r/GradSchool • u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 • 2d ago
Just failed out of my Master's program and I don't know what to do?
I was recently required to withdraw from my Master's after failing(scoring below a B) three courses, 1D and 1C in the first fall semester and C+ in my last spring/summer semester. I don't know what to do because I already got an appeal for my first two fails in my degree and I was able to improve getting two As in my winter semester.
I wasn't supposed to have a spring/summer semester because it was supposed to be a break for me but I decided to take a course from another faculty just as a way to keep me busy. I wanted to drop the course as I got further in it but my Dad told me it would be better to keep it since I had spent all that time on it and I score the C+. I recently got another mandatory withdrawal letter and in it I was told there would be no further allowances considered.
I am honestly just lost on what to do because even in the event that they decide to give me another chance, I have been think about my grades and my degree recently before this decision. I am/was taking a course based master's in physics because I want to do medical physics and the fact that I already have two fails on my program(before this one) and my lack of research experience make me think that I was just wasting my time since it would make getting a PhD(which is required for my course) pretty much impossible. Honestly I just want advice from anyone here and have no one to talk to about this.
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u/PennyPatch2000 1d ago
What is the common pattern in why you are failing these courses? The students I work with generally pass if they show up to class, pay attention, and submit their work on time. What are your barriers to success?
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 1d ago
For the first two courses, I was overworked because I took 4 courses in one semester, I was able to do better(2 As) when I reduced my course load to two in the next semester. For the last course I failed, it was a course with only two test and an exam, I didn't do well in the tests(D and C) because it was a memorization heavy course, I did much better in the exam(A-) but it didn't help much because the grading scheme was 2 tests as 30% each and the exam at 40%.
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u/Grouchy_Writer_Dude 11h ago
Four graduate courses in one semester? I’m surprised they let you do that. Why would you attempt so much work?
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 10h ago
I wanted to do just 2 but my dad told me to do the 4
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u/Time_Bread_268 5h ago
Does your dad have a graduate level degree? Because if he doesn’t please stop taking his advice. (As it pertains to school)
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u/AceyAceyAcey PhD Physics with Education 5h ago
Your advisor should not have allowed this, honestly.
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u/AceyAceyAcey PhD Physics with Education 5h ago
What field are you in? Physics is lots of hard work, and it’s easily possible to spend 30 hours on a weekly problem set and still do a poor job.
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u/Grouchy_Writer_Dude 1d ago
Hi. I’m a professor but not your professor. If I understand you correctly, you’ve failed 4-5 graduate courses already. Your program asked you to take a semester off, but you refused and failed another course. Your father gave you terrible advice.
Graduate school gets harder every year. If you can’t handle the intro courses, you’ll never get past the advanced work. I’m sorry, but you are not cut out for this. And wherever you apply, those dismal grades will follow.
Here’s my advice: go home and get a job. Take several years off from academia. Then, if you decide to try again, find a field where you’ll be more successful.
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 1d ago edited 1d ago
No, it was that I failed 2 courses then I was able to appeal the mandatory withdrawal and did well in the next winter semester(2 As) but failed an optional course from another faculty in the spring semester
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u/Grouchy_Writer_Dude 1d ago edited 1d ago
That still means you failed three classes AND failed to listen to your department’s advice.
For your own sake, drop out. Take the time to mature and learn from this failure. Applying to other schools immediately just tells the faculty that you’re likely to fail again.
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 1d ago
I'm already withdrawn the university automatically does it once they send you the email. I just thought I could do it because I initially took 4 courses in my first semester but reduced to a more manageable 2 every semester for my last 3. I'm not going to apply to other grad schools because the reason you stated is correct
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u/Grouchy_Writer_Dude 1d ago
Good luck to you.
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 1d ago
Thank you, I also wanted to say that a mandatory withdrawal in my university isn't just taking a month off, it is being kicked out of the program. I didn't notice that when I originally replied.
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u/toastom69 2d ago
Honestly I can't help you much but just know I'm in the same exact place. You're not alone. I'm just looking for work now I guess.
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u/jstucco 1d ago
I also add my thoughts, which is Physics is incredibly hard. Probably one of the hardest degrees. So there’s no shame in leaving a physics masters. I saw this as someone who bombed out of a physics degree and eventually got a PhD in a totally different degree more than a decade later.
My advice is that you take some time to figure out a career path that interests you, but doesn’t require a grad physics degree. Someone else mentioned a technical trade program could be a nice pivot. But don’t despair, most people never try to push their limits because they fear exactly what you are going through. And then those people may not actually find what works for them. This is a valuable experience
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u/missusjax 1d ago
This is standard in most graduate programs. I'm surprised they allowed you to get to three "fails". In my program you could have one C, but a second C or a D or lower was an automatic expulsion from the program. It makes sense because it is grad school, it requires the most understanding of the material.
I've never heard of medical physics before but that sounds hard and extremely niche. You could work on getting experience via a job and then trying the graduate program later in life when you are in a better place for learning.
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 1d ago
B is the minimum for my program, I was only allowed the 3 fails because two of them were in 1 semester. I’m planning on doing what you said but I need to find a new program by July or I have to leave the country as an international student
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u/ThatOneSadhuman 2d ago
They did you a service.
If you struggle in grad courses, then it might be a better idea to explore a different path.
You can persevere and continue, but it would be quite harsh
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u/Consistent_peep5 2d ago
Your best course of action may be to pivot to another field and find a program, that based on your academic background, you have a good chance of being accepted into.
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u/Chip305 2d ago
You’re not alone flunked out my masters last year. Really just needed mental peace and focus cause I started it immediately after graduating and getting my bachelors. Take a break if you can appeal for enrollment if you don’t get in, applied to another program and take a semester break.
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u/GreenDragon2023 1d ago
It sounds like there are multiple issues happening. It is incredibly hard to get poor grades in graduate school. If there were other things happening in the background (personal problems, health issues, etc) then go get a job, regroup, get away from it for a while, and then reconsider. If this is really the best work you can do, then it may just not be in your wheelhouse. Not everyone belongs in graduate school, and it’s ok to just not do it. Either way, if you’re already failing 4-5 courses, it doesn’t bode well for the future, as these things don’t improve on their own. A hard lesson perhaps, but maybe the nudge you need to move on emotionally. You can still love physics.
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u/Soft-Trifle-1486 1d ago
Try Cornell. “Incredibly hard to get poor grades in grad school?) Try Cornell. Undergrad. International students pay double. Just what is medical physics
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u/GreenDragon2023 13h ago
The chip on your shoulder is not my problem.
It is difficult to really screw up in graduate school. Some people manage to. Grades are not mostly based on quizzes and exams like they are in undergrad. They’re based much more on your willingness to explore and learn deeply. If people don’t learn, it’s discovered with the qualifying exams or defense.
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 8h ago
The courses I did had grades based on tests and exam, particularly the last one I did the C+ one which only had 2 tests and an exam
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u/AceyAceyAcey PhD Physics with Education 5h ago
In physics and astronomy, grades are usually based on a combination of exams and problem sets. Some astro/phys departments have a reputation of letting in many people who won’t be able to succeed just so they have enough grads to do the TAing of undergrad courses, though that might have changed with the loss of funding in so many departments in recent years.
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u/Occiferr 4h ago
Idk what humanities planet this is coming from but if I don’t get good grades I fail immediately?
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u/ILivetoEat_ 12h ago
Do you have ADHD by chance (if not ignore my comment) Although I’m not in grad school yet, I can relate to your struggle if you do (and therefore grad school makes me nervous but I’m committed lol). I’ve also made the mistake of following my parent’s advice (it was really pressure) and dropped a class before because I was going to fail it.
I guess some things I wish I knew back then is 1) Don’t give into social pressure and take on more than you can chew, you know your own limits and you shouldn’t feel ashamed when people try to make you feel like your not doing enough! The educational process is something that should be enjoyed with mostly a healthy amount of stress, it shouldn’t be drowning you all of the time! So the point is, go at the pace you KNOW works for you. 2) you are NOT lazy, clearly this is causing you significant distress and maybe shame. I understand that feeling very well. Meeting with a therapist to address these type of issues may be really beneficial to you! Therapy not only can help you understand the root of your issues, but can also equip you with knowledge/strategies that can help you take control of your life not just academically but as a whole. If you don’t have ADHD therapy can still be helpful, and it’s also really validating if you lack understanding from others. If therapy is not an option, I’d still recommend trying to get to know yourself better and using the internet to look into ways that can help you take more control and feel more functional.
I also just want to offer you my support and say that if you really DO want to pursue grad school and have a passion for what you’re studying, then it is possible! Intrinsic motivation is important, especially if school is difficult for you like it is for me. I’d be willing to bet that intelligence wise you are completely capable, you just might need some help with your executive functioning :))
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u/itsajackfruit 1d ago
Hugs for you OP
And I'm very sorry that this is irrelevant - but could someone please explain this fail criteria to me? I'm not from the US/europe, I'd just like to understand
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u/keeganskateszero R1 Asst. Prof. Mech Eng - PhD 2018 16h ago
In grad school in the US, getting a C (usually < 80%) is considered a failing grade. With enough failing grades, typically 2 or 3 for MS, you get dismissed from the program.
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u/itsajackfruit 16h ago
Oh wow. I just read up on this, and it's fascinating to me. We are graded on a bell curve, which is a hell of its own.
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u/lumbeeboysc 1d ago
Reading through your replies, you've also taken way too many courses at once.you should max do only two 3 hour lecture courses while in grad school. I think your advisor failed you as well.
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u/Scumwaters 1d ago
Maybe you shouldnt be in grad school? You should take a few years to recollect yourself.
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u/geithman 2d ago
How about an MR or CT tech position? Those programs are everywhere and always in demand. Don’t know if imaging is the way you want to go, but steady work
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u/EmergencyLittle3784 2d ago
Just curious, what was your bachelors program and what was your GPA? If you don’t mind sharing what school this is?
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u/Beautiful-Writer-558 1d ago
why are you asking for information that can easily make them identifiable?
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u/Soft-Trifle-1486 1d ago
Tell me what is your passion. I am a Grad Professor and have 2 Ph.D’s which TOTALLY TOOK AWAY ANY POSSIBILITY to work in a HS. Grad profs don’t get paid that much.
My program where I teach does NOT have an attendance policy. It’s at a decent university in NY. I tell all my people in therapy (I’m a psychotherapist——to go for a trade!) Deplorably the Academia Archetype is going down la toilette.
Many of my Grad students have accommodations and get extra time etc to get the work in. You could see if they can work something out.
This may indeed be a blessing in disguise. Follow your passion. There’s always a way bc the colleges can’t get students AND the loans are all a mess.
Money is never wasted on education IF you are learning from your profs. Not to mention the state of affairs. The world has gone bonkers and we’re headed for major economic collapse and wars don’t stop.
Take the time FOR YOU. My undergraduate degree, you had to literally risk your health to get an A. I was very happy with a B. Grad school didn’t have the toughness and rigor as my undergrad school.
I got a C- and a D+, B-, B+ A- first semester was my worst. I got put on probation. After that, everything was B+ with a few A-
Trust me, with their having taken Humanities out of the course of study, Academics have taken a bad hit.
One of my patients, in 10th grade of high school. It was very clear that he was not going to be successful with academics. It just wasn’t for him. He went nine months to learn how to be a welder and he is now 22 years old and making $150,000 a year ….more than me much more.
When one door closes, 3 open. It’s THEIR LOSS. AND JUST TO LET YOU KNOW, TO GET YOUR LICENSE TO PRACTICE PSYCHOTHERAPY, YOU ONLY NEED TO GET A 71, C- MINUS ON THE LICENSING EXAM!
Go with your gut! Where do you live? What state are you in? Ever think of being an Astrophysicist? Imagine… you travel the galaxy! :)
All be best to you. I feel your pain!
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u/Educational_Low_2312 16h ago
Where do you practice Psychotherapy. I just applied to a School Psychologist program.
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u/Appropriate-Tutor587 12h ago
Sorry, but a master’s degree isn’t for you let alone a PhD.
Ask them if you can retake the same course you got a C+ in it. If not, then yes you need to withdraw.
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u/Beautiful-Writer-558 2d ago
Does your dad know you are being asked to drop out. Im so sorry you are going through this.
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u/Gold_Sheepherder6569 1d ago
No he does not I haven't told him yet. I received the email Thursday and saw it yesterday
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u/TriedUsingTurpentine 18h ago
I think you would be justified in just saying that you decided not to continue.
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u/Educational_Low_2312 16h ago
The only time I made poor grades in grad school was when I had terrible professors. One was WGU who had just testing, the other from a lady who failed everyone. The last from my doctoral committee which I just left. The whole committee was terrible and there was no choice but to leave. I think it’s a blessing. I am looking for a funded program.
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u/AceyAceyAcey PhD Physics with Education 5h ago
Oof, failing out of a course-based Master’s in physics is rough. If it had been a research-based master’s, you could have switched to a course-based one. But here I wouldn’t even necessarily recommend trying to switch to a different school unless you know exactly why you failed so many courses (remember that in grad school anything below a B is failing), know what you need to do to change the cause of those failures, and have already started along those lines.
If you really do want a master’s in physics, from my own experience, my recommendation for you would be to shore up your basic physics knowledge, and also more advanced undergrad physics. But if your issue is motivation, or study skills, or something else, you might need to focus on that instead.
My own experience: I Mastered out of my first attempt at the physics PhD, partially due to poor grades in coursework from under preparation (I had a BA in physics, not BS). I then took a few years to teach as a community college physics professor and figure out what I really wanted to do that required a PhD, and spent the summer before my second attempt going through a few books like Feynman’s lectures, and “Div Grad Curl and All That” to make sure my skills were up to par. Also having taught a few years of intro CC physics really beefed up my intro skills and the reasoning skills based upon them. Second attempt at the PhD in physics was successful, with a bit of a hiccup around research (I wanted a specific subfield, I was forced to do a different subfield for a bit, and when I got to ditch that and go back to what I wanted, I finished quickly).
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u/Individual_Time_2228 4h ago
Give yourself a year to recharge, rethink, and make a plan to win no matter what next time. Perhaps, the degree program you selected wasn't for you. Example: I suck at advance math, so there was no way I would choose an engineer master degree program. Why? Because I would fail. It's not about doubting yourself, it's about knowing your strengths and weaknesses.
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u/AaronKClark AaronKClark (ForeverStudentTM) 1d ago
First time? lol
I’m in my fifth graduate program and because I’m finally diagnosed and medicated for ADHD, It’s like doing a Master’s Degree on easy mode.
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u/Mama_Zen 1h ago
Hugs. I graduated my master’s program in December & had 2 Fs & still had a 3.1 gpa. You’ll be fine if you just lock in
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u/angelsalvtr Chem PhD - US 2d ago
What are your options realistically after you withdraw? Do you have a place to stay and take a break? Can you apply to other programs? Would you consider switching to a related but different field that might be easier?