First semester was really hard.

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For me at least. And I was told it would be safer to drop then to keep going, the week before the drop date. A lot of people dropped because they didn't think they would be able to pass. But I was studying so hard for each test and I didn't l know why I didn't pass the first two. I didn't wanna give up no matter what! I worked SO hard for this! My teacher was like just because you pass the next test doesn't mean you're going to pass this semester, you need to pass the next three tests. And thats exactly what I did. I changed stuff around, changed my study habits, went to office hours every week, lessened my work schedule, EVERYTHING and I went from failing at 66% half way through the semester to passing with an 80% at the end of the semester. (80% = C in my program)

That was really, really hard. I think it was having to keep myself motivated throughout the semester, which was the hardest. Especially when I had to hear everyone around me passing and doing so well. And then seeing a lot of people drop. That was really hard too.

Anyway point of this post was to vent. :) And that if you want it bad enough you'll do something about it!! I am so happy I passed first semester! :D Thanks for reading!

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Specializes in PCT, RN.

I keep hearing that the first semester for my program is the most difficult because they use it to weed out those who won't be able to make it.

Congrats on successfully completing your first semester :)

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I keep hearing that the first semester for my program is the most difficult because they use it to weed out those who won't be able to make it.

Congrats on successfully completing your first semester :)

We had a total of 11 people drop, and only 3 out of 11 were actually kicked out because of grades. The rest dropped because they didn't think they would be able to pass. I just didn't wanna drop no matter what so I kept going.

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Specializes in PCT, RN.
We had a total of 11 people drop, and only 3 out of 11 were actually kicked out because of grades. The rest dropped because they didn't think they would be able to pass. I just didn't wanna drop no matter what so I kept going.

I don't think I could ever drop just because I *think* I won't make it! Never know until you try!

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It was hard. Majority of them already didn't pass the first 2 exams (like me) and if they didn't pass the third exam they would automatically be exited and get a F in there overall grade. (My schools policy for first sem is that you can only fail 2 exams) So most people were thinking better to be safe and drop with a W then keep going and get an F.

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Way to take responsibility for yourself! You didn't blame any one else--you made the changes that needed to be made and succeeded. I sincerely hope you continue to do well in your program. :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency.

Congratulations on your hard work and success! Keep it up and use all of the resources you can and you'll do great, you have the right attitude! I struggled second semester and truly suggest starting now with doing as many NCLEX style questions as you can and figuring out where you're going wrong, it's truly helpful and make sure to read those rationales! Good luck to you going forward :)

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

It is supposed to be hard. It is a professional science based career. You are good because instead of blaming others (school, teachers, parents, illness, etc) you sucked it up and passed. That is how it is done. You make it happen. Others on this board need to read that and understand.

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In my program first semester was the tge worst.. 2nd and 3rd got better, then 4th was a nightmare. But 4th was bad only because it was as hectic as 1st with scheduling, major clinical time, and very few tests meaning if you failed one, you had a major uphill battle to fight.

Keep your head up and it'll be over before you know it. Congrats on completing your first semester!

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Specializes in OMFS, Dentistry.

Stay positive. Keep thinking about the ultimate goal and just know there IS a light at the end of the tunnel!! Best wishes!

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Congratulations first of all! First semester is really hard and stressful with all the skills alone your needing to learn. It does get better! I think because it goes deeper into the patho and gets more interesting. When it comes to studying, use different routes. Videos, study groups, books and notes, even relistening to lecture if you have the time. I would also recommend that when your confident with what you've studied, do some nclex style questions. That will really help you understand the "type" of questions you'll be answering. Is a totally different way of learning. Good luck!

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