Does anyone else feel really uncomfortable because they feel they aren't smart?

Question

I don't know why I have this stigma about being stupid, but so much of the time I am really uncomfortable because I feel I am lacking in the way of cognative abilities. I know intelligence does not exactly measure success or happiness, but for some reason I place intelligence above all other traits and really admire those I perceive as smart and then get really upset with myself because I am not a mathematical mastermind and cannot write florid prose with the utmost ease. I know that basically everyone has to deal with the fact that there are many, many people more intelligent than them but for some reason it just gets me so down! Gah, I'm such a mess and afraid to go to uni because then everyone will find out what an absolute fraud I am and how I was accepted with much lesser qualifications (I'm American and was accepted at University of St Andrews on the basis of my transcript alone and basically the fact that my teachers all really liked me because I was a tenacious worker).

Answer 1

They wouldn't have recommended you, and St. Andrews would not have accepted you, if they didn't think you could handle the work. Tenacity and hard work coupled with average intelligence will take you much further than a truly brilliant mind with low motivation and low work ethic. In the process (at St. Andrews) you'll come out much smarter, and more confident.

Answer 2

Jesus Christ i feel like I'm reading my own biography! I have OCD, and most, if not all, of my obsessions center around the low self-esteem i have for my intelligence. My obsession with my own intelligence, and that of others, started with a 'math contest' that i took when i was 14; in reality it was a thinly-veiled IQ test. Although i got a 28 out of 40, which was the highest in the class, there was one other kid whose score was even remotely close to mine; he got a 27. I was very angry that I wasn't the smartest by a mile, and simply couldn't accept the possibility there might be others as smart as myself. I've struggled FOR YEARS with the esteem I've had for my intelligence. It got to the point where I felt like i was too stupid to do anything and i decided to drop out of high school, WHICH WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. In the past few months, however, I've started to get over the obsessions and low self-esteem and have realized YOU MUST TRY YOUR BEST NO MATTER WHAT. If you believe anything, believe this. Trust me, learning this the hard way is not something you want to do. DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN, AND DON'T GIVE UP!

Answer 3

You got into uni on the basis of one transcript where everyone else has to have a handful of qualifications. What are you on about.
There are always going to be better and lesser people than yourself but be happy that you can achieve anything you want if you try. Your problem is you don't believe in yourself maybe because you've taken a lot of knocks on the way. Have faith in yourself you've got this far lets see what else you can achieve. Not everybody can make it to uni but you have and the teachers can't be stupid as they've got faith in you. Try to see what they see your worth it sweetheart. Good luck and be kind to yourself.

Answer 4

Tenacity means a lot, and I will assume you are intelligent about some things in any case; you just don't feel those things are considered worthy by anyone from whom you wish to have respect. This inferior feeling of yours will weigh you down and mess up your work if you let it; it will also cause social anxiety. Try to remain hard working and stay in college; get yourself into a job where the people will overlook your types of mistakes and you can gain practice not making them before you have your "real" job after college. I know it feels like it matters what people think, especially if they're going to be rude to you about it, but you need to learn to care more what you think first, then bother about others. (It's hard, but important.) Try. You're fine...and let me assure you that you're not the only one who "only" got in by a transcript and recommendations. There are plenty of people in careers and colleges where they did not even work at all to get there...but you are different...and have your tenacious workerliness to soothe yourself. You are legit. Keep working.

Answer 5

I'm sorry you feel this way.I have a son who is literally stuck with a job because he feels that he is stupid . which I might add he is not. he has worked for people and he has had his own business. he has the most marvelous sense of humour and children love him. he listens a lot to the radio and learns a lot of knowledge from it. he can hold a good conversation with anyone but like you he feels he is not as able as others.It sounds to me you are just lacking in confidence and self esteem. do you have any one you can talk to about this? I know from what you have written you are really intelligent and capable, don't let yourself or anyone else tell you differently. I wish you all the best in whatever you do.

Answer 6

There is no mistaking that knowledge is power. But to tell you the truth gaining knowledge is actually quite easy. Most of things that "intelligent" people know are simple once you know them. No one is born with knowledge.

Don't be ashmed to ask a question any question no matter how dumb you think it is. If anyone makes fun of you for not knowing something, ask them if they were born with the same knowledge or did they get divine guidance or did they at some point in their lives, just like you, ask someone?

Answer 7

Your question shows you can write English far better than most people on YA.

St Andrews wouldn't accept you if you were stupid - they aren't in the habit of backing losers.

You'll be fine.

Answer 8

Just the fact that you have the humility to ask such a question provides a good clue to your character. You wish to succeed and you don't feel intellectually equipped? I would say that your thirst for knowledge and intelligence proves that you ARE equipped.
Drop this obsession and apply it instead to learning more, reading more, and taking as many courses and university discussions as you possibly can. You can only increase your intelligence as you go along.
Good luck to you!

Answer 9

I think what's important is self respect. If you have this, you will not feel uncomfortable in any situation.

Answer 10

I have just started univeristy all over again and also dont believe i am smart enough, but that feeling slowly goes. you need to push on with the work and be pleased with yourself at small tasks you do well in such as passing an essay. the time at uni will soon go just enjoy it and be pleased at the little things you pass. GOOD LUCK!!