Study and stress

[Buddyball]

Hi, I've been working so hard, but my marks have not reflected this. In particular, I started to have blips on my marks, such as getting 60% on two of my assessment tasks ( both are worth 5% and 15% respectively). In the other assessment tasks, I've been getting 80-90s. I'm worried because I want to get into med, and I'm in first year, and worried that I have screwed up my GPA? I've been stressing out quite a bit and lost a bit of confidence in my abilities.  Am I just paranoid?

[Russ]

Getting 60% on a task worth 15% overall gives you 9/15, whereas getting 80% gives you 12/15. Really not that big a deal. The difference is even more miniscule for a task worth 5%.

Every first year student will fell like this at some point, the adjustment to university assessment is tough and takes a fair bit of getting used to (as does the learning style and requirements).

As for your GPA, no you haven't. Read this; GPA for PostGraduate Medicine Explained

[ferrsal]

Hi, I've been working so hard, but my marks have not reflected this. In particular, I started to have blips on my marks, such as getting 60% on two of my assessment tasks ( both are worth 5% and 15% respectively). In the other assessment tasks, I've been getting 80-90s. I'm worried because I want to get into med, and I'm in first year, and worried that I have screwed up my GPA? I've been stressing out quite a bit and lost a bit of confidence in my abilities.  Am I just paranoid?

Hey idk if this will ease your worry but I'm a first year and I feel exactly the same way and I know that many others are too! I have also done poorly in 2 assessments even though i feel like I'm working non-stop. Hopefully we will adjust soon

[Shenz0r]

I'm feeling the same here.

[Russ]

If it makes you feel better, my average increased by about 10% between first year and second year.

[simpak]

My average increased with the ascent to second year too!  Don't worry guys, your first assessments are worth slightly less (eg 15%) so that you have a chance to learn how things are done, without it impacting your grades too severely.  Nobody expects you to master the style of uni learning immediately.

[Belgarion]

i was worried too until i found out that 1st year subjects only contribute 2% each to your gpa, dont sweat it Doesnt mean you shouldn't try your best, but we are still learning the ropes 

[charmanderp]

Is it first year subjects that count less, or level 1 subjects specifically? Like what if you did a level 1 subject in your third year?

[Starlight]

Is it first year subjects that count less, or level 1 subjects specifically? Like what if you did a level 1 subject in your third year?

first year

[charmanderp]

So if I do a level 2 subject this year it counts for less than a level 1 subject done next year?

[Peedles]

So if I do a level 2 subject this year it counts for less than a level 1 subject done next year?

Exactly!

That's why many people opt for retaining some of their 1st year subjects and completing them in 3rd year to maximise their GPA.

[Russ]

Cough post linked above cough

[jinny1]

Exactly!

That's why many people opt for retaining some of their 1st year subjects and completing them in 3rd year to maximise their GPA.

But a level 1 subject doesn't necessarily mean it's easier than a level 2 subject right?

[Peedles]

You're right! Not necessarily but there are definitely some that are easier.

[charmanderp]

Exactly!

That's why many people opt for retaining some of their 1st year subjects and completing them in 3rd year to maximise their GPA.

Thank you!

What happens if, for whatever reason, such as doing a concurrent diploma, your basic undergrad degree turns into a 4 year course? How does the balancing of the GPA work then? And does the diploma count towards your GPA? Sorry for all the questions! Just super curious (: