- Joined
- May 29, 2020
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 5
I had a meeting with the Student Academic Committee today and was told I am dismissed from dental school (D1) after failing 2 science classes my first trimester. I had a hard time with all of my didactic courses, barely scrapping by with a passing grade on the other science courses, but was doing well in my clinical courses. All of my assignments were turned in on time and I arrived consistently on time for all classes and attended tutoring sessions.
Although I had an idea that dental school would be challenging, I didn’t think I would struggle so much academically. The first two months I had difficulty finding a study method that helped me retain the material. I was experimenting with study methods that worked for other people, rather than sticking to a study method. I was not retaining the information, which put me behind in most of the classes, making it harder to catch up. Throughout undergrad, I commuted to college, so I always had my parents as my support system. Being away from them was hard as is, but my roommate also left on medical leave a few weeks into the trimester. It was difficult adjusting from living with my family to suddenly living by myself. Also, after failing the first exam I truly believed that I could do better on the next exam if I studied harder, but after failing another I lost my confidence. I didn't know what I could fix to improve. I had difficulty focusing during the exam since I was often overthinking about the results of my low scores and their consequences. Also, I was constantly comparing myself to how everyone else in the class was doing and felt lost on why I was struggling so much. Not only was it harder for me to adapt academically, but I was struggling mentally, which I didn’t realize until I talked with a phycologist during winter break. She made me realize that all the changes I encountered in the past few months were impacting my mental health and causing me to have anxiety.
After receiving the failing grades, I hoped for the best outcome, either being put in the five year program or repeating the year. I have started the appeal process, but would like to know what my options are. Is getting into another dental school possible? What are my options on how to handle this situation? Any advice would be appreciated.
Although I had an idea that dental school would be challenging, I didn’t think I would struggle so much academically. The first two months I had difficulty finding a study method that helped me retain the material. I was experimenting with study methods that worked for other people, rather than sticking to a study method. I was not retaining the information, which put me behind in most of the classes, making it harder to catch up. Throughout undergrad, I commuted to college, so I always had my parents as my support system. Being away from them was hard as is, but my roommate also left on medical leave a few weeks into the trimester. It was difficult adjusting from living with my family to suddenly living by myself. Also, after failing the first exam I truly believed that I could do better on the next exam if I studied harder, but after failing another I lost my confidence. I didn't know what I could fix to improve. I had difficulty focusing during the exam since I was often overthinking about the results of my low scores and their consequences. Also, I was constantly comparing myself to how everyone else in the class was doing and felt lost on why I was struggling so much. Not only was it harder for me to adapt academically, but I was struggling mentally, which I didn’t realize until I talked with a phycologist during winter break. She made me realize that all the changes I encountered in the past few months were impacting my mental health and causing me to have anxiety.
After receiving the failing grades, I hoped for the best outcome, either being put in the five year program or repeating the year. I have started the appeal process, but would like to know what my options are. Is getting into another dental school possible? What are my options on how to handle this situation? Any advice would be appreciated.