your high school test scores (M+CR SAT or ACT) and GPA?

much of my time is spent waiting for someone to pick me up.

That's fine. Always have something with you to study.

Instead of lining up all of my classes, one after another, I used to purposely put 1-2 hour breaks in when I could. I'd use that time to study or work on an assignment (and to give myself a break from non-stop lectures or labs)


You may need to see your physician to rule out depression or anxiety. Those issues often appear or get worse around age 18/19.

 

[DiDoc]

Hi guys!
This is my first semester of my freshman year, and it's been pretty rough. My grades are not what they need to be, and I'm having a really difficult time trying to figure out what I should do. Here's an idea:
In general chemistry I, I have 4 exams. My grades on the first 3 are 60, 65, and 60.
In general biology I, my grade is around a C+ to a B.
In calculus, my grade is a D+ (I have 2 more large exams, so I have an opportunity to improve).
I feel very depressed. I am not immersed in my academics. Simply put, I feel miserable. I can't study properly, and I am always exhausted. Whenever I try to study, I fall asleep . If I sit in class too long, I fall asleep. Many times this is after a good 8 hours of sleep, but I can't control it. I am constantly feeling tired. I also don't know how to study effectively.
I work 20-25 hours a week (10-ish hours on Saturday and Sunday), as and ER scribe. I commute (my brother goes to the same school so I rely on him for transportation) and much of my time is spent waiting for someone to pick me up.
I struggle to advocate for myself, because it feels embarrassing and I know that I don't have a "real" excuse for my bad performance. I'm worried that my current performance will stop me from getting in to medical school.

Here are my questions for you:
1. Should I retake any classes?
2. What are some effective ways to study? How can I improve?
3. How can I manage my time efficiently, any tips?
4. Do I still have a chance for med school?
5. Any more advice on how I should proceed after a rough semester?

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer this!

The adjustment to college is tough, and tbh it seems like you might've just bitten off a bit more than you can chew. Which is fine bc you can still come back from this. Med schools like to see upward trends in performance. Is there any room for you to still drop a course w/o receiving any markings on your transcript? Maybe you should drop a course and devote more of your time to the other two...
Definitely don't give up on med school if it's something you really want (and you really do need to want it). You just need to work hard and choose more manageable course-loads for your future semesters.

Good Luck!

 

[TeaAndCookies]

Are you working so many hours to pay for college? It sounds like you're commuting from home? Is that right?

What were your high school test scores (M+CR SAT or ACT) and GPA?





That's fine. Always have something with you to study.

Instead of lining up all of my classes, one after another, I used to purposely put 1-2 hour breaks in when I could. I'd use that time to study or work on an assignment (and to give myself a break from non-stop lectures or labs)


You may need to see your physician to rule out depression or anxiety. Those issues often appear or get worse around age 18/19.

Hi! I had an A- GPA in high school. And yes, I am commuting from home! I go to a state school because it was the cheapest option. I work on the weekends to pay my tuition, because I know my parents can't afford it. Honestly, my tuition isn't that much, but my parents can't contribute at all so it's a lot for me. I still haven't paid all my tuition for the first semester, and my account is on hold. Everyone has signed up for classes and I still haven't because of the hold. Thankfully, I am getting there financially but I'm afraid the classes will be full by the time I am.
Putting breaks in is a good idea, however, I don't know if I'll have the energy to do anything during that time. Also, do I need to see a physician or can I see someone from my university counseling center?
Thank you very much!

 

[TeaAndCookies]

The adjustment to college is tough, and tbh it seems like you might've just bitten off a bit more than you can chew. Which is fine bc you can still come back from this. Med schools like to see upward trends in performance. Is there any room for you to still drop a course w/o receiving any markings on your transcript? Maybe you should drop a course and devote more of your time to the other two...
Definitely don't give up on med school if it's something you really want (and you really do need to want it). You just need to work hard and choose more manageable course-loads for your future semesters.

Good Luck!

It's too late to drop a course and not receive a marking on my transcript, although I will lighten my course work for next semester. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[SOMBound13]

Hi! I had an A- GPA in high school. And yes, I am commuting from home! I go to a state school because it was the cheapest option. Putting breaks in is a good idea, however I don't know if I'll have the energy to do anything during that time. Thank you!

Do you need to work 20 hours a week? Is that much work needed to pay for school?

What were your ACT or SAT (M+CR) test scores in high school?

 

[TeaAndCookies]

Do you need to work 20 hours a week? Is that much work needed to pay for school?

What were your ACT or SAT (M+CR) test scores in high school?

Yes, I do need to work 20 hours/ week, the majority goes towards tuition but some of it goes towards other expenses. I have a 2 shift a week agreement, and the minimum shift is 10 hours, but I can't choose my shifts.

In my SATs I got 620 in CR and 560 in math. I had a UTI so the entire exam I had to go to the bathroom.

 

[ivorypearls]

Thank you so much for your response. I will try and seek out counseling, I didn't know I had strong symptoms of depression. How were you able to get through undergrad feeling like this? Do you think I should retake any of my courses?

I was depressed all throughout my adolescence so it was just something that I've grown accustomed to over the years. It was definitely a struggle trying to stay motivated at times and I felt like I needed to spend longer hours/put forth more effort studying than my peers to retain the same info. As others have already mentioned, I think the long work hours are definitely causing a lot of your burn-out. I didn't start gaining clinical experience until my junior year, when I was more able to balance academics with extracurriculars. If finances aren't a major issue, I would try to cut back on hours spend at work and focus more on your academics. As for retaking courses, try talking to your professors. But ultimately I think you know what's best for yourself and, as you said, there is still time and opportunity for you to improve.

 

[amazing tekkers]

I had a bit of a hard time transitioning too early on.

I think you should drop Calculus as the D would be bad on your GPA. You can always retake Chem 1 and Gen Bio.

Next semester, take a lighter load. Retake Calc and maybe some easier lib ed classes. See what works for you. Improve your study techniques, find places to study on campus, make friends and connection.

 

[moisne]

My grades on the first 3 are 60, 65, and 60

Yikes... You are probably looking at repeating most of these classes :/ unless they are non-applicable to med school

calculus, my grade is a D+

Do you HAVE to take calc? I hear (over the past 2-3 years) some schools now accept other math classes. If so, you will be looking at retaking this class and then probably applying to DO.

I can't study properly

I see that...

I feel very depressed.

I bet....

If I sit in class too long, I fall asleep.

That sounds like a medical issue - especially if you get 8 hours a night. If you are on meds, double check those. Coffee. Request to stand in class (I'm serious).

I work 20-25 hours a week

Stop that.
Do you think your measly almost minimal wage 20-25$/hour is worth the money you will be forking over for your extra year of tuition to retake classes? Come one, that's just stupid.

much of my time is spent waiting for someone to pick me up.

Time wasted is your fault. Grab a table anywhere and study. I carpool with my roommate and we have different stuff going on - sometimes I wait 4-5 hours a day - I just pull up a chair or a table and study. If I know it's a long time, I go to the library and study. Since your brother drive... study on the car. Back when I took calculus, I took a public transportation to college and I completed the entire week's of homework for calculus on a 1 hour bus ride (yes with station changes).

it feels embarrassing and I know that I don't have a "real" excuse for my bad performance.

No excuse is "real" excuse.
If you are sick... withdrawal, get better, then re-enroll. Not withdrawing is your own fault even with a medical issue.
Any other reasons are far less of an excuse

1. Should I retake any classes? Yes
2. What are some effective ways to study? How can I improve? What are you doing now? You should change it. Studying varies between individuals and between subjects. For math classes, I personally bought or torrented all the answer key and studied based on those - (No I don't consider it cheating, I don't remember if the homework were even graded - but if I saw HOW someone answered the question - I learn. I set the curves on most my math exams - homework is for learning and that's what I did; Anatomy - holy **** that was hard for me. I wrote my notes once, highlighted them, underlined them, used other people's online flashcards, etc).
3. How can I manage my time efficiently, any tips? (study during your waiting time, stop working, see a doctor about your narcolepsy)
4. Do I still have a chance for med school? (DO sure... MD maybe :/)
5. Any more advice on how I should proceed after a rough semester? You figure out what you did wrong, correct it, and go at it again.

 

[moisne]

SATs I got 620 in CR and 560 in math. I had a UTI

SAT is not STEP... you could've retook it. So I don't wanna hear about some UTI.

Yes, I do need to work 20 hours/ week, the majority goes towards tuition but some of it goes towards other expenses. I have a 2 shift a week agreement, and the minimum shift is 10 hours, but I can't choose my shifts.

1. Your tuition can't be that much if you are only working 20 hr/week at probably a sub 20$/hr pay. Take out loans. Some people can handle working and going to school, some can't. You can't. #truth
2. Your puny income (no offense) <<<<< Your tuition when you repeat a year. Not worth.

 

[SOMBound13]

SAT is not STEP... you could've retook it. So I don't wanna hear about some UTI.


1. Your tuition can't be that much if you are only working 20 hr/week at probably a sub 20$/hr pay. Take out loans. Some people can handle working and going to school, some can't. You can't. #truth
2. Your puny income (no offense) <<<<< Your tuition when you repeat a year. Not worth.

Why didn't you retake the SAT? Your modest score, even with a UTI, suggests that your high school may have had grade inflation. Are you sure that you're strong enough for premed?

Here's what I would suggest...

1) Drop the classes that you're doing poorly in. If necessary get a health professional, preferably a MD to support a complete medical withdrawal. Find out from your school what is needed. The MD may need to complete a school form.
2) Ask the school if you can take a Leave of Absense...for at least a semester, maybe a year.
3) Don't take any classes anywhere during this break.
4) Work as much as you can and bank the money.
5) Spend some of the time during your LOA self-studying some of your textbooks of the classes your dropped.
6) Get your depression under control
7) Return to school in either Fall 2016 or Spring 2017 (depending on how much you can save) and only work up to 10 hours MAX per week...preferably less during Orgo semesters.


That other person makes a good point...having to repeat classes that you've failed or done poorly in is a waste of money.

Are you taking out any student loans? Did you submit FAFSA? Maybe with two in college, you'll qualify for a Pell Grant.

 

[moisne]

Here's what I would suggest...

Why did you quote me? lol
JKJK... Didn't read!

VR = 6! My excuse

 

[SOMBound13]

Why did you quote me? lol
JKJK... Didn't read!

VR = 6! My excuse

Sorry for the confusion. I wasn't very clear. I was quoting your good question of asking why she didn't retake the SAT. I wasn't asking about your MCAT score. That said, yes, with a VR =6, retaking the MCAT is necessary.

I was also agreeing with your point that it's a waste of tuition money to end up having to retake classes due to working so much.

However, we don't know how much her state tuition is, or if she's getting any aid. There are some states with cheap public tuition and some with high tuition (Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania...to name a few)

 

[moisne]

Sorry for the confusion. I wasn't very clear. I was quoting your good question of asking why she didn't retake the SAT. I wasn't asking about your MCAT score. That said, yes, with a VR =6, retaking the MCAT is necessary.

Nah, made it into top 20. Somehow. I think they got me mixed up with someone else - or they somehow think my other areas were good enough to cover up the fact I never read an entire article. Half the problems I get wrong on my exams are from misreading the questions now - HAHA. Wish me luck on STEP.

 

[TeaAndCookies]

Why didn't you retake the SAT? Your modest score, even with a UTI, suggests that your high school may have had grade inflation. Are you sure that you're strong enough for premed?

Here's what I would suggest...

1) Drop the classes that you're doing poorly in. If necessary get a health professional, preferably a MD to support a complete medical withdrawal. Find out from your school what is needed. The MD may need to complete a school form.
2) Ask the school if you can take a Leave of Absense...for at least a semester, maybe a year.
3) Don't take any classes anywhere during this break.
4) Work as much as you can and bank the money.
5) Spend some of the time during your LOA self-studying some of your textbooks of the classes your dropped.
6) Get your depression under control
7) Return to school in either Fall 2016 or Spring 2017 (depending on how much you can save) and only work up to 10 hours MAX per week...preferably less during Orgo semesters.


That other person makes a good point...having to repeat classes that you've failed or done poorly in is a waste of money.

Are you taking out any student loans? Did you submit FAFSA? Maybe with two in college, you'll qualify for a Pell Grant.

I am not taking out any loans. Also, I did submit FAFSA and it covers 3/4 of my tuition, but they recently sent me a letter that I qualify for more because two of us are in college (so I am hoping to get a refund). Thank you for your advice!

 

[TeaAndCookies]

SAT is not STEP... you could've retook it. So I don't wanna hear about some UTI.


1. Your tuition can't be that much if you are only working 20 hr/week at probably a sub 20$/hr pay. Take out loans. Some people can handle working and going to school, some can't. You can't. #truth
2. Your puny income (no offense) <<<<< Your tuition when you repeat a year. Not worth.

Thank you for all of your advice, you make a good point about it costing more to retake classes. I don't know if I will stop working yet, but I will definitely think about it! Do you mind if I ask you how many hours/ day did you study on average in undergrad? Thanks again for your comprehensive answer!

 

[SOMBound13]

I am not taking out any loans. Also, I did submit FAFSA and it covers 3/4 of my tuition, but they recently sent me a letter that I qualify for more because two of us are in college (so I am hoping to get a refund). Thank you for your advice!

Yes, your FAFSA EFC will likely split in half, which means a larger Pell Grant. Do you need to update your FAFSA or did a FA officer do that for you? You need to look into that. You may need to go back into your FAFSA app and update the question about how many in your household will be in college...and put 2.

It sounds like your family has a modest income, which is why you're working so much. Get yourself to doctor and discuss your depression issues.

Since a Pell Grant is paying for most of your tuition, withdrawing totally may cause you to owe the school money. If you were to drop the class where you won't likely get a good grade, how many credits would you have left?

 

[SOMBound13]

Nah, made it into top 20. Somehow. I think they got me mixed up with someone else - or they somehow think my other areas were good enough to cover up the fact I never read an entire article. Half the problems I get wrong on my exams are from misreading the questions now - HAHA. Wish me luck on STEP.

Great. I see now that English isn't your first language. If so, then your med school likely was very lenient in regards to the VR 6

 

[moisne]

Great. I see now that English isn't your first language. If so, then your med school likely was very lenient in regards to the VR 6

Nope, it's my 3rd. I think they liked my 15s'? Or maybe they just liked me as a person - my interview was super weird but I was told that was the biggest reason I got in.

 

[moisne]

Thank you for all of your advice, you make a good point about it costing more to retake classes. I don't know if I will stop working yet, but I will definitely think about it! Do you mind if I ask you how many hours/ day did you study on average in undergrad? Thanks again for your comprehensive answer!

It's not going to help you - because I was lucky and I stumbled into the area of my talent in undergrad. I am really good with numbers so chem E was easy for me. Usually I didn't study for those classes - just pay attention in class (100% attention), look over some answer keys (or friend's homework/correct them) and get the idea and ace exams. However, I am no genius. I took an anatomy class in college - just 3 credit hours. I would say I studied more for that one class than all my chem E classes put together. I spent about 2 hours a day on that class alone - and it was an elective course. I also studied way harder than any of my friends in History classes - and I scored like two standard deviations below average (Class average 95.... Me = 75 ish... he curved me to a B because he felt bad for me). Same with English class (my verbal is a 6 on my MCAT). So on average, for a 22-26 credit hour load, between 2-4 hours a night (largely depending on which classes I was taking).

In college, I also discovered I have no musical talents. I have 1 F and 1 D and 1 W (maybe more if I was stupid enough to not learn my lesson) - they were in Art, choir, and band. At one point, one semester I had a 2.0 (only 6 credits so not a huge deal). Overall a pretty decent GPA (sGPA > cGPA lol - those damn english and history classes!), an unbalanced MCAT, and quite some luck.

We all have talents and weaknesses. You just have to play to your strength. If you are well balanced, you just gotta work all areas. If you are skewed (like me), you need to focus on your weaknesses a lot.

I quit working my second year of med school (right now) because I am really bad at memorizing and I will need to start prepping for boards (Step1) and will be taking out loans soon - because no amount of money is worth not doing well (and I make a lot per hour = but not enough to have an F on my med school transcript and failing step 1 and losing 1 or more years of physician salary). You just gotta know what you can and cannot handle - it's ok if you aren't superman/woman.

Edit: One more thing, I didn't get in my first attempt. MCAT was too low (VR was like a less than a 6 the first time, and my BS wasn't that great my first time either). But if you keep going at it - things will work out. I'm at my first choice school now

 

[SOMBound13]

What is your major? Is it in a subject that you really like and do well in? How are you doing in non-science classes?

If you're serious about becoming a physician, then I think that a science major may not be best for you. Are you strong in any of the liberal arts or humanities? Spanish? History? English? Something else?

 

[SOMBound13]

@moisne

One more thing, I didn't get in my first attempt. MCAT was too low (VR was like a less than a 6 the first time, and my BS wasn't that great my first time either). But if you keep going at it - things will work out. I'm at my first choice school now

Since English is your 3rd language, it's understandable that your VR score was overlooked. A native speaker would likely be expected to have at least an 8, or maybe a 7.

I'm amazed that you were able to work during your first year to pay for your tuition, room, board, etc. Are you at an instate public? Did you get a scholarship?

 

[moisne]

I didn't work many hours. I just charged a **** ton per hour. As I mentioned, I didn't get in my first try - went off, made some money. Now I just need to earn enough to support my rent and food money for the first two years. Loans maybe 3rd year or 4th year. Probably moving back home 3rd year since we rotate 3rd year anyways - no reason to pay for a place to stay.

Instate public <3 love my school.

Scholarship? They don't give scholarships to people who get 6's on VR - and Asian.

I'm amazed that you were able to work during your first year to pay for your tuition, room, board, etc. Are you at an instate public? Did you get a scholarship?

 

[TeaAndCookies]

What is your major? Is it in a subject that you really like and do well in? How are you doing in non-science classes?

If you're serious about becoming a physician, then I think that a science major may not be best for you. Are you strong in any of the liberal arts or humanities? Spanish? History? English? Something else?

Sorry for the late reply. I'm an undecided science major. Although I don't do best in my science classes, they're the most interesting to me and the most satisfying. I also take Spanish and I'm doing really well in the class! I really like learning new languages.

 

[SOMBound13]

Sorry for the late reply. I'm an undecided science major.

Although I don't do best in my science classes, they're the most interesting to me and the most satisfying.

I also take Spanish and I'm doing really well in the class! I really like learning new languages.

I think it's a bad idea for you to be a science major. If you know your can pull A's in Spanish as a major, do that.

 

[Capalina]

1) Don't work 20 hours a week if you're exhausted and not keeping up with school
2) Seek help from various campus services, academic assistance and possibly counselling which can be good for any stressful periods not just severe mental illness

edit: The two things that strike me, not question reponses

Maximize your loans so you dont need to work 20 hours; there is no need when you are trying to secure your gpa

 

[TeaAndCookies]

Maximize your loans so you dont need to work 20 hours; there is no need when you are trying to secure your gpa

For some reason I wasn't offered federal loans, even though my brother was.

 

[TBV]

You made a huge mistake laying on the classes like that. The hardest class I took first semester was a general statistics class. Others were gen eds like gym and history. Made the transition like butter until I could figure out the whole college thing.

 

[Whats up Doc!]

Your taking too heavy of a course load, take one science and one math class per semester and then pre-reqs (fillers). Definitely stop working 20+ hours if you're feeling tired, or choose to work the 20+ hours and dont make it into med school. Also I bombed my freshman year, I went through allot of the same stuff you did and heres how I recovered. I moved back home and went to a college I could commute to (saved tons of $$$$$), I became extremely serious about school and my gpa skyrocketed. Over three years I did all the extracurriculars I could (one per semester) like volunteering, research, joining clubs, shadowing... I still felt that wasnt good enough so I enrolled in a post-bacc (w/masters degree) program at a top ranked school and it was amazing but besides that it worked and ended up in an acceptance!

So good news is your definitely not screwed but you have to stop what your doing, speak to a counselor, and definitely give yourself an easier schedule. You should definitely retake (over time) since you'll have to show schools that you can actually do the work and besides you'll need this info for the MCAT.