Feeling dumb lately.

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I've been having issues lately with feeling like I've become dumber or something. This is my last semester of college, and I'm planning on going to grad school in the fall. My major is genetics. I've got a decent GPA, 3.7+, and I've always thought of myself as a relatively intelligent person. I completed all the core classes within my major and got good grades in them, as well as in classes not as closely related to my major. On exams I never get the highest score in class, but for the most part I score way above average. </p>

<p>However, this final semester of school, I have not been doing as well. I just finished my first round of exams for the semester, and I scored basically average on all of them. I don't know if I'm just being a perfectionist or if I should be worried, but I'm really not used to getting just average. The thing about it that really bothers me is that I scored average on 3 different exams in 3 different courses, not just one exam.</p>

<p>To make matters worse, I received my score for a GRE practice test today, and I scored disappointingly low. Like...below 50th percentile. This is making me even more worried about how I will do on the actual GRE.</p>

<p>Lately, I feel like I'm spreading myself thin for the same amount of coursework that I used to be fine with and get all A's in. I do get enough sleep every night and exercise often, so I don't know if that has to do with this. My good work has ran out the door this semester and my motivation has gone down as well, but my stress level has been relatively high. </p>

<p>I am just worried about what this all is going to do for my ability to get into a good graduate school and hoping that my motivation/concentration/intelligence will return. Has anyone ever encountered a problem like this? Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with this?</p>

2

<p>Have you talked to your professors about your difficulties in the class? Usually they are happy to help students better understand the material. Figure out why you made the mistakes you did – and if you don’t understand why, then ask.</p>

<p>Also, you might want to check out your university’s health services. They should have counselors to help you deal with the added stress. For all you know, you aren’t performing as well as usual because you’ve put too much pressure on yourself. They may be able to give you a plan to manage your anxiety.</p>

<p>Last, I don’t know what “average” is in your estimation. It’s highly unlikely that you are getting “dumber” unless you have a neurological condition; you sound perfectly articulate to me. I suspect the combination of advanced coursework and the stress you feel is putter greater demands on your concentration. If you are spending more time online, then curb it, immediately. If you are drinking/partying more, or playing poker, or whatever, then you’ll do well to avoid those activities except on weekends – at least until you get the semester under control. </p>

<p>Form a plan to help you deal with any organizational issues that may have cropped up. Set a realistic amount of time aside per day for GRE prep. (Make sure you understand why you aren’t scoring as high on the GRE as you expected.) Read over your notes on a daily basis to avoid having to cram and/or learn material the night before an exam. And do see if you can get help with your stress and, if applicable, depression. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Hmm I suspect some burn out here. I would definitely make a visit to the counseling center to help you clean up your plate a bit.</p>