2 answers
Sephora
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What can I do when whatever I do, I cannot make good enough grades in science?
Since my first semester of college, I've noticed that I am struggling with making good grades in my science based courses. Considering I am a science major, the toll that this has taken on me is grave. I have looked up and tried many study habits and methods and feel like nothing is working for me. It's frustrating putting so much effort into something that you want so bad, that nothing is working. It has gotten to the point where my advisor is asking me to consider another major. Knowing that being in medicine is truly my passion it is disheartening to hear.
#Fall2025
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2 answers
Sabrina Taylor
Senior Project Manager
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sabrina’s Answer
I will answer this as a non-medical professional. A science based undergraduate degree is not a requirement to get into medical school. My father was a Chemistry major and has been a life long software engineer. I am a Civil Engineer by education, and now I am a project major installing High Voltage Direct Current transmissions lines.
That is to say, your undergrad is about learning how to learn. I struggled with math all of the sudden when I went to college and math always came easy to me! Is it the learning environment? Do you have a balance in your life (ie hobbies)? Do you learn in different ways than those being offered at school?
Please consider that you can take the prerequisites for medical school as electives and non-degree seeking coursework. In the meantime, you could look at a change in major as an opportunity to maintain a high GPA, learn good study habits and test taking skills, and keep yourself balanced as you look at your next steps.
Rome was not built in a day. Good luck!
That is to say, your undergrad is about learning how to learn. I struggled with math all of the sudden when I went to college and math always came easy to me! Is it the learning environment? Do you have a balance in your life (ie hobbies)? Do you learn in different ways than those being offered at school?
Please consider that you can take the prerequisites for medical school as electives and non-degree seeking coursework. In the meantime, you could look at a change in major as an opportunity to maintain a high GPA, learn good study habits and test taking skills, and keep yourself balanced as you look at your next steps.
Rome was not built in a day. Good luck!
Good morning ma'am, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I appreciate your insight. I have set up a meeting with my pre-health advisors and my academic advisor to discuss the other pathways I can take to get into medical school because I refuse to give up. I understand that a science based degree isn't needed. I guess that I just didn't want to accept the fact that the way I planned my future, Isn't the way it would work out for me. Thank you again !
Sephora
Thank you for the comment back. The saying that comes to mind is "the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Life is full of adversity and is totally unpredictable; chance can easily interfere with the most meticulous plans. A slight reroute is just fine. Based on your comments, I have no doubt you will make it medical school! Keep being great.
Sabrina Taylor
Raj Khurana
30
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Raj’s Answer
First, focus on learning and put in honest effort, and time studying. Science is a bit different from say learning history. For example, when you do one reading of history chapter, you pretty much get the sense of what you are reading. In science, at times you have to go over the class chapter two or three times before it syncs in.
It is great that your goal is to be studying medicine. However, please do not lose heart if you do not get into medicine. With college degree, you will have multiple options to have a good job which you will find satisfying.
Also, do not be too focused on grades. Once you focus on learning, putting in honest effort and time, seek help wherever available, good grades will follow. By tensing yourself about grades may be holding you back from performing better, so, please do not tense yourself about grades.
Bottom line I suggest is, keep going, do not give up and in the long run, it is better to get a college degree. A college degree with B or C average is better than no degree.
I strongly believe that with your desire to be in medicine, you will achieve your goal. So, stay positive, confident and in high spirits.
It is great that your goal is to be studying medicine. However, please do not lose heart if you do not get into medicine. With college degree, you will have multiple options to have a good job which you will find satisfying.
Also, do not be too focused on grades. Once you focus on learning, putting in honest effort and time, seek help wherever available, good grades will follow. By tensing yourself about grades may be holding you back from performing better, so, please do not tense yourself about grades.
Bottom line I suggest is, keep going, do not give up and in the long run, it is better to get a college degree. A college degree with B or C average is better than no degree.
I strongly believe that with your desire to be in medicine, you will achieve your goal. So, stay positive, confident and in high spirits.
Thank you so much ! I do tend to stress myself out about grades a lot.
Sephora