General Concerns

[Leefa]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Greetings ladies and gents, I'm new to the forums, but I've been reading them for about a week now.

This is a long post, so prepare yourself.

I'm going to be applying for college within the next two weeks, and I am, at this point, planning to go for pre-med; more specifically, Integrative Physiology.

My concerns come in when you consider that my high school experience was not that of a "typical" pre-med student - if there is such a thing. I decided very late in the game, about two months ago, that I wanted to go into the medical field. I put a lot of thought into my future career, but I did not consider medicine because while I was doing so, it was one of the last and least things I thought I'd consider. For numerous personal reasons, however, I decided that it would be the best job for me to be a physician.

I started strong in high school: with a gpa of 3.8 by freshman year. After that, however, I started to slack off. During sophomore year, I failed an elective class, and despite my A.P classes, by the end of my junior year my gpa was 2.94. In spring of this past year, I had reached the decision that I wouldn't even attempt to raise my gpa, and that I'd just attend a community college to complete my electives, then go to state school (University of Iowa).

Since this school year started and I have a renewed sense of purpose to pursue the track to become a doctor, I have put much effort into school, and my current term's gpa stands at 4.4, weighted. That should bring my overall to 3.2 or 3.3 after this term, at which point I'll apply to the University of Iowa for Integrative Physiology. At all state schools, there is an RAI score of 245 reached by a formula of standardized test scores, gpa, class rank, and classes that one must meet for admission. I meet the score and exceed it.

1) One of my concerns is that due to the fact that I decided so late to go into medicine, I did not enroll for the A.P. Biology class offered at my HS, so I feel like I'll lack a certain ability to memorize information at heavy load, as occurs in undergrad and med school classes. Also that I don't have a good enough idea what pre-med courses will be like.

2) Another is that UI's integrative physiology page states that only 75/100 applicants are admitted to the program.
http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/majors/at-iowa/Integrative-Physiology.html
This is at conflict, at least as far as I can tell, with their RAI score, which is virtual unconditional acceptance if the score is met. The page also says that the average gpa is 3.4-4, a range in which I am not included.
Mabye I can attend with an undeclared major until I have grades good enough to enter the program?

3) My strengths, it seems have always been more apparent in Liberal Arts classes, such as AP World & US History, Government, and english. I did seem to enjoy my Biology class freshman year, and had good grades, but normal classes do not expose your strenghts and weaknesses as much as A.P. classes. Should I major in another, less scientific, subject and minor in IP?

4) Will I get used to studying 2 hours a day on average? I haven't really had to study much in HS..

5) Seeing as how my gpa (cant get scholarships for first year) is so low, and my parents cannot help me very much financially, is it OK to use student loans to pay the ~$15k/yr in state tuition? thats 45k at least before med school. Is it possible to maintain a work/study balance in undergraduate school worthy of atleast helping pay my student loans off? What sources of income can I come upon during med school?

I have confidence in myself that I posess the mental capacity to understand the material, and I hope that I have the stamina for 13 more years of school.


I would sincerely appreciate any advice. I know I wrote a book of a post, but I congradulate and thank you if you read the whole thing. If you can't tell already, I am often concerned (worried) about something, even if I am in a relaxed state of mind; and I like to plan for the future, wether it be short or long term, which some people find to be overly concerned.

 

[acegsm]

Leefa,

Quite a few of people do not know what they will go into as a high school student, many do not even know while getting an undergraduate degree. Some people start out late. You are actually starting out early. You are in high school. It is great that you are interested in going into medicine, however right now just worry about getting into an undergraduate program. I am sure you will do just fine. You are way ahead of the game. Enjoy yourself.

You can major in anything, from biology to English, from history to international affairs. As long as you have the pre-reqs anything is fair game. I do not know much about the exact program that you are going into. The only advice I have is go into something that you are passionate about.

Yes, student loans are perfectly okay. It is actually not difficult to maintain a balance as an undergraduate. You can work/volunteer/study. Medical school is said to be VERY difficult to work during.

You will get used to studying two hours per every hour of class. I did not have much work at all in high school, now I study ten times as much, volunteer at the hospital, shadow, work, a few clubs, community service, study, and perform research. You will get used to it quickly.

 

[tennisball80]

It's never too late. The medical schools only look at your college grades and they don't care which major you are. So enjoy HS and chill out !

 

[RySerr21]

Greetings ladies and gents, I'm new to the forums, but I've been reading them for about a week now.

This is a long post, so prepare yourself.

I'm going to be applying for college within the next two weeks, and I am, at this point, planning to go for pre-med; more specifically, Integrative Physiology.

My concerns come in when you consider that my high school experience was not that of a "typical" pre-med student - if there is such a thing. I decided very late in the game, about two months ago, that I wanted to go into the medical field. I put a lot of thought into my future career, but I did not consider medicine because while I was doing so, it was one of the last and least things I thought I'd consider. For numerous personal reasons, however, I decided that it would be the best job for me to be a physician.

I started strong in high school: with a gpa of 3.8 by freshman year. After that, however, I started to slack off. During sophomore year, I failed an elective class, and despite my A.P classes, by the end of my junior year my gpa was 2.94. In spring of this past year, I had reached the decision that I wouldn't even attempt to raise my gpa, and that I'd just attend a community college to complete my electives, then go to state school (University of Iowa).

Since this school year started and I have a renewed sense of purpose to pursue the track to become a doctor, I have put much effort into school, and my current term's gpa stands at 4.4, weighted. That should bring my overall to 3.2 or 3.3 after this term, at which point I'll apply to the University of Iowa for Integrative Physiology. At all state schools, there is an RAI score of 245 reached by a formula of standardized test scores, gpa, class rank, and classes that one must meet for admission. I meet the score and exceed it.

1) One of my concerns is that due to the fact that I decided so late to go into medicine, I did not enroll for the A.P. Biology class offered at my HS, so I feel like I'll lack a certain ability to memorize information at heavy load, as occurs in undergrad and med school classes. Also that I don't have a good enough idea what pre-med courses will be like.

2) Another is that UI's integrative physiology page states that only 75/100 applicants are admitted to the program.
http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/majors/at-iowa/Integrative-Physiology.html
This is at conflict, at least as far as I can tell, with their RAI score, which is virtual unconditional acceptance if the score is met. The page also says that the average gpa is 3.4-4, a range in which I am not included.
Mabye I can attend with an undeclared major until I have grades good enough to enter the program?

3) My strengths, it seems have always been more apparent in Liberal Arts classes, such as AP World & US History, Government, and english. I did seem to enjoy my Biology class freshman year, and had good grades, but normal classes do not expose your strenghts and weaknesses as much as A.P. classes. Should I major in another, less scientific, subject and minor in IP?

4) Will I get used to studying 2 hours a day on average? I haven't really had to study much in HS..

5) Seeing as how my gpa (cant get scholarships for first year) is so low, and my parents cannot help me very much financially, is it OK to use student loans to pay the ~$15k/yr in state tuition? thats 45k at least before med school. Is it possible to maintain a work/study balance in undergraduate school worthy of atleast helping pay my student loans off? What sources of income can I come upon during med school?

I have confidence in myself that I posess the mental capacity to understand the material, and I hope that I have the stamina for 13 more years of school.


I would sincerely appreciate any advice. I know I wrote a book of a post, but I congradulate and thank you if you read the whole thing. If you can't tell already, I am often concerned (worried) about something, even if I am in a relaxed state of mind; and I like to plan for the future, wether it be short or long term, which some people find to be overly concerned.

I think your main problem is that you think you decided on a career "late." You are still in high schoo! You are EARLY! I konw people junior year of college who justu decided they wanted to pursue medicine. You have 4 years to gain expereince in medicine and you will have an awesome application by the time you apply. You are by no means late. No one expects you to decide the rest of your life at 18 years old.

College is a lot different than high school, just like im sure high school is a lot differnt than middle school... You will adjust. Youll learn how you study best and you'll do fine. No need to worry. GOod luck.

ryan

 

[177983]

For that matter, enjoy college and chill out. Though some would disagree, I would actually advice against the pre-med major route. Go with something random and unique. Take your major pre-reqs (chem, o. chem, physics, bio) and maybe some higher level bio classes (biochem, genetics, etc.), but take tons of cool stuff you'd love to study. Take literature classes and philosophy classes and French classes and history classes and art classes. You'll never have as much freedom to learn about this stuff ever again. You'll be tied up with family, work, and other commitments. I was a math major, then an English major, then a French major, then a math major again. I got a Master's degree in Statistics. And now I'm 27 and in a post-bac program and hoping to apply to med schools when I'm 28, to start school when I'm 29. My biggest regret is not taking a painting class. Seriously.

I know it feels like you have to make major decisions about life right now, but try to bury that feeling because it's not true.

 

[RySerr21]

For that matter, enjoy college and chill out. Though some would disagree, I would actually advice against the pre-med major route. Go with something random and unique. Take your major pre-reqs (chem, o. chem, physics, bio) and maybe some higher level bio classes (biochem, genetics, etc.), but take tons of cool stuff you'd love to study. Take literature classes and philosophy classes and French classes and history classes and art classes. You'll never have as much freedom to learn about this stuff ever again. You'll be tied up with family, work, and other commitments. I was a math major, then an English major, then a French major, then a math major again. I got a Master's degree in Statistics. And now I'm 27 and in a post-bac program and hoping to apply to med schools when I'm 28, to start school when I'm 29. My biggest regret is not taking a painting class. Seriously.

I know it feels like you have to make major decisions about life right now, but try to bury that feeling because it's not true.

Is there even such thing as a "pre med" major or do you just mean majors liek biology, chemistry, physics??

OP, if you know you love integrative physiology, Then major in that, it doesnt matter thats its a science related major, you can still take plenty of humanities courses. Just like you, I knew what my major was before I got to college. I even decided my college based on which program I felt had a better Kinesiology department. I knew kinesiology was what I was passionate about and so thats what I majored in. I never changed. But I've also taken LOTS of humanites courses becuase I have interests in other things. Ive takin music courses, sociology courses, psychology couress, history courses, religious studies courses, and many other... ON TOP of all the science courses in my major that I knew I would love. I've had an amazing college expereince. Dont let anyone tell you what to or what not to major in. If you know you love integrative physiology, then do it...just be sure to be open minded b/c I'm sure you have other interests which you can explore with your electives.

 

[CScull]

I would just decide where to go and not stress. Unless you're planning on doing an Accelerated Program there's really no need to get all freaked now about med school... and if you've only decide you want to go into medicine 2 months ago it's probably best to go the normal route anyways; just in case you change your mind again. College GPA, MCATS, and ECs are all that's going to really matter to Med School, so right now I would be focusing on getting into the college you really like, looking at courses you might enjoy and scoping out for some great places to volunteer or get a job where your college is.

Majors don't really matter so much, but make sure to take classes you can excel in and that you will enjoy. There's no need to major in Biochemistry if you really don't like chemistry... although taking some of those more difficult classes could help you in the long run.

Otherwise, enjoy your senior year! You only get to mooch off the parents for so long. 🙂

 

[xnfs93hy]

Greetings ladies and gents, I'm new to the forums, but I've been reading them for about a week now.

This is a long post, so prepare yourself.

I'm going to be applying for college within the next two weeks, and I am, at this point, planning to go for pre-med; more specifically, Integrative Physiology.

My concerns come in when you consider that my high school experience was not that of a "typical" pre-med student - if there is such a thing. I decided very late in the game, about two months ago, that I wanted to go into the medical field. I put a lot of thought into my future career, but I did not consider medicine because while I was doing so, it was one of the last and least things I thought I'd consider. For numerous personal reasons, however, I decided that it would be the best job for me to be a physician.

I started strong in high school: with a gpa of 3.8 by freshman year. After that, however, I started to slack off. During sophomore year, I failed an elective class, and despite my A.P classes, by the end of my junior year my gpa was 2.94. In spring of this past year, I had reached the decision that I wouldn't even attempt to raise my gpa, and that I'd just attend a community college to complete my electives, then go to state school (University of Iowa).

Since this school year started and I have a renewed sense of purpose to pursue the track to become a doctor, I have put much effort into school, and my current term's gpa stands at 4.4, weighted. That should bring my overall to 3.2 or 3.3 after this term, at which point I'll apply to the University of Iowa for Integrative Physiology. At all state schools, there is an RAI score of 245 reached by a formula of standardized test scores, gpa, class rank, and classes that one must meet for admission. I meet the score and exceed it.

1) One of my concerns is that due to the fact that I decided so late to go into medicine, I did not enroll for the A.P. Biology class offered at my HS, so I feel like I'll lack a certain ability to memorize information at heavy load, as occurs in undergrad and med school classes. Also that I don't have a good enough idea what pre-med courses will be like.

2) Another is that UI's integrative physiology page states that only 75/100 applicants are admitted to the program.
http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/majors/at-iowa/Integrative-Physiology.html
This is at conflict, at least as far as I can tell, with their RAI score, which is virtual unconditional acceptance if the score is met. The page also says that the average gpa is 3.4-4, a range in which I am not included.
Mabye I can attend with an undeclared major until I have grades good enough to enter the program?

3) My strengths, it seems have always been more apparent in Liberal Arts classes, such as AP World & US History, Government, and english. I did seem to enjoy my Biology class freshman year, and had good grades, but normal classes do not expose your strenghts and weaknesses as much as A.P. classes. Should I major in another, less scientific, subject and minor in IP?

4) Will I get used to studying 2 hours a day on average? I haven't really had to study much in HS..

5) Seeing as how my gpa (cant get scholarships for first year) is so low, and my parents cannot help me very much financially, is it OK to use student loans to pay the ~$15k/yr in state tuition? thats 45k at least before med school. Is it possible to maintain a work/study balance in undergraduate school worthy of atleast helping pay my student loans off? What sources of income can I come upon during med school?

I have confidence in myself that I posess the mental capacity to understand the material, and I hope that I have the stamina for 13 more years of school.


I would sincerely appreciate any advice. I know I wrote a book of a post, but I congradulate and thank you if you read the whole thing. If you can't tell already, I am often concerned (worried) about something, even if I am in a relaxed state of mind; and I like to plan for the future, wether it be short or long term, which some people find to be overly concerned.

Good idea 😉.

 

[CScull]

Good idea 😉.

... Why would someone go to comunity college if they can get in at the state school... because you definately can with a 3.2...

 

[RySerr21]

... Why would someone go to comunity college if they can get in at the state school... because you definately can with a 3.2...

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[CScull]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Mmmm, still, I would rather a small public school for a couple of years. I'd be afraid I would get behind at a CC.

 

[Leefa]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm not really concerned about deciding late, its just that I don't really have an idea of what studying in this field will be like. I'm sure I will learn and adjust.

The difference between the local community college and state colleges here is not very large, maybe one or two thousand/semester. The difference is ease of admission.

At this point, I think that I'll major in Integrative Physiology, and if I dislike it, I'll switch to a less scientific major, like econ, psychology, or anthropology.

How would I go about getting a job relevant to the medical field? Would a secretary job at a hospital be relevant enough? What kind of extra curriculars do I need and how do I get involved in them?

 

[RySerr21]

Mmmm, still, I would rather a small public school for a couple of years. I'd be afraid I would get behind at a CC.

How would you fall behind? They offer the same college level courses.

How would I go about getting a job relevant to the medical field? Would a secretary job at a hospital be relevant enough? What kind of extra curriculars do I need and how do I get involved in them?

If you work as a janitor in a hospital, is that relevant to the medical field? No, its relevant to being a janitor. I mean sure, as a secretary youll get good experince answering phones, making appointments, filing stuff, or wahtever it is.....but its not relevant to medicine. As an undergrad with really no experience in health professions, its tough to get a paid job directly related to medicine. Thats why people volunteer.......and even then a lot of the volunteering isnt even really related to medicine, its just more to get exposure to the hospital setting. You are gonna be doing stuff like transporting patients, cleaning gurneys, delivering labs, etc.

There is no golden standard for extracurriculars. Do whatever you enjoy doing. Obviously you are gonna need some medically related stuff. You can get involved with research, volunteer, and/or shadow physicians. But beyond that you probably have other interets as well. If you like sports, play sports in college. I played football and rugby. If you dance, then join a dance team. Those are all extracurriculars and if they are important to you then they will be important to the admissions committees. They just want to see that you are doing what you enjoy, it really doesnt matter what it is. As far as how to get involved, opportunities will present themselves to you once you are at school. There will be many clubs that you will be able to joing, one of them will probably a pre med type club or something. You can also get in touch with a pre health advisor or put on a pre med email list. Part of their job is to keep students informed about opportunities in the medical field. Its not hard to find somethign to do, youll see that when you get to school.

 

[DrYoda]

How would I go about getting a job relevant to the medical field? Would a secretary job at a hospital be relevant enough? What kind of extra curriculars do I need and how do I get involved in them?

The only (practically)required EC is clinical experience, which is work or volunteering where you have contact with patients. Some people work as phlebotomists(sp?), nurses aids and such to cover this.

Checking job openings at local hospitals is probably the best way to find a job like this. The hospital here will train and certify you if needed in some things, don't know if this is common place or not. I think you have to be above 18 to get most jobs like these though.

Research is another EC that many med schools like to see, how important this is varies by school.

 

[CScull]

How would you fall behind? They offer the same college level courses.

A friend of mine that goes to Vandy took some courses at the local small public college (Not even CC); he could only take really basic courses because a lot of them Vanderbilt wouldn't accept. I would be afraid that I might end up taking classes that wouldn't be considered, and end up having to take them again. Also, I think universities in general offer a better, more complete education.

 

[RySerr21]

A friend of mine that goes to Vandy took some courses at the local small public college (Not even CC); he could only take really basic courses because a lot of them Vanderbilt wouldn't accept. I would be afraid that I might end up taking classes that wouldn't be considered, and end up having to take them again. Also, I think universities in general offer a better, more complete education.

Early you said youd rather to go to a small public school rather than a CC b/c youd be afraid of falling behind at the CC......now you are telling stories of your friend who had problems coming from a small publlic college transfering credits.......

This is obviously something you have to work out with the university you plan to attend and the CC you are going to. People transfer from CC ALL THE TIME, so obviously 4 year universities accept CC courses. I konw many CC colleges that even offer programs that are set up specifically with other 4 year universities. If you get a certain GPA, and take certain classes, you can guaranteed transfer after two years and all of the courses you take transfer over. Its all about doing your research and planning ahead. Going to a CC is because of $$ is a very common thing.....i konw my plenty of peopel who did it and have had no problem whatsoever. As far as getting a more "complete" education, I'm not really sure what you mean by that.

 

[CScull]

Early you said youd rather to go to a small public school rather than a CC b/c youd be afraid of falling behind at the CC......now you are telling stories of your friend who had problems coming from a small publlic college transfering credits.......

This is obviously something you have to work out with the university you plan to attend and the CC you are going to. People transfer from CC ALL THE TIME, so obviously 4 year universities accept CC courses. I konw many CC colleges that even offer programs that are set up specifically with other 4 year universities. If you get a certain GPA, and take certain classes, you can guaranteed transfer after two years and all of the courses you take transfer over. Its all about doing your research and planning ahead. Going to a CC is because of $$ is a very common thing.....i konw my plenty of peopel who did it and have had no problem whatsoever. As far as getting a more "complete" education, I'm not really sure what you mean by that.

I said that my friend's college wouldn't except some transfer credits to prove my point that a lot of community college's classes are not up to par with 4 year universities. I also wouldn't want to be set back because of having to retake classes. I understand that it can be a wiser decision fiscally but I believe the education provided at 4 year universities is better, more thorough, and more challenging (or 'complete').

 

[RySerr21]

I said that my friend's college wouldn't except some transfer credits to prove my point that a lot of community college's classes are not up to par with 4 year universities. I also wouldn't want to be set back because of having to retake classes. I understand that it can be a wiser decision fiscally but I believe the education provided at 4 year universities is better, more thorough, and more challenging (or 'complete').

You realize that lots of CC professors also teach at 4 year universities? You really dont konw what you are talking about. An organic chemistry class at a CC teaches the same things that an ochem class at a University teaches. The material doesnt change. How do you konw that "a lot of community college's classes are not up to par?" Have you ever taken a CC course? Have you ever taken a university course? It seems like your opinin is all conjecture based on your friend having trouble transfering some credits to Vandy. Vandy obviously has strict transfer policies (and again, your friend didnt even transfer from a CC, he transfered from another small public college), but it doesnt mean that all or even most of CC courses are inferior. Ive already explained examples that refute this. Schools like UCSD, UCLA, etc (which are very well respected 4 year univeresites) have dual programs with the CC in souther california. I'm sure if they felt their couress were inferior/not meetin expectations, they wouldnt allow students to transfer into their programs.

 

[CScull]

You realize that lots of CC professors also teach at 4 year universities? You really dont konw what you are talking about. An organic chemistry class at a CC teaches the same things that an ochem class at a University teaches. The material doesnt change. How do you konw that "a lot of community college's classes are not up to par?" Have you ever taken a CC course? Have you ever taken a university course? It seems like your opinin is all conjecture based on your friend having trouble transfering some credits to Vandy. Vandy obviously has strict transfer policies (and again, your friend didnt even transfer from a CC, he transfered from another small public college), but it doesnt mean that all or even most of CC courses are inferior. Ive already explained examples that refute this. Schools like UCSD, UCLA, etc (which are very well respected 4 year univeresites) have dual programs with the CC in souther california. I'm sure if they felt their couress were inferior/not meetin expectations, they wouldnt allow students to transfer into their programs.

I have taken classes at UNA, but I haven't taken any CC classes. I'm not saying that all Community Colleges are worse than universities just as all universities are not better than some community colleges, I'm only saying that Community Colleges are generally geared to ready students for the workplace. Universities are geared towards specializing students and readying them for further education or more challenging careers.

 

[psipsina]

You're fine. I didn't realize I was interested in medicine until my last few months in high school. I thought I wanted to go into psychology. My strong classes in high school were history and english and I never really studied for anything or took school too seriously. College will be a big adjustment but if you really want this you'll be able to do it. You don't have to be a science savant to get thru the pre-med requisites or the MCAT. I'm in medschool now and I've managed to do pretty well despite never thinking of myself as someone with a natural aptitude for the sciences. I had to majorly adjust my studying once I got to medschool too but its really amazing what you are capable of when you really want something. You have plenty of time to go before you need to commit to medschool and there is a good chance that you'll change your mind (most kids who go into college as premeds don't apply to medschool statistically). Take your pre-req courses but don't be afraid to explore other things that peak your interest. College is about self exploration and intellectual development not just an means to get to a career. You'll never have that opportunity again so don't miss out!!

 

[Leefa]

Thanks, psipsina. Your post is really inspirational for me, because you seem to have been in the same boat that I am in now.

 

[dragonfly99]

Don't worry about not knowing exactly what you want to do yet. Pick whatever major you want...U of Iowa is a good school, particularly in the life sciences, if you end up majoring in some sort of biology. You can have any major and go to med school...even history or classics, etc. Just make sure you start out smart (like taking the premed type biology course for your science distribution requirement if you are not majoring in biology or physiology, etc.). What I would do is go ahead and call the premed advising office once you get to school as a freshman (or even before if you are nervous) and ask for recommendations for classes to take for someone who is interested in med school.

Medical schools do not care what your high school GPA was, nor what classes, or how many AP classes, you took in high school. So don't worry about that. Just take what interests you and try to do well in high school.

There is one comment that worries me:
<4) Will I get used to studying 2 hours a day on average? I haven't really had to study much in HS.>
You will be sitting in class less than in high school, but IMHO unless you are a genius 2 hours/day of studying won't be enough for you to ace premed classes. So yes, if you are used to <2 hours day of studying, you will have to change your study habits.

I wouldn't worry about getting a job in a hospital right away. They won't let you do anything useful anyway with no degree...just get a work study job in the student health center, counseling center, or some sort of student wellness center, if you are interested. You can always start hospital volunteering...but I'd wait until 2nd semester or summer after your first year. You just need to enjoy college and get used to college life before you start worrying about all this other stuff.

If you decide to take community college courses, I'd stick to the classes you might need to graduate (like foreign language, etc.) but not the premed requirements. There is variation among community colleges, but in general they don't have as many (or maybe any) premed students and they tend to grade easier/higher and since many med schools know this, they may not accept those credits. I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but I certainly wouldn't look at a bunch of community college credits the same way as a science-major organic chem course from U of Iowa, U of Chicago or Grinnell, etc.

 

[Leefa]

Thanks for the advice.
Just wanted to clarify something: I'm only concerned about my hs gpa in terms of undergrad admission. I know very well that once you are accepted into undergrad, your hs transcript does not matter, other than maybe passing out of some courses.

 

[kdburton]

Greetings ladies and gents, I'm new to the forums, but I've been reading them for about a week now.

This is a long post, so prepare yourself.

I'm going to be applying for college within the next two weeks, and I am, at this point, planning to go for pre-med; more specifically, Integrative Physiology.

My concerns come in when you consider that my high school experience was not that of a "typical" pre-med student - if there is such a thing. I decided very late in the game, about two months ago, that I wanted to go into the medical field. I put a lot of thought into my future career, but I did not consider medicine because while I was doing so, it was one of the last and least things I thought I'd consider. For numerous personal reasons, however, I decided that it would be the best job for me to be a physician.

I started strong in high school: with a gpa of 3.8 by freshman year. After that, however, I started to slack off. During sophomore year, I failed an elective class, and despite my A.P classes, by the end of my junior year my gpa was 2.94. In spring of this past year, I had reached the decision that I wouldn't even attempt to raise my gpa, and that I'd just attend a community college to complete my electives, then go to state school (University of Iowa).

Since this school year started and I have a renewed sense of purpose to pursue the track to become a doctor, I have put much effort into school, and my current term's gpa stands at 4.4, weighted. That should bring my overall to 3.2 or 3.3 after this term, at which point I'll apply to the University of Iowa for Integrative Physiology. At all state schools, there is an RAI score of 245 reached by a formula of standardized test scores, gpa, class rank, and classes that one must meet for admission. I meet the score and exceed it.

1) One of my concerns is that due to the fact that I decided so late to go into medicine, I did not enroll for the A.P. Biology class offered at my HS, so I feel like I'll lack a certain ability to memorize information at heavy load, as occurs in undergrad and med school classes. Also that I don't have a good enough idea what pre-med courses will be like.

2) Another is that UI's integrative physiology page states that only 75/100 applicants are admitted to the program.
http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/majors/at-iowa/Integrative-Physiology.html
This is at conflict, at least as far as I can tell, with their RAI score, which is virtual unconditional acceptance if the score is met. The page also says that the average gpa is 3.4-4, a range in which I am not included.
Mabye I can attend with an undeclared major until I have grades good enough to enter the program?

3) My strengths, it seems have always been more apparent in Liberal Arts classes, such as AP World & US History, Government, and english. I did seem to enjoy my Biology class freshman year, and had good grades, but normal classes do not expose your strenghts and weaknesses as much as A.P. classes. Should I major in another, less scientific, subject and minor in IP?

4) Will I get used to studying 2 hours a day on average? I haven't really had to study much in HS..

5) Seeing as how my gpa (cant get scholarships for first year) is so low, and my parents cannot help me very much financially, is it OK to use student loans to pay the ~$15k/yr in state tuition? thats 45k at least before med school. Is it possible to maintain a work/study balance in undergraduate school worthy of atleast helping pay my student loans off? What sources of income can I come upon during med school?

I have confidence in myself that I posess the mental capacity to understand the material, and I hope that I have the stamina for 13 more years of school.


I would sincerely appreciate any advice. I know I wrote a book of a post, but I congradulate and thank you if you read the whole thing. If you can't tell already, I am often concerned (worried) about something, even if I am in a relaxed state of mind; and I like to plan for the future, wether it be short or long term, which some people find to be overly concerned.

First of all you did not start "very late" in the game in terms of deciding on going into the medical field. Many people I know didn't decide to apply to medical school until their junior year of undergrad (thats late), and some of them hadn't even done the pre-reqs at that point so they had to go back and take them after almost finishing their degree. In terms of your HS grades... I'm under the impression based on personal experience that they don't matter much unless you take courses in HS that give college credits (because those credits will eventually need to be reported on your AMCAS application to medical school). I did very average in HS, mostly because I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. In fact I was able to do at least .2-.3 better in my GPA during college because the material was interesting. At this point just concentrate on getting the grades that will get you into whatever undergrad program yuou want to go to. If you excel there you'll be able to get into medical school as well. PS 2hrs/day of studying is nothing when you compare it to what most people have to do in medical school. Undergrad on the other hand can very a bit... I probably studied an average of 1 hr/day. It all depends on the specific classes that you're taking, the school, your major, etc. In HS it may be hard to get used to studying 2hrs/day because its probably unnecessary, but once you get a heavy courseload a few years down the line and realize you actually need to study your butt off to do well then you'll adjust to make sure that you can get the grades that will get your into medical school (if thats truly what you want)