Becoming a Physician

[JohnGalt13]

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Basically, I've always wanted to be a Physician, an Anesthesiologist to be exact but obviously that is far down the road.

The thing I fear is, I have already ruined my chances. Basically, I go to an average Private College and just completed my first year of undergraduate. The problem being, my GPA after my first year. I finished with a 3.0. This is how it pretty much went down though.

Gym- A, obviously
Discrete Math- A, Only required to show up for test, came to class three times (for the 3 tests, just read the book on my own). Aced all the tests.
English- B, Deducted 5% for every absence, missed too many classes, got A's on all the papers.
History- B, again, absences were the only reason I didn't receive an A.
Calculus 2- B, Both homework and absences brought grade down, A's on all midterms
Statistics- C, Same situation as above
Philosophy- C, Same with absences, A's on all papers

As you can see, I prefer to read the book myself, and I learn better that way.

Anyways, my question is, if I actually start going to class (I know you all have no reason to believe I will), how good of chance would I have to get into a decent (top 50 or 100) Medical school or whatever is considered decent? I could probably finish with a 3.7 or 3.8 GPA, and I think I could probably do pretty well on the MCAT.

Also, I realize I haven't taken any of the pre-med science courses, I plan on beginning that this year and finishing next year (two classes a semester). Am I at a disadvantage pursuing a degree in Mathematics instead of some type of science degree?


Thanks for any responses, positive or negative.

 

[GoNightNight]

Baby steps young sir.

Just do as well as you can in all your classes. Apparently this means showing up to class.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Also, I realize I haven't taken any of the pre-med science courses, I plan on beginning that this year and finishing next year (two classes a semester). Am I at a disadvantage pursuing a degree in Mathematics instead of some type of science degree?

Thanks for any responses, positive or negative.

A couple thoughts:

1) Part of maturing is realizing that sometimes you've gotta play the game, even when it sucks. This is that time. Go to class. Read some Ayn Rand during class if you really hate being there. Just do it.

2) Math major is fine. Just do your pre-reqs and get your GPA up.

3) If the school is accredited, it's good enough. You don't need to go to a top 50 med school. If you've got the letters MD after your name, you're a physician.

4) With a username like JohnGalt13, you're obviously meant to be an anesthesiologist. You'll be posting "What gun should I buy?" and "The government is out to get us!" threads in no time! 😉

 

[476515678234896]

Anyways, my question is, if I actually start going to class (I know you all have no reason to believe I will), how good of chance would I have to get into a decent (top 50 or 100) Medical school or whatever is considered decent?

with that kind of GPA, you won't get into any medical school (let alone a top one). But you can always half-ass your way to an MD by going to the Caribbean...

Work hard, make sure your sGPA is high because you're a non-science major, go to class, kill every exam, and have fun.

 

[Consigliere]

with that kind of GPA, you won't get into any medical school (let alone a top one). But you can always half-ass your way to an MD by going to the Caribbean...

Work hard, make sure your sGPA is high because you're a non-science major, go to class, kill every exam, and have fun.

The Caribbean!?!? Hell, go to a DO school - it's what I did. Rocking $400k plus a year, yo......

 

[notinkansas]

The Caribbean!?!? Hell, go to a DO school - it's what I did. Rocking $400k plus a year, yo......

My undergrad GPA was 3.2

Got masters degree with 3.7

Rocked the MCAT

Got into med school

Got into residency

Now I think WTF was I thinking? I hate this!

Point: 3.0 in early undergrad years won't kill you. Makes it a bit harder, yes.

 

[BLADEMDA]

Basically, I've always wanted to be a Physician, an Anesthesiologist to be exact but obviously that is far down the road.

The thing I fear is, I have already ruined my chances. Basically, I go to an average Private College and just completed my first year of undergraduate. The problem being, my GPA after my first year. I finished with a 3.0. This is how it pretty much went down though.

Gym- A, obviously
Discrete Math- A, Only required to show up for test, came to class three times (for the 3 tests, just read the book on my own). Aced all the tests.
English- B, Deducted 5% for every absence, missed too many classes, got A's on all the papers.
History- B, again, absences were the only reason I didn't receive an A.
Calculus 2- B, Both homework and absences brought grade down, A's on all midterms
Statistics- C, Same situation as above
Philosophy- C, Same with absences, A's on all papers

As you can see, I prefer to read the book myself, and I learn better that way.

Anyways, my question is, if I actually start going to class (I know you all have no reason to believe I will), how good of chance would I have to get into a decent (top 50 or 100) Medical school or whatever is considered decent? I could probably finish with a 3.7 or 3.8 GPA, and I think I could probably do pretty well on the MCAT.

Also, I realize I haven't taken any of the pre-med science courses, I plan on beginning that this year and finishing next year (two classes a semester). Am I at a disadvantage pursuing a degree in Mathematics instead of some type of science degree?


Thanks for any responses, positive or negative.

How about a 4.0 this year? Just go to class and actually give a sh#@.
With effort you can still get that GPA above 3.5 and make it into Medical School. But, you need to ask yourself one very important question? Is that what you really want?

Blade

 

[Narcotized]

.

 

[Narcotized]

My undergrad GPA was 3.2

Got masters degree with 3.7

Rocked the MCAT

Got into med school

Got into residency

Now I think WTF was I thinking? I hate this!

Could be post of the day.

 

[G-Man82]

I agree with all the above, but just want to add that a lot of your science classes will be in big lecture format (unless you're in a tiny school). With those, it's easy to skip the lectures, do the reading on your own time, and just show up for the discussion sections and the exam. As for your other classes, if attendance actually counts, or the professor says that the exam comes from the lecture notes rather than the book, then show up. Bump up your gpa, study your butt off for the MCAT and you'll be fine. Focus on getting into medical school first before choosing a specialty.

 

[lakersbaby]

you get a grade for gym in college?

also.. go to class!

 

[IlDestriero]

you get a grade for gym in college?

also.. go to class!

I read his post 3 times. 😕
What Mickey mouse college deducts for attendance and why are you taking Gym for credit? The only classes I had to attend in college and medical school were tests and my own presentations. And I was late for a few of those.😉 really! I took a Shakespeare class, the professor recommended attendance. He did cover the test material in class, so go=A, skip and you take your chances. I turned a paper in a week early and he scowled and asked why I would not be in class to turn the paper in the following Friday. I said I was leaving for Spring Break today. He scowled again and asked if I thought it was appropriate to skip a week of classes to go on "a drunken binge". I told him I wasn't going on a bender, I was going sailing. I shot him a wink, out the door and off to the Bahamas. "A" baby. They're all bluster.
Did you really not know attendance was required? Time to man up or change career goals. A 3.0 won't get you into a DO school Chief. Your laziness has done you a lot of damage that it will take you you're entire college career to recover from. If you're not aiming for a 4.0, you're focked. You may even have to wait until after your 4th year to apply if you really want a top allopathic medical school (top 20). On the up side, you haven't F'ed up any science classes yet. That may save you from yourself.
Or, drop out of overpriced, not so impressive private school, get a 4.0 at State University and go to Harvard. You won't do it, but you should. A few years from now you'll understand why I recommended that.

 

[Narcotized]

.

 

[JohnGalt13]

First, thanks for all the responses.

In Maryland, Gym is a required course to graduate, don't know why.

I knew attendance was required but it's much easier to not go to class, like I like you all have no reason to believe I will even begin going to class. Of course that is all up to me. It's up to the professor if they want to deduct for attendance, I'm pretty sure it won't matter as much this year as I'll be in higher level classes, but again, the professor decides. The thing is, my school is pretty small so taking attendance is very easy.

Why transfer to a state college? Does it look better or do you just mean for financial reasons? I'm on a full ride if it's for financial reasons.

 

[lakersbaby]

First, thanks for all the responses.

In Maryland, Gym is a required course to graduate, don't know why.

I knew attendance was required but it's much easier to not go to class, like I like you all have no reason to believe I will even begin going to class. Of course that is all up to me. It's up to the professor if they want to deduct for attendance, I'm pretty sure it won't matter as much this year as I'll be in higher level classes, but again, the professor decides. The thing is, my school is pretty small so taking attendance is very easy.

Why transfer to a state college? Does it look better or do you just mean for financial reasons? I'm on a full ride if it's for financial reasons.

they just mean go to a state college to get that GPA up because its all about numbers. thats not realistic because obviously youre not gonna ditch out on a free ride. if you say you should be getting A's and you arent simply because you don't go to class then it will be your own fault you don't get into medical school. just get a high gpa and do well on your mcat simple as pie.

 

[sebsvenmdc]

Basically, I've always wanted to be a Physician, an Anesthesiologist to be exact but obviously that is far down the road.

The thing I fear is, I have already ruined my chances. Basically, I go to an average Private College and just completed my first year of undergraduate. The problem being, my GPA after my first year. I finished with a 3.0. This is how it pretty much went down though.

Gym- A, obviously
Discrete Math- A, Only required to show up for test, came to class three times (for the 3 tests, just read the book on my own). Aced all the tests.
English- B, Deducted 5% for every absence, missed too many classes, got A's on all the papers.
History- B, again, absences were the only reason I didn't receive an A.
Calculus 2- B, Both homework and absences brought grade down, A's on all midterms
Statistics- C, Same situation as above
Philosophy- C, Same with absences, A's on all papers

As you can see, I prefer to read the book myself, and I learn better that way.

Anyways, my question is, if I actually start going to class (I know you all have no reason to believe I will), how good of chance would I have to get into a decent (top 50 or 100) Medical school or whatever is considered decent? I could probably finish with a 3.7 or 3.8 GPA, and I think I could probably do pretty well on the MCAT.

Also, I realize I haven't taken any of the pre-med science courses, I plan on beginning that this year and finishing next year (two classes a semester). Am I at a disadvantage pursuing a degree in Mathematics instead of some type of science degree?


Thanks for any responses, positive or negative.

So, I think you need to ask yourself one question: Is it more important to me that I reach my goals by playing by some of the rules to make sure that I get the bottom-line results OR is it more important that I have some partial attempt with no guaranteed success but a life filled with plenty of arm-chair "could have's, would have's, should have's".

I think you can reach your goal and become an anesthesiologist. I also think; however, that you have the potential to piss that dream away. You screwed up first year. You have a great brain in your cranium, but you played by your rules and you went against the system, and who got screwed the most? You. Now, start this next year. Go to every freaking class because it seems like that's the consistent reason behind your grade depression - you do well on tests and papers, but you get hammered for not going to class.

Another vital point my friend. Don't be afraid to go all out and risk failure despite doing so. In other words, you will respect yourself more if you give your best effort towards a goal and fail vs. fail with a partial effort, but room for the excuse, "I could have done better". Slam your balls against the wall! Soak up the humility required. If your friends go play and you need to study...suck it up...maybe studying that weekend makes the difference between a grade that pushes you over the line or not. Enough cumulative damage from the sum of such individual decisions can occur.

I think the guys in here have been really nice to you. I'm saying all of this because I've seen a lot of talented kids piss away their potential because they lacked discipline and the ability to defer gratification.

 

[periopdoc]

I sat on the admissions board at the University of Washington for 3 years. Screened more applications than I care to remember. If you maintain a stellar GPA for years 2-4 and do great on the MCAT, no one will care about your 1st year GPA of 3.0. We all understand the transition that occurs and a dip in grades is acceptable. Your numbers will be outshone by a significant number of your co-applicants, but numbers are only a part of your application. If you have a compelling story about why you want to be a doctor and some realistic experience, you will get your foot in the door.

Remember your application gets you an interview, your interview gets you into med school. Don't screw around for another year.

Ball is in your court.

- pod

 

[TenaciousGirl]

I recommend nobody major in premed crap. You're going to get all the science you'll ever want being a doctor. I majored in Economics and it gives me a huge advantage. I can see for absolute certainty how incredibly friggin stupid everybody is in the media and in Washington. You'll also get better grades in a major you enjoy.

So the answer is up to you and whether this is what you really want and will you do what it takes? Lastly, have you started your gun collection for the upcoming armageddon??

To the OP-

I wish when I was a college freshman someone had sat me down and explained that if I wanted to be a physician in a timely manner I had to get crack-a-lackin asap. You see, I lollygagged around as a music major for two years and by the time I was a junior and realized real life was upon me, I picked a major that I saw as more applicable to a career. Then as a senior I became interested in medicine but was already committed to the path I had chosen. If I do decide to go back to the medicine route I'll have to do something like 1.5-2 years of prereqs, plus med school, plus residency. If this is something you want to do, then take advantage of the timing now.

My undergrad school is friggin' NOTORIOUS for profs taking attendance and factoring it into the grade. There were a handful of classes I could have gotten an A but didn't because of attendance and those late night greek escapades. So... like others have said, go to class. prioritize. If this is what you want then give it all you've got now so that you don't regret anything later.

 

[Mman]

Keep your head up and work hard for what you want.

My first semester at college was my lowest GPA (3.3) because I didn't know how to study. I didn't have to in high school. Never brought a book home from school once in HS, just did all my work in study hall and played a million sports after school and on weekends. Got to college and had no idea how to study effectively.

Then I straightened up and figured out how I could study (what worked for me, not everybody else) and got better grades the rest of the way. Probably ended up with a final GPA around 3.7 (from the honors department of local State U), rocked the MCAT, and got into a top 10 med school.


Just work hard and figure out how you need to study to get better grades.

 

[Wesco]

U know your solution is quite explicit. GO TO CLASS! If you can get good grade w/o going to class imagine what you can do when u go to class. I see many students like you in most of my classes, smart students who just don't show up to class and settle for a C when they can suck it and come to class for an easy ass A.

 

[rahulb]

i was a math major and i'm currently kicking the crap out of med school

as long as you're scientifically inclined you should have no trouble.

 

[durlvlbeacoo]

Your tens of thousands of tuition dollars buys you a seat in a classroom to learn from a professor, not to sit on your ass in the library to study by yourself. If you want to sit on your ass by yourself to learn on your own, sign up for an online university.

 

[cfdavid]

You know, I was about to rip into, telling you to put down the bong and grow up!!! But then I realized my first semester in college was an overindulgence resulting in a 2.2 GPA. OUCH!! But... I wasn't premed at the time (I thought all those people going to school for 8 years plus residency were out of their friggin minds), and when I got snookered into being premed because my 1st year Spring semester girlfriend was, I turned it up a notch.

I was like you; hated school, hated class, learned best on my own. My GPA was never fantastic, but it did significantly improve, I did have a top school on the degree, and I did blow the MCAT out of the water. It still cost me. Had to apply 2 years in a row and was beginning the application process for a third year when I got a phone call in late August saying they had a spot for me if I could get there in a couple of days. So I packed up the truck and moved to... (definitely NOT Beverly Hills).

Here's where you and me differ; for now at least. Everyone joked I went to college and med school through correspondence, but I did show up when required! Get a friggin alarm clock, and get your ass outta bed. In the words of Bela Karoli, "You can dooo it!!!"

I recommend nobody major in premed crap. You're going to get all the science you'll ever want being a doctor. I majored in Economics and it gives me a huge advantage. I can see for absolute certainty how incredibly friggin stupid everybody is in the media and in Washington. You'll also get better grades in a major you enjoy.

So the answer is up to you and whether this is what you really want and will you do what it takes? Lastly, have you started your gun collection for the upcoming armageddon??

Finance over here home boy. And ditto on the media bullsh.t.

Doing a major other than science could be good, but it may take you longer (took me 4 1/2 years).

cf

 

[aspo]

My first year of College my GPA was 2.0. Then I decided I needed good grades to get into graduate school. I was on the deans list every semester after that and graduated with honors. You need a 3.5 or better to get into medical school. You have pleanty of time to get your GPA above 3.5 if you start getting only A's and B+'s next semester.

Class attendance is for high school students, but if your school is so backwards, that they care about attendance then go to class sit in the back and read a book.

 

[JohnGalt13]

Thanks for all the answers/support.

Your tens of thousands of tuition dollars buys you a seat in a classroom to learn from a professor, not to sit on your ass in the library to study by yourself. If you want to sit on your ass by yourself to learn on your own, sign up for an online university.

I'm actually buying a legitimate degree with it.

 

[inmyslumber]

What you need to ask yourself is...Who is John Galt? 🙄.

Don't be discouraged. You screwed up by not going to class. You learned your lesson. You know what you need to do to turn it around.

Just focus on doing your best from here on out. Don't "settle" for Caribbean or DO (unless that is what you want, lots of fine doctors from both Caribbean and DO schools). You never know how things will work out. I am sure more than a few MD's had less than stellar beginnings.

-IMS

 

[Idiopathic]

i carded an F in freshman biology because i didnt go to class, somehow recovered from that

 

[IlDestriero]

The problem is that it seems to have taken him 2 semesters to make the great revelation.🙄

Don't be discouraged. You screwed up by not going to class. You learned your lesson. You know what you need to do to turn it around.

And than he went on to say this-

I knew attendance was required but it's much easier to not go to class...
I'm pretty sure it won't matter as much this year as I'll be in higher level classes...

😕
Hmmm... I don't think we'll be seeing him around the Dr.'s Lounge anytime soon. The A in Gym may help him with a physical therapy degree though.
Was it Golf or Tennis? No, swimming! If it was sailing, I may have a crew position open later this year.😆

 

[JohnGalt13]

The problem is that it seems to have taken him 2 semesters to make the great revelation.🙄

And than he went on to say this-
😕
Hmmm... I don't think we'll be seeing him around the Dr.'s Lounge anytime soon. The A in Gym may help him with a physical therapy degree though.
Was it Golf or Tennis? No, swimming! If it was sailing, I may have a crew position open later this year.😆

Well, most of the upper level classes have optional attendance. Mostly just freshmen classes have required attendance so they make sure everyone is starting school off right. So if that is the case, which I'm pretty sure it will be, I already proved that I don't need to go to class if it's not required (see discrete math) so I should be fine. Otherwise, I will be attending.

But it was cross training 😉