Bachelor in nursing or kinesiology??2 days left to decide (university deadline)

[AugustBreeze]

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Im 19,turning 20 in 2 weeks,just finished premed with a 80% average (we don't use gpa here,we use cote r in colleges but gpa in universities) living in quebec (No MCAT), just need good gpa+ good interviews to get in UMontreal, USherbrooke, Ulaval. Might be wrong about one of these universities requierments but i'll recheck after i fix this urgent matter

Disclaimer: you can skip the upcoming paragraph, just a small rant. .

i messed up college with an 80% average,couldn't get into med or pharmacy. Learned last month that i had ''a.d.d'', and no i'm not like your typical a.d.d person who justifies his great dependance on medication to perfom well by saying ''can't concentrate sometimes..'' ,i didn't even know it existed until 2 months ago ,i knew i had massive problems since childhood with concentration when there's no distraction around(even worse with distraction of course),since i'm in high school,i often googled stuff like: ''very low attention span'' ''i'm never mentally present,always lost in thoughts'' ''never able to concentrate until im so anxious that i'm about to throw up'' but still managed to get a 80% average (By sacrificing my sleep,eating time,break times,not leaving the room (studying to the point of almost throwing up )2 days prior to most exams) Now that medication will be prescribed to me,i hope that it'll work and that i'll finally be able to concentrate normally. Anyway

Now i have 2 options

1) Do a bachelor in nursing at mcgill's university,after finishing my bachelor, apply to med school/nurse practitioner school/ pharmacy/ physician assistant school

Pros:
-If i can't get in any of these programs, i'll still be working as a registered nurse and make enough money to live normally (40-60k?)

Cons:
- i found myself kinda ashamed when people ask i'M going into and i tell them that i'm going into nursing.Not because i think it's a **** job but because some of them tend to make fun of me for going in a ''girl's field'' and often compare me to my 3 brothers who are doctors. When someone doesn't act that way,i don't feel ashamed to say that i'm becoming a nurse.

^But tbh,it's not really a con,just gotta thicker my skin cause med school won't be possible if i have a fragile skin

-From the premed101 forums, i heard that the exams were very subjective so even if you study your ass off ,you might still get a **** gpa,here's the what someone who finished his bachelor in nursing and managed to get into med school said:

''Also, due to clinical rotations (which are pass/fail), nursing grads are not eligible for many of the GPA weighting formulas that make it easier to apply to some schools (e.g. U of T, Western, Queens). Most of the courses are ridiculous to the point of mild depression among students, especially by third year, where the material is obscure, the test questions are vague, and final exams often feel like playing the lottery. My undergrad in nursing was thoroughly disparaging.

That being said, if you can make it through the four years of schooling, the clinical practice is extremely rewarding, a reliable source of income, and, in my opinion, excellent preparation for medical school. I've been very happy working ever since I graduated

DonGeo

An example of a nursing exam question:

You walk into a patient's room and notice he is bleeding profusely from his surgical incision, you:

a) Apply pressure to the wound
b) Press the Code Blue bell
c) Run a litre of saline and page the most responsible physician
d) Validate his feelings

You would be surprised how often the correct answer is D......''

If i go into nursing and can't go in another program because i'm not good enough, alright then, i'll be good with it,not everyone has the capacities to become a doctor.

BUTTTTT, if i go into nursing,study my life off and get bad grades because of REALLY subjective exam questions, i'm going to hate my life man...

I told my bros about this and they told me that they got alot of subjective ''wtf'' exam questions in medschool too, so if i can't handle these kind of questions i wouldn't be able to hand medschool.

Can any nursing student confirm this?
In other words, i'm willing to sacrifice alot in order to spend all of my time studying like a freak/volunteering but if it's not enough simply because of the way the questions are made...i'll be really pissed since all those efforts could have been used more efficiently somewhere else

2)My second option would be to go in kinesiology to boost my gpa and apply to med school/pharmacy

Pros:
-Apparently it's the best program if you wanna boost your gpa where i live (MTL), way better than nursing if you just want to boost your gpa and apply to medschool)

Cons:
-If i don't manage to get into med school/pharmacy, i don't see myself working in the kinesiology field (Gym teacher, private trainer) And 3 years of my life would be wasted
-^I'll have to go in another program since i don't wanna stay in that field, physiotherapie? or even go into nursing? But it'll still be 3 lost years + debts.

My brothers won't support me if i go in kine and fail since they really believe the bachelor in nursing is the best path to take. One of my brother has 4 girls in his promo who did a bachelor in nursing before getting accepted into medschool.

i have like 2 days left to decide. At first i ''knew'' i was going to take the nursing path but today i learned from some thread on premed101 that the exams were ****ed up and subjective as ****, so it made me feel like if i was gonna shoot myself in the foot by doing a bachelor in nursing since i wouldn't be able to apply to med/nurse practitionner,etc. because of bad gpa (bad gpa because of subjective exams) while kinesiology can actually boost my gpa and give me a ''second chance'' to get in a good program but if i don't get in that program i wanted to get into, i'm ****ed and i'll have to become a depressive private trainer (if i even manage to get hired), i'll be around 23 or 24 , in debt and stuck with a job i dislike.Well i could always apply in another program to get another degree (physio or nursing) at 27. But then from age 20 to 27, i'll have a miserable life


In other words:
>the nursing path's worst case scenario is the best. I'd be totally happy with it
>The kine's path worst case scenario is the worst one, it'd make me depressive
The kine's path best case scenario isn't that different the nursing's path best case scenario (me getting into med or pharma but only nursing can open the door to Nurse practitionner school and Physican assistant school) but the only advantage kine has is the fact that it'll be alot easier to boost my gpa than nursing(so easier to get into med/pharma) since nursing seems to be really subjective.

Ive been torturing myself over this since last morning and would like your intakes on this situation, THANK YOU



Cliffs:
Op messed up college with 80% average,learned he had (A.D.D) last month,he always knew he had great problems with concentrations since childhood and he learned what adhd was last month)
-He's going to uni and his doc will prescribe him something now, so he believes studying will be better now
-Op has 2 days to decide whether he does a bachelor in nursing or a bachelor in kinesiology
-Kines has his pros and cons, so does nursing




Nursing pro:
-Can apply to MD/PA/NP/Pharm after bachelor
-If can't get in,i'll still be a nurse making alright money
Con:
-Apparently exams are super subjective,hard to get good gpa
-Would be mad if i can't get into a good program not because i i'm not good enough but because i chose a program with very subjective exams
-Often get shamed for going in to ''girl's field'' (Not really a con, i'm working on getting a thicker skin)


Kine
pro:
-EXCELLENT to boost your gpa in order to apply to MD/Pharm school (at least here in quebec)
Con:
-If i can't get in , there's no job perspectives in the kine's field Forced to become a depressive private trainer


Sorry for making a post as long to read as the bible
Thank you for your intake!

 

[Qester]

From what you wrote it seems to me the answer is pretty clear but this is something you need to decide for yourself not what some random people on a forum think.

I also think I can tell which one you want to do based on what you wrote.

 

[Pound4Pound]

I'm a nursing graduate and I totally get what you're saying regarding the subjective questions. If i had to do it again and I was given these two majors to choose from, I would pick kine. Also I don't agree with your brothers that if you can't handle nursing questions that you won't be able to handle med school. When you get into med school, all you have to do is pass the exam to move on. In nursing school, you have to score really high every exam just to maintain a very competitive gpa for med school and sometimes thats impossible with this type of questions. In my bsn program, every exam is 50 questions. You get more than 5 questions wrong and you get a B. It's hard to get into med school with B's.

My advice is to pick kine and do everything in your power to keep that GPA up. Volunteer, research, etc to strengthen your resume. Also you can do CNA over the summer and work in a hospital while getting your kine. That way you'll have clinical experience and if kine doesn't workout, you can apply to PA school.

 

[AugustBreeze]

I'm a nursing graduate and I totally get what you're saying regarding the subjective questions. If i had to do it again and I was given these two majors to choose from, I would pick kine. Also I don't agree with your brothers that if you can't handle nursing questions that you won't be able to handle med school. When you get into med school, all you have to do is pass the exam to move on. In nursing school, you have to score really high every exam just to maintain a very competitive gpa for med school and sometimes thats impossible with this type of questions. In my bsn program, every exam is 50 questions. You get more than 5 questions wrong and you get a B. It's hard to get into med school with B's.

My advice is to pick kine and do everything in your power to keep that GPA up. Volunteer, research, etc to strengthen your resume. Also you can do CNA over the summer and work in a hospital while getting your kine. That way you'll have clinical experience and if kine doesn't workout, you can apply to PA school.

how can i apply to pa school with kine? don't i need experience first?
What is CNA ? (Canadian nurse association?)

So you pretty much confirmed my fear about nursing, subjective questions that will give you a **** gpa... damn..
What i dislike is the fact that if i go in kine,nobody in my family will support me, i'll completely be on my own.They believe i'll be shooting myself in the leg by going into kine but at the same time i'd have to chance to actually get into med school,something i wouldn't have in nursing (because subjective questions=bad gpa)

if more people confirm the subjectivity of nursing, i might as well choose kine and study like my life depends on it then apply to med/pharm. If you're telling me that it's possible to become a p.a after getting my kine's degree (ill search it up too to get my info) i'm taking kine ,no doubt

 

[Pound4Pound]

Ok I don't know how it works in Canada but in the States, as long as you have clinical experience, you can apply to PA school. CNA stands for certified nursing aide. In the states, it only takes a semester of college to get certified. You can also become an EMT if you want and work in ED.

Nursing school is a double edge sword in a sense that you gain valuable clinical experience but your gpa may suffer. It's not impossible to maintain a high gpa in nursing school (>3.7) but the chance of that is slim. Goodluck.

 

[AugustBreeze]

Ok I don't know how it works in Canada but in the States, as long as you have clinical experience, you can apply to PA school. CNA stands for certified nursing aide. In the states, it only takes a semester of college to get certified. You can also become an EMT if you want and work in ED.

Nursing school is a double edge sword in a sense that you gain valuable clinical experience but your gpa may suffer. It's not impossible to maintain a high gpa in nursing school (>3.7) but the chance of that is slim. Goodluck.

i'm thinking about applying in physiotherapy if i can't get in med/pharm by the kine's route, my university offers a direct transfer from kine to physio

thanks for your input

 

[sockit]

that transfer to PT is a fantastic backup option. tuition in quebec is cheap, and so is rent in montreal.

 

[Qester]

I actually didn't see the thread taking a turn like this..I guess I was way off base with my initial impression.

I hope you make a decision that is right for you, and that you are able to achieve you goals and dreams whichever route you take.

 

[AugustBreeze]

I actually didn't see the thread taking a turn like this..I guess I was way off base with my initial impression.

I hope you make a decision that is right for you, and that you are able to achieve you goals and dreams whichever route you take.

thank you!
yeah , i wasn't sure if the nursing exam questions were as subjective as people on that premed101 thread said, i need to ask more people but after looking at dozens of threads, it seems like getting a good gpa will be harder than other programs

and i didn't realize that physiotherapy good be a good fall back plan, i'd be done with my physiotherapy at 26, i believe i can still become a physician assistant when i'll be a physiotherapist.(i'll search every needeed info) If it's true then the kine's path will be the one i'll choose

 

[sockit]

if you couldn't be a doctor or PA, would you rather be a PT or a nurse?

 

[AugustBreeze]

that transfer to PT is a fantastic backup option. tuition in quebec is cheap, and so is rent in montreal.

pt=PhysioTherapy?

it's funny because i just said that randomly but didn't really realize that it could be a good backup plan until like an hour ago. At first i thought that i'd be old at the end of my physio's degree but 26 isnt that old and i would be way older by the end of my med school and residency (if i ever got in)!

 

[AugustBreeze]

if you couldn't be a doctor or PA, would you rather be a PT or a nurse?

if pt= Physiotherapist then:
physiotherapist!


but the thing is that nursing also offers the chance to become a Nurse Practitionner.

If i forget about NP too, then i'd prefer physiotherapist 100%

 

[Qester]

So the deadline has passed I am assuming...what did you choose?

 

[AugustBreeze]

So the deadline has passed I am assuming...what did you choose?

kinesiology!!! (When i realized that PT would be kine's path's back up plan, the cards changed)

Classes start in september but i'll start studying mid july

I am satisfied with my choice =)

 

[Qester]

Congrats, I hope it all works out

 

[FCMike11]

kinesiology!!! (When i realized that PT would be kine's path's back up plan, the cards changed)

Classes start in september but i'll start studying mid july

I am satisfied with my choice =)

PT school is still a graduate school in the US and is somewhat competitive.

 

[sockit]

Well, OP's Canadian. It's an MA-level program here and also competitive, however, it appears there's an internal progression route available to OP, who's so far gotten an 80 average (that's an A at most Canadian schools) with undiagnosed ADHD, and is studying from July 🙂

OP, congrats!

Do you have access to resources for managing the ADHD? (Of course you do, you're in Quebec 🙂 )

 

[AugustBreeze]

Well, OP's Canadian. It's an MA-level program here and also competitive, however, it appears there's an internal progression route available to OP, who's so far gotten an 80 average (that's an A at most Canadian schools) with undiagnosed ADHD, and is studying from July 🙂

OP, congrats!

Do you have access to resources for managing the ADHD? (Of course you do, you're in Quebec 🙂 )

i don't know, i never looked into it. Should i? How helpful can it be? Someone with adhd told me that after combining Meditation+Daily Exercices+Supplements+Veggies+Medication, he feels completely normal, he says that he went from a 2.5 gpa student to a 4.0 student. (Hopefully this is 100% true)

My family is really doubting my capacities to perfom well (they were telling me that my medication might not work,etc.).....doubt is the last thing i need on this journey. Oh well,just gotta force myself to have faith and work like my life depends on it.
Talked to a girl who had 72% average in premed, she went in kine (same university i'm going into) and actually managed to boost her gpa,she applied to pharmarcy and dentistry, she got accepted in both and decided to become a dentist.
I know it's possible as long as i provide the necessary efforts. Btw, i won't need to spend 3 years in kine, 3 semesters should be enough (3 semesters= 45 credits, each credit counts for 2% of your college grades, after 50 credits your college grades don't count anymore. After 3 semesters, only 10% of my college grades will count) (Sorry if it's hard to understand what i mean, my english isn't that good)
In the worst worst case scenario, after 3 semesters, i can still go back into nursing, i'll be 22(since nursing 1st year starts in september and kine's third semester ends in december(birthday is in june)). But i don't even want to think too much about the worst case scenario,just gotta keep moving foward

Thank you guys for the support! I'll keep you updated on my journey =) (for those who care haha)

 

[sockit]

I'm no expert on this, and I guess everyone's different, but even with medication and lifestyle changes (those all sound great by the way), you might benefit from taking another look at your study strategies, time management, things like that. (Maybe, some help in planning those lifestyle changes?) You may also be able to get accommodation from your university, like extra time for submitting papers.

I'm sure your university has something like the student support offered at UQAM - might be worth looking into. And here's a list of Quebec-specific resources from the Montreal Neurological Institute. Most of the services listed are geared towards assessment, but there are a few support groups and coaching services on there, too.

It's great to be goal-driven and focused, but support is also important. Your family is probably worried because they care about you. If this is a new diagnosis, it might be good for both you and your family to learn a bit more about it, and to try to work together if you can. Good luck!

 

[deleted480308]

I don't know how much canadian systems differ from american in terms of education.....but there is something to be said for a bachelors you can earn a living with. lots of things besides ability can stall your education or stop it....being able to eat with a bachelors is a nice option

 

[AugustBreeze]

I'm no expert on this, and I guess everyone's different, but even with medication and lifestyle changes (those all sound great by the way), you might benefit from taking another look at your study strategies, time management, things like that. (Maybe, some help in planning those lifestyle changes?) You may also be able to get accommodation from your university, like extra time for submitting papers.

I'm sure your university has something like the student support offered at UQAM - might be worth looking into. And here's a list of Quebec-specific resources from the Montreal Neurological Institute. Most of the services listed are geared towards assessment, but there are a few support groups and coaching services on there, too.

It's great to be goal-driven and focused, but support is also important. Your family is probably worried because they care about you. If this is a new diagnosis, it might be good for both you and your family to learn a bit more about it, and to try to work together if you can. Good luck!

Thank you alot! This information is gonna be helpful!

I don't know how much canadian systems differ from american in terms of education.....but there is something to be said for a bachelors you can earn a living with. lots of things besides ability can stall your education or stop it....being able to eat with a bachelors is a nice option

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean that i shouldn't be picky concerning the things that can allow me to put food on the table?

 

[deleted480308]

I'm saying a bachelors in nursing is more employable than kinesiology if you never get to a grad program

 

[AugustBreeze]

I'm saying a bachelors in nursing is more employable than kinesiology if you never get to a grad program

oh, i'm aware of that (btw PT is a bachelor here in quebec,you can do a masters though), if things don't work out after 3 semesters in kine,i'll apply in a nursing program. But i don't even want to think about that worst case scenario tho,thinking about it will only make me lose focus.

Thanks for the concern =)

By the way, concerning the volunteering, should i apply in an hospital or a clinic? I only have 4 reference letters (2 per teacher) because i intended to apply to 2 hospitals affiliated with the mcgill university. But since i'm not going to mcgill anymore (mcgill was for nursing), i don't know where to send my reference letters. I should have taken more than 4..

 

[deleted480308]

oh, i'm aware of that (btw PT is a bachelor here in quebec,you can do a masters though), if things don't work out after 3 semesters in kine,i'll apply in a nursing program. But i don't even want to think about that worst case scenario tho,thinking about it will only make me lose focus.

Thanks for the concern =)

I understand your mentality, I also went all or nothing. My Bach is literally a degree in nothing (interdisciplinary studies) and would be useless if I didn't get into med school. Goodluckand keep your spirits up, you can do it

 

[AugustBreeze]

I understand your mentality, I also went all or nothing. My Bach is literally a degree in nothing (interdisciplinary studies) and would be useless if I didn't get into med school. Goodluckand keep your spirits up, you can do it

I'm glad you got into med school =p
Thanks for the support!