I feel extremely depressed?

[Anonymous]

I was always good at school, I excelled in class, skipped a grade and always maintained a HD. However, when I was doing my Master's in Mathematics I felt so stupid.

When was presenting my thesis, the overall comment was that my research was too ambitious for a Master's thesis and that I should've focused on something simpler. I can't help but think I'm so dumb, I feel worthless and I don't really know what to do.

Updates

+1 y

Just to clarify, the assessor said "the project was too ambitious, she should have focused on something simple and master it instead of getting into this"
So the feedback was that I did not do well

[ArrowheadSW]

It might have been the professor's way of saying that you "bit off more than you could chew" with that particular project? Anyway did you end up getting your Masters? I wouldn't worry too much about what professors say. Many are out to lunch.

[Gingerbread_GB]

The comments are not a knock on your intelligence. They just mean that you might have some knowledge gap. It's actually a good thing, it gives you a direction to pursue your PhD if that's the route you want to go. Talk to your advisor and find out more about exactly what you are missing.

[Gingerbread_GB]

Reading your update I think I was correct. They feel whatever you presented did not adequately cover the bigger topic. It has nothing to do with you being dumb. You simply lacked certain knowledge that may be more appropriate for a PhD student.

Is this the first time you experience a setback academically? If so, I think I can understand how you feel because I came from an academic background as well. I studied physics in college and eventually changed my major to engineering.

[Asker]

Thank you, the comments further stated that my approach was that of a PhD student and not for someone at a Master's level. And the fact that I went into something too ambitious really messed things up and I really should've worked on something a lot simpler instead for my Master's project.

Overall the comment was negative and I feel so stupid. I really hope things get better as doing research in Applied Mathematics is my goal

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

"Too ambitious" they're literally telling you that you're too smart for a master's degree, and putting in more work than is necessary or probably required for it. They're more worried that you're overworking yourself and it sounds like you kind of are.

[Anonymous]

It's understandable to feel depressed and overwhelmed after receiving critical feedback on your work, especially if you've always been successful academically in the past. It's important to remember that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the learning process and that they can help you to grow and improve in the long run.

It's also important to recognize that your self-worth is not determined by your academic achievements or performance. You are a valuable and capable person regardless of your grades or research outcomes.

If you're struggling with feelings of depression or worthlessness, it may be helpful to reach out to a mental health professional or counselor for support. They can provide you with a safe space to talk about your feelings and develop strategies for coping with these difficult emotions.

It may also be helpful to talk to your academic advisor or mentor about the feedback you received and work with them to develop a plan for moving forward. Remember, setbacks and criticism are opportunities for growth and learning, and with dedication and hard work, you can overcome them and achieve your goals.

[SteveSmith1985]

But I don't quite understand. If the criticism was that your research was too ambitious for a Master's thesis, then how are you taking that to mean you're dumb or worthless? I feel like you can see that doesn't logically follow. Heck, you've got a Master's Degree (or will soon). 🙂

[HighValue]

Different teachers often have different opinions for the same assignment. I wouldn't worry about what one of them said. The main point is to get the piece of paper (degree), not to impress a teacher.

[ImalwaysrightOK]

You just said the opposite. Your thesis was too ambitious. In other words, went above and beyond and was too advanced. That doesn't sound dumb. Besides, nobody who's in a master's program for mathematics is dumb.

[OddBeMe]

Firstly, it’s supposed to be hard. It’s a masters. Part of college is learning you’re not special lol.

But masters? Do you know what you wan to do with your degree? Usually masters is for teaching.