Can I make this work? Am I delusional?

[meister]

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I've spent the latter part of 3 years trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I got decent grades in high school, went to UC Santa Barbara my freshmen year, transferred to UC Irvine last year(my sophomore year) for my EX-girlfriend(long story), and now I'm sitting here waiting for the year to start.

Upon first entering college I figured I would major in chemistry. I slowly figured out that that wasn't really for me, and when I transferred to UCI, I switched to physics. Last year was pretty interesting, took quantum physics and intro thermodynamics and all that jazz, but I could never really envision myself getting a PhD in it. I couldn't really see myself being a professor. I find the material interesting enough, I just can't see myself doing it all day for the rest of my life.

Then a few days ago I realized something: I can go to medical school. For some reason, I had never thought about it. But the sudden realization just made sense, and now I think that I'm really going to do it. The only problem is, I've lost two years already. If I want to go to med school the year immediately proceeding my senior year, I have to take organic chemistry and tons of bio classes in the next year in order to prepare for the spring MCAT. I don't think I have enough time.

I haven't taken a biology course since 9th grade. I also haven't done any volunteering or research thus far in college. I've worked in a pharmacy for two years as a technician, so at least that's some healthcare exposure, but still...Basically, I think I waited too long and now I'm ****ed and bound to lose a year. I'm pretty excited about the idea of going, but I think perhaps I should volunteer at a hospital or some other clinic to get an idea of what I'm getting myself into. Today, in fact, I emailed a few professors about undergraduate research in biophysics and pharmacology, and I emailed the person in charge of volunteering at a local hospital, but that's all I've done so far for EC's.

Should I start studying now if I plan to take the test in April? Am I royally screwed because I haven't taken any bio courses in five years?(I know it's obvious 🙁) Should I take the six month princeton review course?

Since I guess it's pertinent, I'll post what courses I've taken in the past two years: 2 years of math, 2 years of physics with labs, 1 year of chemistry with labs, a few humanities classes, and a couple writing courses. I haven't taken any biology courses yet, but I'm registered for a couple this fall. I'm also registered for ochem, which I'm killing myself about right now because I should have taken it last year. Right now my plan is to continue majoring in physics with a concentration in biomedical physics. My overall GPA and my science GPA are both 3.68 right now.

here's a fat penguin for your time

 

[dhoonlee]

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[Pinkertinkle]

You want to make sure you have your Ochem and Bio done before taking the MCAT.

 

[UseUrHeadFred]

I'd get some healthcare experience before pushing too hard. There are a lot of misconceptions about what being a doctor is like. A lot of sacrifices are necessary - it's hard to live a real life while going through medical school and residency. Even when you are a doctor, it's much harder than it used to be due to various pressing political issues.

Make sure you know what you're getting into. You can find a lot of information on this forum, but there is no substitute for trying it yourself.

 

[meister]

Yeah, I agree I need some first hand experience. I'm pretty excited about volunteering at the hospital. I guess I'll see how it goes first.

 

[KristenAnn]

you could definately make it work if all you need is ochem and a few bio classes. your gpa looks great, and working in a pharmacy will look good, but you should have clinical experience, so definately volunteer in the hospital. 😳

 

[JDAWG07]

Contrary to what most premeds believe, a lack of clinical experience does not mean an automatic rejection. I know two people that got in without any experience whatsoever (although they each had unbelievable stats). However, clinical exp. does help your application and puts any doubts to rest that ADCOM members may have about you knowing what you're getting into. If you can convince them that you do know, and show that you are truly motivated and interested, then you will be fine. I think the only people that it does matter for are those that talk about how they've wanted to go into medicine their whole lives and love it, but don't show any interest in it by way of their ECs. For you, if you reiterate your story about your calling to ADCOM members, they will love you.

 

[beanbean]

You don't need tons of bio classes to take the MCAT. All you really need are the basics and some good problem solving abilities. Of course its nice to have taken physiology, genetics, cell bio, or biochem; but its not required.

In terms of usefulness in med school, having taken a physiology course and biochem is quite helpful for first year.

If you feel rushed, don't worry about taking an extra year. I would say the majority of people in my class did not come straight from undergrad. Many had taken a year or two to work, volunteer, etc.

Good luck.

 

[Senor.Frog]

There are a lot of other avenues you can pursue to volunteer, but if you really want to shine, join the Peace Corps. Its a 2 year commitment, but having that on your app will place no doubt in the minds of the adcom that you truly do care for people and that you would undoubtedly make a compassionate and caring physician.

How do I know this works? Well, I met two residents who graduated with descent, but not stellar grades. They went to peace corps and after two years they returned and took the MCATs and applied. They not only got into multiple schools, but both went and graduated from Harvard Med.

Well if its such a great plan how come I didn't do it? Well, lets just say that I've been chugging away at a post-graduate degree right after graduation and spending another two years away from medicine will be 2 years too long. In other words, I'm too old! So, for you youngins, think about it because it is an option.