<p>Being accepted to UCLA was unreal and to actually commit felt incredible. But right now I am starting to get a bit nervous for the upcoming quarter. I was rather surprised when I was admitted and now I am starting to acknowledge the stress within me that has ballooned significantly since submitting my SIR. I want to succeed and I will work hard. However, I expect to be at the bottom of the totem pole on campus intelligence-wise.</p>
<p>I guess what I am trying to convey is that I do not want to fail. And I know that I won't, but I want to attend UCLA's dental school post-undergrad and I don't want my chances to be diminished and or destroyed by the fact that I might end up with a C on my transcript. </p>
<p>I know it's trivial to worry over something like this, but it's only natural to feel this, right? I certainly hope I am not alone. Plus I am moving OOS to attend and will be leaving behind my family so I'd imagine that's contributing to my nerves as well. </p>
<p>OK, that's all. I just had to get that out there.</p>
<p>I would take it easy, don’t overload your schedule with too many premed classes. One science class to see how you do and the rest general electives. My coworker has a son who did switch to music major after pre-med and he is going to go to local UC after graduation to finish some pre-dental requirements.</p>
<p>I’m sure many people feel the same way as you do, but I would recommend to relax and enjoy your summer. Yes, the competition at UCLA is stiff, nothing compared to high school and you will need to hit the ground running but if you put in the time, develop good study habits, and take advantage of your resources, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t perform well in your classes. I found making a plan (and some backups) for undergrad helped a lot. It’ll probably take some time to adjust and find your niche, so keep your schedule light first quarter. </p>
<p>Attend office hours if you don’t understand something, make friends with classmates and meet new people, join clubs and basically have an outlet and place you can go to get away for a bit when things get tough, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, etc. Seek that balance between academics and social life. </p>
<p>Don’t think about all the things that could go wrong. Just think about all the new amazing experiences you’re going to have. You definitely seem like a Bruin because we like to constantly worry about classes, majors, minors, curves etc. Just remain calm and go with the flow. A lot of freshman come in thinking that they’re at the bottom of the totem pole, I definitely did. Truth is that when you enter college, you’re given a fresh new slate. People will brag about how they were their school’s valedictorian, which is great but it’s in the past now.
To avoid this stress that you’re having, try to be knowledgeable about things. Ask your counselor, peers, upper-classmen(are great resources!) and try to have a plan. Don’t stress out about it though, just know your options and you won’t miss deadlines and such.</p>
<p>I have some tips for succeeding at UCLA that are in a sticky at the top of the forum. You might find something useful in that post.
Then be the hardest worker! Seriously, lots of kids that are very bright show up at college and never reach what is supposed to be their potential because they don’t work hard enough. Even someone that skated by on their innate smarts in HS is not going to be able to do that in college. There isn’t anything they throw at you that can’t be learned if you’re willing to put in the effort. If you’re tormented by the thought that someone else is getting by with less effort then I don’t know what to tell you. But if what matters to you is how you do then the good news is that’s under your control. Especially for math/science classes many kids find they put in 6-10 hours per week outside of class studying, doing homework, doing extra problems (there is no law against more practice!). </p>