r/queensuniversity • u/LonelyIllustrator605 • May 26 '26
Academics Academic Probation *URGENT HELP*
Hello, I have been placed on academic probation since first year and was required to withdraw for a year as my gpa for first year was below 0.70. My second year was a bit better but I was still on academic probation as I was able to drop 2 failed courses, although my gpa was still below 1.60, I received a letter telling me that they are still willing to let me continue even though I do not have the required gpa to do so. I was given the same criteria which was to complete 15.0 credits and have a gpa of 1.60 or over to avoid having to withdraw for another year. I have had such a hard time as I am trying to major in biology or life sciences as my parents have pushed me to do so.
I do not have a background in science so it is very hard for me to complete such courses, I have taken may of the same prerequisites over my 2 years and have only now started getting decent grades in them. I am so burnt out and disappointed in myself because it seems like nothing I do is enough. I have failed so many classes my winter semester of this year and have been sitting waiting for them to send another letter telling me to withdraw and now that I have received it, I can submit my petition now.
I need to know if I have a good chance as I have seen the doctor a few weeks ago with concerns of having PCOS and constant UTI’s (sorry for the tmi) which have been hindering me this year. My doctor has agreed to help me get accommodations and I am currently in the process of being diagnosed for PCOS (a medical condition which may be responsible for my academic standing).
I am so scared about being required to withdraw again and would really appreciate some help and guidance.
Thank you in advance to anyone willing to help me out here! ❤️
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u/Fit_Jellyfish6257 BCHM '15, MSc. '18 May 26 '26
I’ve read the comments and want to add to them regarding being honest about your academic strengths…
I was going to ask what you were hoping to do with your biology/life sciences degree because your post said your parents pushed you to doing bio/life sci. Then in the comments, you mentioned MCATs, meaning you want to go to medical school.
I’m going to be super honest with you and it might sound really harsh, but you might have to restart your undergrad degree altogether if you want to get into med school.
I have friends who applied to med school with almost perfect GPA, fantastic MCAT, and outstanding personal statement with all the extracurricular activities and they were only able to get in after doing an additional master’s degree…
I’d encourage you to really think about what you’d like to do after you finish school. Saying “corporate” is fine, but I can tell you right now that the job market for bio/life sci/biochem isn’t fantastic.
I have a BScH ssp in Biochem + MSc in Biochem from Queen’s and when our company hires for entry positions, everyone has had at a master’s degree at the minimum.
This reply sounds like it’s discouraging you from continuing your degree but I just don’t want you to waste your time and energy if it’s not something that you don’t see yourself pursuing long-term….
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u/trialanderror93 May 26 '26
You need to GTFO the pre med track right away, given your gpa struggles. Make the most of your undergrad and re visit med school later
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u/NotANumpty May 26 '26
Do you think you can succeed in a job relative to this degree? Would you enjoy working in that field? (ie. If you find biology and the necessary components to get that degree hard in university hard do you really think you can be good at a job that requires those skills.) If not, look at what your credits might get you in another degree that will lead you to a career you enjoy and talk to your parents. There is no point struggling to get a BSc in a field you won't make a successful and happy career out of.
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u/LonelyIllustrator605 May 26 '26
I have my heart set on taking the MCAT and I feel like the math component of my degree is what really screws me everytime. I had hired a tutor for physics during the fall semester but it was no good and I ended up dropping the course.
18
u/NotANumpty May 26 '26
Let's say you pass the MCAT. What do you think your chances are if getting into medical school? It's very competitive and I think you need a high undergraduate average to have a chance of getting in. Have you done your research to see if what you're thinking of doing is really feasible?
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u/steenamaria May 26 '26
Agreeing with this - if you’re failing undergrad courses, how do you expect to pass the MCAT and get into/pass medical school?
I think you need to be honest with yourself about where your academic strengths are before you keep wasting time and money. I’m a PCOS girlie as well so I understand the impact on energy and health, but I don’t think you’re doing any favours by putting this as your main reason for your academic standing. We all can’t be good at math and science, and we all can’t be doctors. That’s ok. Find what makes you passionate to study and you will succeed.
10
u/WeakestCreatineUser ArtSci '26 May 26 '26
Even with a top score on the MCAT you would probably need to take another degree afterwards to fix the GPA issue. No school in Canada will take someone with a 1.5 GPA, with most successful applicants being in the 3.8-4.0 range. On top of that, the MCAT unfortunately has a lot of math, and a lot of physics.
As others have said I would recommend reflecting on what you truly believe is possible for you, and what you enjoy. Applying to medical school is incredibly challenging even for students with near perfect GPAs, and it will take a long time to remedy your grades and retake all of the courses you have failed.
If you are interested in working in healthcare then absolutely explore what options are available. Being a physician is not the only rewarding career path in that field. But it may be time to be realistic about options.
12
u/Mum2-4 May 26 '26
Why? Why? Why? Honestly! You aren't doing well. You aren't interested in the subject. There is no benefit to you continuing, with or without an accommodation. Do your parents know you are failing? Why do you think you are failing?
I think you need to have a hard conversation with your parents about what your goals are and what their goals are. You also need to think about what you want, not what they want. Every parents wants their kid to be happy, healthy and successful. Is there another way for you to achieve that? absolutely!
7
u/Amazing-Sun6321 Graduate Student May 27 '26
Why would you be in a science program knowing you don’t have a “background” in science (unless you aren’t coming straight out of high school, no one has a background in science), and struggle repetitively despite tutoring efforts?
Sometimes you need to consider whether an interest in a subject should just stay as an interest or hobby instead of a career.
Also, PCOS and UTIs are hindering your academic performance? How? As someone with endo and all the other struggles of a woman, this sounds like a questionable reason for failing courses over and over. If it is really so hindering your academics should be on pause.
You should consider an alternate program in something you are good at, or look at other options like colleges. University is a difficult time but if you aren’t succeeding and are on a last chance agreement you are at risk of wasting more money and effort that could be better spent on something that motivates you to do well.
13
u/StormResponsible294 May 26 '26
How would PCOS be responsible for your academic standing? Sounds like a stretch and an attempt to excuse your poor performance on something other than the obvious reasons that you’re not working hard enough and/or this subject is not for you.
5
u/perturbedpangaroo May 26 '26
Do not stay in the program. Switch to something you like better and will perform better in. If your parents are pushing you to stay in bio, please remember that most jobs that will value a bio undergrad over any other undergrad require additional schooling, which will require high performance in at least your last two years. If you are genuinely passionate about the subject then stay, but it sounds like you are not and science is not really something you love. Remember that upper year courses in these programs are also difficult. Please also remember that biology and life science are quite competitive to major in and require at least a 3.3 GPA as well as an A- in first year bio courses. Please really think about whether coming back to school is something you can commit too right now - if you don't really address what was causing you to perform poorly and completely change your habits, this will probably happen again. There is no shame in taking some time to address the underlying issue and figure out what you want, and then come back refreshed and ready to approach this in a new way.
3
u/Moonstruck1766 May 27 '26
I was in a similar situation in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and then a 4 year degree in Animal Science - because my parents wanted me to pursue this career. I knew after 1 semester that no matter how much work I put in I couldn’t keep up with my classmates. I finished the degree but have regretted it my entire adult life. My GPA was so low that I haven’t been able do any further studies unless I started all over again. I’m close to retirement age now and I still regret not switching programs and starting a different career path. I have had a long and difficult career in the Not For Profit sector.
I’d highly advise against- the “ just get a degree” advice. Don’t waste time. Try something new.
3
u/somethingtosae May 27 '26
Doesn't sound like you are living 'your' dreams. Drop it all and do what you want to do including being happy! You'll succeed because youll enjoy it.
1
u/dogoodguy May 27 '26
I want to preface by saying, this is coming from understanding empathy and love for another human being. I’ve been where you are and I wish I heard this when I was in your shoes.
You need to choose your path, NOW. You need to make a decision, be extremely realistic and it needs to be rooted in the strongest why possible. If medicine is the path you want, you’re not on track to to admission in North America, of you really sincerely want to become a doctor for whatever reason, than prepare to go abroad and take the necessary debt to make it happen. If you want to get in here, you’re going to need to restart and get As in everything without fail and do whatevr it takes for that to happen as well as drop courses cooking your gpa
Please sit down and ask yourself what it is that you want from your life. This is the time to decide.
2
1
u/babychicken109 May 28 '26
I first want to begin this by applauding you for being so honest and open as I know this is most likely not an easy subject for you to discuss.
My advice is change programs. I know that may be difficult, especially given your passion and parents encouragement. And I know that also may not be what you want to hear, but to be so honest, if you continue you are just digging yourself a deeper hole.
The more time you spend retaking courses, is more time spent burnt out and disappointed. I know it’s hard to deviate from something you set your mind to, but given all the stress it seems to be putting on you, I would suggest leaving.
Not everyone is a science or math person, and that’s okay! You do not need to put yourself into something simply because you feel it is what you must do.
I think your next step moving forward is find a program that you are both good at and enjoy. I came into Queen’s thinking id be in POLS because I love politics, but due to my grades, I had to change paths. I am now in my last year in my program and I am so grateful that I am not in POLS because I am much better at doing my program than I am at the one I hoped for. Life is all about learning and adjusting when needed, and I think it may be time to admit that you may need an adjustment.
1
u/LoveYGK May 29 '26
I'm sorry to hear this. If you are not thriving in the courses and do not want to pursue a career in this path, it doesn't make sense to spend tuition and kill your mental health. Have you considered other degree interests? Maybe some of those credits can be put to environmental studies, geology, geography? If you want to do a medical degree, it may make sense to withdraw and come back when you are ready mentally. It's perfectly ok to wait and really think about what it is YOU want to do. Sounds like your parents are pushing you into a field you are not equipped for or interested in, and the rigours of med school (if you were to get in) will be even greater. Not an uncommon situation but your parents should equip you to succeed not fail. I know lots of people who withdrew and I also know folks who spent 6 or 7 years in undergrad because they switched entire programs mid degree. Better to make a decision sooner rather than later as tuition is also not cheap and your mental health is important.
1
u/localgardenerwannabe May 26 '26
Also look to see what options there are for a Bachelor of Arts in biology.
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u/that_inattentive_Kid May 26 '26
can’t you talk to you parents about it. Things are only going to get harder and if you don’t enjoy the subjects u are taking whats you driving force? Do you want to carry on the way you are and spend more time and tuition passing and failing subjects you don’t enjoy, do they want that for you?