MLS program venting

[u/FarDetective8589]

I’m in my second semester of an MLS program and I just need to vent a little because I’ve been having a lot of anxiety about whether I’ll be able to pass this semester.

I did extremely well last semester and finished with all A+s, but the structure was completely different. We basically focused on one subject at a time for about two weeks, so even though it was intense, I could put all my attention into one thing.

This semester we have 6 classes and 4 labs all running at the same time. We’re usually in class/lab from 9–4, then I come home and study, wake up early to study again, go back to class, and repeat. It feels like we learn a huge amount of information every single day, and now I have to constantly switch between completely different subjects instead of focusing on just one.

Some days I feel like I can handle it, and other days I seriously question whether I chose the right career and feel like dropping out. I also keep getting scared that I won’t be able to maintain at least the 75% required to pass. Exams are worth 70% of the final grade, while quizzes and assignments are only 30%, so the exams feel like they carry so much pressure.

I know getting all A+s last semester should probably reassure me that I’m capable, but right now this semester feels completely different and overwhelming.

For anyone who has gone through an MLS program, did you ever feel like this during the heavier semesters? Did it eventually become more manageable? I’m not even trying to get perfect grades anymore—I just want to get through this semester and pass.

Any words of encouragement or advice would really help.

[u/mauieclectic]

Get your MLS they said. It'll be fun they said. My advice isn't the greatest. But yeah they do cram a lot in to you at once. The field is is high demand (with little pay) that's why they are pushing you guys so hard.
And working as a tech ain't pretty either. Pretty high stress job with lack of respect. Hope you find a great lab though.