How to Recover

[HopelessPreMed]

Hey all,  

 New to this forum (lurker for the past 6 months :p) 

    I'm currently doing my 2nd semester (of 1st year) at Western (UWO) in their Medical Sciences Program. For now. 

 First semester was NOT a smooth transition for me, I really found myself lacking behind and having trouble keeping up (marks below). I ultimately had to drop a course so I will finish the year with a 4.5 course load but the program needs 5.0 course load. Which basically means I'm going to be dropped from the program, which to be honest I'm not concerned about. I would drop into Gen Science but the first two years are the same for both programs nonetheless so I would just apply in 3rd year to get into Med Sciences again. But I'm looking into the Neuroscience module (its an early module so I'd apply this year to start for 18/19 school year). I'm concerned beacuse as I mentioned, my marks are NOT great. I am looking into Med School as a career but I dont see how it would be feasible after this horrendous year. I have 3 midterms over the next two weeks, I'm confident for the one on This Friday, the other 2; I'm already behind so I'm trying to catch up in time. Even with all this crap, I still try to stay involved in the community for EC wise beavsue I geninely enjoy it and I'm also in a research lab, where theres not many first years I know of doing research already. I'm applying with my PI for a summer funding program which idk if I'll get with my marks. Any advice to turn around this semester and just in the future for my UG? I find myself sitting in the library for 6-7 hours but I dont do anything, I spend ALOt of time on Facebook or on my phone even though I know it's hurting my studying  If anyone can PM or just help me figure it out, I would LOVe your response. Thanks guys 

 1st semester 

Chemistry - 77 (3.3) 

Physics-  73 (3.0)

Biology- 81 (3.7)

 

 

 

[freewheeler]

There's a lot going on here.

I am sure there have been similar threads in the past, that likely have replies full of helpful suggestions. Perhaps try digging around on the forum a bit.

First year is a rough transition for a lot of people and for a multitude of reasons--socially, emotionally, physically, academically, time management wise, etc.

Try to identify an undergraduate program and courses that you find enjoyable/fulfilling to learn more about. This helps the workload not feel as burdensome.

It's quite early to even know whether med school is the right option, but if it is something you are committed to pursuing, then I would recommend doing what you can to protect your GPA.

As far as med school admissions go GPA >> MCAT > ECs

You can always look into getting your first year grades 'written off' if you speak with the registrar afaik and detail your difficulty with the transition. Different med schools have different weighting formulas as to how they calculate applicant GPAs, so one poor year wouldn't be an insurmountable hurdle.

You've got 2 weeks before a number of midterms. Just focus on doing your best on those and if you need to, drop the courses before the deadline to have course marks dropped from your transcript.

Honestly undergrad and med school have been an endless cycle of getting behind and then playing catch up. Fortunately for myself, things have continued to work out, but I can assure you that it is not the least bit pleasant to continually churn through that cycle.

ECs can be great not only for building your resume, but maintaining your sanity and giving you other things to focus your attention on, provide a break from studying and to help you meet people with similar interests. At the same time, please reflect on how well you are able to manage ECs alongside academics and if you feel you need to step back and just focus on grades/self-care for a bit, definitely do so. 

Look into your university's resources. Often they will have workshops on time management, studying strategies, etc. Counselling can also be another option if you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, etc.

In general, try to exercise regularly, eat well, get to bed as early as you reasonably can, don't forget to spend time with family/friends and remember to set aside some quiet time for yourself as often as possible.

As far as I am aware, there are no quick fixes and it's really just about adjusting your lifestyle/academics and looking into any supports available to you, in order to help things operate more smoothly for you.

For me, undergrad was a grind and med school has been as well. Take your time, I know you feel like you need to be 'on track' or in a rush to get to where you think you want to be, but once you're on that 'conveyor belt' it doesn't stop. Be kind to yourself, and try to do your best to enjoy life first and foremost. Most of pursuing medicine and then going through med school is rather bland.