Therein lies the problem- I cannot afford a masters/SMP but I've got a PhD seat but everyone says that won't help with med admissions in the future. I just don't understand how a PhD in a basic science is basically just a fancy EC (even when coupled with a great MCAT and good ECS). I wouldn't just be doing the PhD to reapply but I am genuinely interested in research.
Thanks for the encouragement
Edit: I know the Caribbean isn't the best option but I just feel like it could possibly allow me to achieve my dream without taking an inordinate amount of time. I know I'm a good student and test-taker but I had some upsets in undergrad and took the MCAT too soon-would I really have that much trouble in the Caribbean?
Hey, I haven't contributed much to this convo but just wanted to share some kind words and advice. I have a relatively low GPA and lower MCAT but got in this cycle after sitting out for 3+ cycles/4 yrs. During that time I gained a masters, more relevant & non-relevant work experiences (research, tutor, gas station attendant, warehouse worker, caregiver, etc.), more general volunteer experiences (in things I actually like), & way more clinical experience. I also learned a lot more about this process and redid my entire application to showcase my true passions & strengths, while also being honest/forthcoming about my weaknesses (e.g. low shadowing hours because I non 0 doctors). Finally, I put a full effort into my final MCAT test but did it according to my life circumstances (slow & steady over 6 months in between family & work). I am constantly stretched beyond my means for money, food, transportation, etc. & I support a household of 4 (including my siblings).
It's doable. I've held 2+ jobs at once sense undergrad & that same hustle and drive is what I bring to every interview or experience, whether it's for medical school or just regular life. When one job isn't enough I get two, & when one ends I get another. I've also been able to take a few courses along the way to further my goals in nonprofit work. During all this my close family has been sick & needed caring for, I have racked up debt (though always making sure I keep my credit in check for those med loans later
😵), been threatened with eviction multiple times, and even been homeless.
You have to juggle and invest in yourself. That being said you have to do whatever it takes to get yourself stable footing so you can launch yourself off into your dreams. That PhD does not sound bad, but what everyone is trying to tell you is that it most likely will not help you when you reapply. So you have to boost other parts of your application (rewriting/refocusing, gpa, MCAT, etc.). I personally left my grades alone (because I took every bio class known to man & had a C or above), but focused on gaining a lot more experience, reestablishing for myself "why medicine?" so I could accurately explain it to others, and increased my MCAT (not sky high but a big jump for me that showed tangible improvement). While you're doing this PhD you could be working on other aspects of your application, so that when you graduate you have experiences, etc. to support your goals. Take the time you need, we're all going to get older, but we can at least use that time to work towards our dreams. You need time and if the PhD can give you the stability you need & keep your mind engaged (like me, you actually like and are good at research
😉) then do it. Financial stability is underrated and will undermine your time and mental health.
Also, I got my masters as a way for me to still remain in the sciences, gain some post-college academic experience, and provide myself with a solid backup/now plan to feed myself. There's no shame in that. But it also didn't really help me this cycle. The people interviewing me this cycle still wanted to know about my personal, financial, & ACADEMIC struggles in undergrad. & those same interviewers stated how impressed they are at my MCAT jump, or research experience, or passion/experience with the underserved.
Anyway...... I'm done rambling. I just don't want you to give up on yourself or keep lashing out at people trying to help you. When the world seems to be closing in people lash out, but you can turn that energy inward & make a better you while also improving your situation whether you become a physician or not.
