<p>So first semester grades are out, and they were not nice. I ended up with a C+ in both Gen Chem and Gen Chem Lab. Now, I'm a little hesitate with sticking to the pre-med track.
A little background -- I go to a school that has about an 85% acceptance rate to med school, however, it also has about a 75% drop-out rate from the premed track. Throughout the Gen Chem course, we have 3 tests and a final. At the beginning of the course, I felt extremely confident - on the first two tests, I scored about 18 points above average, which gave me an A in the course. However, before the 3rd test, I got really sick, couldn't study nearly as much as I'm used to, and ended up doing horribly. It just went down hill from there. As for Chem lab, I would do about average (which would give me a B), but didn't study enough for the last test, which was given the day after we got back from Thanksgiving break, and got a D on the test. So, that's where the C+ comes from.
So, I wanted to ask - do you guys believe that if I get a 4.0 in all my science courses, besides those two C+s, that I still have a chance at Med School?
-Thanks.</p>
<p>Doesn't matter what we believe....what do YOU believe? Surely you didn't think med school was going to be a walk in the park and if/when you become a doctor, what kind of doctor would you want to be? Hopefully one that has a passion for the profession and for people and not just in it for the money. If you find the passion in what you are doing you will also find the purpose. Good luck.</p>
<p>Tarheel is more than a little harsh. And it's entirely unnecessary. </p>
<p>Yes, you still have a chance at med school. I got a B in one semester of organic and a C+ in the other semester, had a lot of B's in other science classes (Both semesters of Gen Chem, both semesters of biochem, 1 semester of physics).</p>
<p>Part of being pre-med is perseverance. A 75% drop out rate of pre-med is pretty standard at most schools. If your heart isn't it, look around, find something else. It is certainly possible that you weren't meant to be a doctor and something else is more appropriate - even if you aren't sure what that is yet. On the other hand, maybe you are meant to be a physician and this is just testing your wherewithal and willingness to stick with it. </p>
<p>It can be scary having to make a switch. One of the biggest reasons so many people start out pre-med is because they have no idea what sort of career possibilities really exist. Most HSers are stuck thinking they have to be either a doctor, lawyer, engineer, business person or teacher. It's completely okay not to know what you want to be. I'm in med school and didn't recognize until 2nd semester of junior year of college that my legitimate, desired plan B career even existed, and it wasn't until I was into the med school application process that I realized I could be very happy doing this other career if I didn't get into medical school. As it stands right now, I'm in med school and looking for ways to incorporate part of that career into my future, even if I can't have that job. </p>
<p>So basically, yes you have a chance for med school still, but don't be afraid if you decide it's not what you really want - even if you don't know what you really want.</p>
<p>Goesaroundgoes, I'm pretty much in the same situation as you are. Premed, freshman, low first semester grades at a top rated university having doubts about med school chances. It would be great to hear more opinions and feedback on this topic from current and past med students.</p>
<p>The best advice is to stick with it a couple more semesters and see.</p>
<p>None of us know you so we don't know the reason for the low grades. Sometimes, it's correctable. Sometimes, the kid just doesn't have what it takes. Not everyone can be a doctor.</p>
<p>You're still a freshman. Just pick up your grades in the coming semesters. You can do it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
So, I wanted to ask - do you guys believe that if I get a 4.0 in all my science courses, besides those two C+s, that I still have a chance at Med School?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yes. Chances are, though, that you're not going to get a 4.0 in the rest of your BCPM courses. Keep in mind that the stats for the average accepted med student are about a 3.6 GPA.</p>
<p>First semester can be bumpy for a whole bunch of reasons - you should seriously think about why you're having trouble. If you were like me and had trouble adjusting to the higher standards that college holds you to, then it might pass with time and a lot of effort. If you were cocky and decided to blow off a test, then you probably shouldn't keep doing that.</p>
<p>I sort of wobbled through my first two years in college. Freshman year, I did just fine in Honors Gen. Chem, but I didn't do that well in Calc II and III or in my gen. ed. reqs. While in the UK studying abroad first semester sophomore year, I did very well, but I messed up second semester sophomore year by bombing Honors Orgo II pretty badly - I don't think the teacher could've given me a lower grade without the department head yelling at him. I managed to squeak by with an overall 3.6 GPA (which was the minimum to kepe my scholarship - phew!). Not bad, but not where I wanted to be, either.</p>
<p>It wasn't until junior year that I really got my act together. I had a lot more maturity, which translated into better writing and analyses for my English and gen. ed. requirements, and I really clicked with Physical Chemistry I and II, which meant that my overall and BCPM GPA overall went up. By the time I applied to medical school, my overall and BCPM GPA were 3.7.</p>
<p>If you really like science and think that being a physician is your calling, then stick it out for another 2 or 3 semesters. After then, you can seriously evaluate your chances, GPA-wise.</p>
<p>Of course, BRM and NCG have good advice. :)</p>
<p>I think you should take this opportunity to really evaluate your study habits and see what you're doing wrong to earn these grades. Odds are, you know what the problem is ;). Just get your act together, show a trend in improvement, and you'll get into med school.</p>
<p>hey if ur at a top school and getting average grades why not go to a less competitive school and get A's? good GPA</p>
<p>I agree with the key messages above. I have heard of some top schools being 'burn-out conducive'. JHU and Stanford come to mind.</p>
<p>One should not really consider transferring until you have gone through at least Fall and Spring at the school. You might be able to amend your trend.</p>
<p>First evaluate what you could have done better in Fall. Why did you get lower grades than expected? Was it because you partied too hard before tests and did not study hard enough or was it because you studied without much focus? It helps to chat with students who are a year ahead of you. Find out from them about their experiences with the upcoming courses you plan to take. Find out their study strategies and tips. Ask them if they have any old tests for you to practice with. </p>
<p>If it was because you did not understand the material very well, don't hesitate to approach the Tutoring center. Any honest and ethical attempts you make to correct you situation should never be considered a condescending issue. Many students hesitate to ask for help lest they appear weak in a particular subject. You really should not worry about appearances. You can not submit "appearances" in your Med school application. The grades, you do! So, the bottom line is to seek help if you need it.</p>
<p>It also helps to study in study groups. If a subject is dry and difficult, studying in groups can help you understand it better. It helps you to get other people's understanding and perspective about study topics.</p>
<p>I think if you apply all these strategies together, your grades are likely to improve. </p>
<p>If after all these attempts you still find that results are not positive, then at that point you can consider rethinking about your major. </p>
<p>As BRM and S_C mention, you certainly have a chance of improving your grades if you indulge in some 'self reflection' and amend your study habits.</p>
<p>Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Thanks guys!!
I just wanted to update you guys and let you know that I was able to get an A in Chem !! :D !</p>
<p>Excellent, goesaroundgoes. Keep up the good work and take a bit of a rest this summer.</p>