Day 162: Physics test results

A 21 point curve. That was how bad the class did. At least 80% of the class got an F.

When you make a multiple choice test with only 19 questions, that's not so absurd.

We haven't gotten our tests themselves back. Just the general results.

I really hate today.

Day 159: Physiology or Biology II?

I am currently debating which classes to take. I'm obviously going to be taking the second part of Organic Chemistry and Physics (and their respective labs). The dilemma is whether I should take Physiology instead of Biology II.

My friends in Bio II say that all they're learning about is plants and ecosystems and things that won't be on the MCAT. Physiology is more applicable to the body (obviously) and to what I may see on the MCAT.

Basically, Physiology is the better class but I checked out some Admissions Requirements for some med schools and they all require one year of General Biology (whatever that means). I'm trying to see if I can have Physiology count as "general biology" or if I'm going to have to take it. I've also heard that it looks better to med schools that I've taken Physiology. And if it's required, I'll take it in the summer or the fall (wherever I am).

I think I'm just trying to get/find some affirmation that Physiology is going to be better for me (for the application process and the MCAT) and that it's better to have that rather than a full year of Biology when I apply. I mean, I'm going to get that year, it just won't be consecutively. Pish posh, at this point, what about me is consecutive or somewhat normal (by human and/or pre-med standards)?

On another note, I think I'm going to continue SIP. I think. I'll have three classes with three labs and hardcore studying/prep for the MCAT. Oh fudge. Writing it out makes it more obvious that my schedule next semester is going to be the death of me. Maybe I can't SIP. UGH.

Decisions, decisions.

Day 157: Back to school and NY Pictures

Hey all,

I have returned from the Big Apple. It's still big and apple like. Anyhoo, here are the few pictures I took of the city and whatnot.

New York Public Library -- a couple was getting married that day!


Ashley's hand is blocking the flash -- still, fun picture :P


Central Park (from the lower west side)


More shots from the nouveau-discovered-lake-thing


Just a guy lounging, reading, enjoying the day

It's been a difficult week. Mainly because my head hasn't been in the game but I'm setting it straight this weekend. It was an easy week though, no labs, just hanging out really.

Physics test next week (uh, yeah, about that) and then a Chem II test to proctor. And then more tests. Whatever, c'est la vie de une etudiante (I have no idea if any of that was correct...I like to make up words in different languages :P)

Day 150: So close to New York

I took my biology exam yesterday and it was fine. I didn't feel as sure of the exam as my friends did but I did fine.

New York is turning into a bigger hassle than I thought because as of 1:58pm, I have to idea who will be taking me to the airport and the parking fees are going to be annoying for five days (about thirty bucks). It's fine if I have to drive myself (it might actually be better) but it sucks nonetheless.

I need this break. However, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to escape from school work. I'm quite positive my handy dandy Organic textbook is coming with me to NYC. Along with some extraneous biology and physics notes. Whatever. It's time for vacation people.

Day 148: Test results, part two

It's official. We have entered the Twilight Zone.

My friend Chris did better than me. By two points. That is completely absurd. I wish I could explain how much more innately intelligent I am than he...among other things. And I say that sincerely. Everything about today is completely off.

To begin, our Organic professor decided to leave the exams in front of his office for students to pick up. Great. Instead of getting all grabby with other students, I decided to wait until the rush passed and I would get it later. When I get up there, my exam is gone. Gone. Someone took it? I thought maybe Chris got it for me but when I saw him later he said he didn't. Well, I tell my professor that it's not there and he proceeds to 1) tell me my score (with a "good job") and 2) send out a mass e-mail about my exam. Goody.

I find out later that my friend in my Physics lab decided to get my exam for me since she knew she'd see me later that day (in said Physics lab). Uh, great? At least I got my exam. I went through it to see my mistakes and they don't seem to be anything I could really try and get any points back for. Let me tell you, at this point, my day has gone completely to hell.

Chris does not do better than me. In this universe, a parallel one or even an alternate one. It just doesn't happen. My ego is bruised, my life has no meaning and I'm in complete shambles. (Only a mild exaggeration)

I can't wait to go to New York. It'll just clear my head of all this stupid BS that is school and my life in North Carolina. Too bad I have to study for my Biology exam right now. I have been. And I will continue to do so throughout the probably-not-s0-scintillating debate tonight.

I am so not with-it right now, I can't even tell you. FUDGESICLES.

Day 148: Test results (for real!)

I get my Organic exam back in about four hours. Dun-dun-dunnnn.

I have a Biology exam tomorrow.

New York the day after that.

I haven't packed. I've been sleepy so studying's been going okay. No one has come to SIP for the past two days/sessions because they just had their test on Thursday so I've just been hanging out and studying.

Sorry this is so paltry. It might be a two-parter to let you know how well? badly? I did on the exam.

Day 144: Test results...sort of

I think I just realized how boring this must be for all of you. Tests, studying, blah blah blah. I'll try and be better about making it more personal without laying all my goods out. Sound like a plan?

Anyhoo, the Organic exam was good. I have no idea how I did because there's always the inevitability of human error but I felt prepared. I've finally decided how this professors tests. Most professors have you read the book, do problems and ta-da! You know it. When you walk into the test, you've seen it all before. That is not the case with this guy...let's call him Professor Steeler (he's from the Pittsburgh area). He truly tests you on concepts. Reading and doing problems won't cut it. You need to actually understand what is happening in the reaction and why the nucleophile attacks the electrophile and whatnot because come test day, he will throw you a curve ball. And if you're a good hitter, you'll be able to tweak your ability (in this case Organic Chemistry knowledge) to hit the ball (answer the question).

The Physics lab test went fine. He actually tested us on Labs 1, 2 and 3 (instead of only 1 & 2). Therefore, upon his mistake, we have to have another test this week. There is one nice caveat though. He called out some students' names after the test and said "If I called your name, you got above a 90 so you can decide whether or not to take the test next week. If you don't, I will just count this grade as your first test grade." ...he called my name, so that was nice. I don't foresee me taking the test next week since I need to study for my Biology exam on Thursday.

Ooh! Here's something personal...I'm off to New York next weekend! We have a fall break and I think I need to get my butt out of town for a few days to clear my head and not be here basically. It's nothing bad but it'll be a nice break. I get to eat good food and see my wonderful friends and just be in a city that thrives and where I don't fear for my life when it gets dark out (only half-kidding).

So this week, get through it. Study for Biology. The end.

Day 140: Test prep (Organic, Physics Lab)

We're hitting hump day (I've only recently discovered that term refers to Wednesday) and usually once 5pm Wednesday comes, I'm just about home free. However, I've got my second Organic exam on Friday and I've got this dumb test during my Physics lab tomorrow. Blah.

Just wanted to keep you posted that I'm doing tons o' Organic problems, lots of alkene mechanisms (whee!), reviewing my Physics labs and other geeky science things. All things good basically.

Here's a mechanism I need to work on:

Peroxyacid + alkene -----> Epoxide

Day 138: Some new ideas

I've been thinking that since the love of my life Joy will not be here next year (fingers crossed she'll be at pharmacy school back home) and North Carolina is by no means home, I'm thinking about going home after I'm done this year. Granted, that was intentionally the plan but then I made friends and realized I'd sort of established myself here and blah blah blah. Then I realized my friends are only so-so (the norm, discovering flaws in people after you've hung out with them so much) and my sister's pretty convinced that this place is not good for my soul (she may or may not be correct in that assumption).

The old plan: Stay here. Take calculus over the summer OR (maybe) apply to this "Medical Education Development Program" at UNC-Chapel Hill (basically a program where I take med school courses before I actually get in to medical school). Take cool courses like biochemistry and physiology to further my science aptitude and impress med schools. I would have already established myself -- with the school, with a hospital where I volunteer, etc. Post-bacc friends are here! (Some will leave but most of them will still be here.) Live with Chris (as was the plan) -- and may a somewhat small rent.

The "new" plan: Go home. If I don't do the MedEd (my own little shortening :D) program, then I will have taken calculus so I can scratch that sucker off. Enroll in a local state school where I will take biochemistry and physiology to further my science aptitude. I need to look more into it but maybe I could take it at the Berkeley extension which will certainly impress schools more than UNCG (let's be honest). Be with my family. Be much closer to my sister. Be with other, non-post-bacc friends. Not pay rent. Save more money. Be closer to schools I'm applying to (read: in-state).

As it looks, I'm leaning towards this new plan (hence the more prevalent pros) but it's still in the works.

Any thoughts?

Day 134: Nice weather and moods

I had some extra time today so I thought I would blog. I know how excited that makes you all ;)

Anyway, I've decided to work on "not sweating the small stuff." And this sentiment deals mainly with friends and such but I think I'm letting it apply to school. There are things you can't change after the fact (like a not-so-hot lab score) and then there are things you can (such as studying like a maniac for upcoming exams) change before the fact. I know, I know, I'm a little late on the uptake but at least I got it.

I saw my friend Joy's cat for her Anatomy class. It's all dead and in a box and they named it Butters. I can't wait for Gross Anatomy where I get to hang out with a cadaver. (Seriously.)

Physics is still the absolute bane of my existence. That professor blows. Hard.

I'm learning to identify patterns in alkene reactions (Organic) so that's sweet.

I've realized/decided that Biology is going to be sheer memorization. No real concepts. No real understanding. Just stuff you gotta know. ...uhh...fun?

And my moods have been on the upswing mainly as a result of ... the weather? And family and friends that care. And just getting my act together and getting myself out of these slumps. I can't depend on others for everything. That's just irrational.