Can I switch out of optometry school?

[Freddie]

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I just finished my first year of optometry school and after doing a lot of "soul searching," I have come to realize that a career in medicine would be more suitable for me. I plan on applying to medical schools next year. I was wondering, how do med school admissions look upon students who are already in a professional program? Would they consider me a quitter for wanting to leave my optometry program and a potential liability in the future as they might think that I might do the same? Would it be best if I just finished this program and then applied afterwards? If I did apply, would my grades in opt school be considered to the same extent as my undergrad grades? All input is greatly appreciated.

 

[mpp]

Although I am not sure if every admissions committee would look down upon switching career paths, you wouldn't be the first to do it. I know of two people that did exactly what you did. One year of optometry school and then switched to medical school. One of them even stayed at the same school (Ohio State). Good luck.

 

[spacecadet]

You should probably talk to a pre-med advisor or someone on a med school admissions committee. Unfortunately, most of us here only have a general idea of what is good/bad/acceptable/etc.

Sorry!

Pam