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I'm terrified and I don't know if there's a point in trying. Need advice.
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Sorry but could you give some sort of TLDR? That's a lot to read and I bet if you were to summarize at the end more people would be inclined to give advice.
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Only you can answer if you are capable of doing what it takes for this field. What I will say is you have an extensive plan; if your serious about pursing this profession now it's time to try and take action with that plan enroll in a cc and see how those science classes go. Preparing for step 10 and 11 in your plan is useless when you don't even know if you can get through with step 1
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Woah nelly, slow down partner. I read half of this (up until the stats and year by year breakdowns etc.), but you really have to take a deep breath.
There are a LOT of unknowns here. I suspect (and don't feel bad about this) that you don't know what to do with your life but being a doctor is something concrete and that's why you're interested in it. If you don't consider yourself to be good at science, there are a million other jobs that would allow you to help people and pursue higher education. I'm not saying that you should abandon the idea of trying to get into med school, but start off slow. Take some science courses, see how you do, maybe shadow a doctor sooner rather than later to really get a sense of what the job can be like.
None of your past adversities make it harder to get in. You're starting fresh in college, facing the kind of issues you mentioned can make you a stronger person and a more compassionate doctor if that's the route you take. I think you should ease back into school and see how it goes. It doesn't surprise me that you're freaking out when you're already stressing about the MCAT and upper-year science courses etc.
Oh, and for the age stuff you mentioned you're not even the tiniest bit behind. Starting college before you're 20? Not a concern, or anything close.
edit: Also you should explore other career options. Even if you have the grades, something else might be a better fit. I doubt that at 19 without having studied science much you're 100% certain that medicine is the only path you could be happy with. Don't limit yourself!
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Uh no. Take the pre reqs where you need to. Do well in them and then do well in upper levels in a 4 year school and you'll be fine.
But like everybody has said there are way too many ifs here. Start out at the CC and see how things go. That's all you should focus on is doing nad well as possible at your CC this semester or whenever you join
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That's a cool username, fan of Yale? One thing about medicine is that doors don't really close for you unless you mess up undergrad. I'm sorry high school was a poor experience for you-- but even from this haphazard post you seem to be on solid footing, and heading in the right direction. Remember, the prerequisite classes start as easy as AP Chem and AP Bio, and scale up from there. With consistent work, any person of median or above intelligence should be able to preform well in these classes, and it is my understanding that you are smarter than the median. Don't get too stressed out; starting college at 20 is totally fine, especially since it is my understanding that the last few years have been integral to your personal growth. Don't feel like you've messed anything up. I would take the ACT if I were you, since it requires essentially no "knowledge" past algebra/pre calc, whereas the CC exams will require a science knowledge base. Try to get more information about the CC exams; it is up to you to specifically evaluate the difficulty of the ACT vs the study required to preform well on subject placement exams. You should know that most people who do well in honors/AP courses usually preform in top percentiles of the ACT without much specific preparation. If you have test anxiety or something, that would be a different issue and one that require specific attention. All the best <3
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Well as everyone else has also stated, you are not behind. You are young and don't have a lousy college GPA, that's as fresh a start as anyone gets. With hard work (not outrageously hard, never sleep or go out work - just normal hard work) you get easily get up to speed with the science courses you'll be taking. The only thing that might get in the way of your success is freaking out about the MCAT and other things that are way down the line and getting too overwhelmed by the uncertainties to study properly.
There's literally nothing about your story that would make anyone sane say, "Oh man, this person is in a tough spot to try to get into medical school". It's all in your hands.
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Alright, to address some of the things you have said.
First, although I never dropped out of high school or anything like that, I was a pretty big lazy POS. I never studied for anything at all and got bad grades because I usually didn't even push myself enough to do HW. If you feel you have grown up and had some changes since then, then your past mistakes shouldn't matter at this point. Med schools don't care at all about highschool, so now is your chance to start fresh. I don't know who told you that highschool is supposed to be the best four years, because I would 100% disagree and say my 4 years of college were WAYYY better.
Now, your first semester may be rough for you if you don't have good study habits/ don't know how to study. But, that's okay. Believe it or not, you are in a decent position right now. ADCOMS love a good comeback story. Starting at rock bottom and working your way up is compelling. I didn't do very well my first semester (3.05) even after working hard, and yet I finished my last 5 semesters getting all 3.9+ while putting in less effort than I did my first semester AND taking much harder classes. The brain is like a muscle, it can be trained and developed.
Now, I don't know you, I don't know your potential or how smart you are. YOU don't even know your own potential or intelligence yet, but there's no reason to worry about it. The road ahead is simple: start working hard in CC and see how you do. If you get a low 3 or high 2, don't get discouraged, give it another semester. After a year of CC you will have an idea of where you stand and what you should do from there. Get some EC's started during all of this too if you can.
As for major, don't worry about logistics, just pick whatever the hell you want to major in. It will work out. Do what you enjoy. If you are worried about not being able to cut it with medicine then perhaps pick a major that could lead you down an alternate career you would want.
First, although I never dropped out of high school or anything like that, I was a pretty big lazy POS. I never studied for anything at all and got bad grades because I usually didn't even push myself enough to do HW. If you feel you have grown up and had some changes since then, then your past mistakes shouldn't matter at this point. Med schools don't care at all about highschool, so now is your chance to start fresh. I don't know who told you that highschool is supposed to be the best four years, because I would 100% disagree and say my 4 years of college were WAYYY better.
Now, your first semester may be rough for you if you don't have good study habits/ don't know how to study. But, that's okay. Believe it or not, you are in a decent position right now. ADCOMS love a good comeback story. Starting at rock bottom and working your way up is compelling. I didn't do very well my first semester (3.05) even after working hard, and yet I finished my last 5 semesters getting all 3.9+ while putting in less effort than I did my first semester AND taking much harder classes. The brain is like a muscle, it can be trained and developed.
Now, I don't know you, I don't know your potential or how smart you are. YOU don't even know your own potential or intelligence yet, but there's no reason to worry about it. The road ahead is simple: start working hard in CC and see how you do. If you get a low 3 or high 2, don't get discouraged, give it another semester. After a year of CC you will have an idea of where you stand and what you should do from there. Get some EC's started during all of this too if you can.
As for major, don't worry about logistics, just pick whatever the hell you want to major in. It will work out. Do what you enjoy. If you are worried about not being able to cut it with medicine then perhaps pick a major that could lead you down an alternate career you would want.
This is really simple.
You are afraid you won't do well in classes. The simple answer is: don't do poorly.
Focus your first year entirely to academics. Ace your intro classes, and any gen eds. DO NOT go as a psych major unless you're interested in psych. Go biology or some other science related field, unless you have a specific interest.
Do well in these classes, and then transfer in (the sooner you transfer the better, as you will get to research sooner).
Through your new University, start networking. Find research opportunities, and get involved in a club that will give you good volunteer opportunities (you really only need to volunteer once, twice a week at most- med schools want consistency, not a 1 week 60 hour excursion)
Summer after sophomore year you will want to study for the MCAT, assuming you've taken Bio I &II, Biochem, Chem I&II, Orgo, Physics, and at least Psychology/Sociology (Hint: take these classes early). Take the MCAT either at the very end of the summer or early Fall Junior year.
You are afraid you won't do well in classes. The simple answer is: don't do poorly.
Focus your first year entirely to academics. Ace your intro classes, and any gen eds. DO NOT go as a psych major unless you're interested in psych. Go biology or some other science related field, unless you have a specific interest.
Do well in these classes, and then transfer in (the sooner you transfer the better, as you will get to research sooner).
Through your new University, start networking. Find research opportunities, and get involved in a club that will give you good volunteer opportunities (you really only need to volunteer once, twice a week at most- med schools want consistency, not a 1 week 60 hour excursion)
Summer after sophomore year you will want to study for the MCAT, assuming you've taken Bio I &II, Biochem, Chem I&II, Orgo, Physics, and at least Psychology/Sociology (Hint: take these classes early). Take the MCAT either at the very end of the summer or early Fall Junior year.
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I generally agree with the quoted. However, when choosing a major you should consider something that will serve you well if Medical School does not work out (be it a change in your life, or losing interest). This is not to discourage you in any way. I am actually a Music Major getting my Pre-Meds done. I not only think that I could do well in music if Medical School becomes a fade in my mind, but I also know that studying Music is a motivating factor in my medical pursuit.
As far as your current and past life experiences, this is a clean slate. You have nothing to worry about except making yourself better. If you do that, then your dreams will follow.
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Test the waters first at CC. See how you do. Take it one step at a time. I STARTED med school at 33, so you can get over that right now, heh.
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Exactly this. See how school goes and how well you do.
I too started med school at 33. You're very young; don't worry about missing your shot.
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This is becoming less and less true every year. CC coursework will be fine.
There are plenty of med schools that reward reinvention.
There are plenty of med schools that reward reinvention.
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Agreed! I think this is more of a journey of figuring out who you are, and just happening to do well in classes as you go. At least, that is how I feel right now.
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Oh my goodness, it's like my clone. Little background: I dropped out of high school as well. My junior year (just like yourself) I had a few issues that came up that prevented me from furthering my education. My overall high school GPA? All honesty, around a 0.8. 3 years later, GED. The biggest thing that scared me is that I hadn't learned enough from high school to prepare me for college. What I've noticed during my undergrad, is even those who had completed it, were NOT prepared regardless. College isn't even on the same map as high school.
As for math, I went from 1010 (basically Intermediate Algebra) straight into a 1080 (Pre-Calculus - Trigonometry/College Algebra thrown into one) class. If you're aiming for State Medical School, that's all you'll need. Calculus afterward otherwise.
If you're scared, start small. Just a few intro classes (math, english, bio, etc...) and get them out of the way. Intro classes don't tend to be too difficult. As you move up the classes, you'll start getting used to the work load. If you put the time in, you'll get the material out. Easy as that, just stay diligent.
As for ECs... start early. Start volunteering ASAP. Even if it's only 1-2 hours a week, by the time you're done, you should be well ahead of the game. Contact your major's department head about research positions in-between semesters around December/June/July. Have a social life, do what you love, and don't over-stress! If I can do it... uhhhh... literally anyone can. You'll do fine!
EDIT: High school isn't something AMCAS requires. So long as you do well in college, no one gives a damn.
As for math, I went from 1010 (basically Intermediate Algebra) straight into a 1080 (Pre-Calculus - Trigonometry/College Algebra thrown into one) class. If you're aiming for State Medical School, that's all you'll need. Calculus afterward otherwise.
If you're scared, start small. Just a few intro classes (math, english, bio, etc...) and get them out of the way. Intro classes don't tend to be too difficult. As you move up the classes, you'll start getting used to the work load. If you put the time in, you'll get the material out. Easy as that, just stay diligent.
As for ECs... start early. Start volunteering ASAP. Even if it's only 1-2 hours a week, by the time you're done, you should be well ahead of the game. Contact your major's department head about research positions in-between semesters around December/June/July. Have a social life, do what you love, and don't over-stress! If I can do it... uhhhh... literally anyone can. You'll do fine!
EDIT: High school isn't something AMCAS requires. So long as you do well in college, no one gives a damn.
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I think med schools look down more on university students that take their pre-reqs as a transient student at a cc. It seems like they were running away. Some schools don't take cc prereqs, but as @Goro said, by the time you would apply, you would be fine. I'm 28 and starting school next week, and I think my life still has an outside shot of turning out okay.
Nobody knows you, so we can't tell you that you can or can't do it. I can tell you it can be done. Someone has done it. Someone more scared, less intelligent, and less prepared than you became a doctor. So just make it happen.
Nobody knows you, so we can't tell you that you can or can't do it. I can tell you it can be done. Someone has done it. Someone more scared, less intelligent, and less prepared than you became a doctor. So just make it happen.
My one criticism, why are you against DO?
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Ignorance. OP probably doesn't realize DO and MD are the same thing. PA and NP are mid-levels, but DOs are physicians just like MDs. Full legal equivalency, can and do enter the same residencies, etc.
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The odds are low for everyone. And if you were a 1.7 GPA student in high school you will need a serious adjustment to become the caliber student you need to in order to get to medical school. Note 3.7 is around the median MD GPA. DO's is closer to 3.4-3.5(and that's with grade replacement) and DO's in general are more open to re-invention and willing to overlook the issues that caused people to have rather rocky roads in the past. Which one do you think is more likely?
Don't bother worrying about the CC thing and "how it's looked down upon". There are just much more important things to care about. Gonnif actually the other day pretty explicitly stated the path of doing CC for 2 years and doing all your pre-reqs there then going to a 4 year school and taking upper level science classes is rather common and not looked down upon nearly the way SDN likes to think it is.
Your just getting way ahead of yourself here. Judging by your HS grades you weren't even close to an A student. You are going to need A's in these pre-req classes at the CC. Focus on doing anything you need to in order to get those A's. That's by far the biggest hurdle you have to clear and what kills so many people in your shoes who want to be doctors.
Remember there are people with terrible HS grades who decide they want to re invent themselves and become doctors and succeed in doing so. But there are FAR more people that want and never get into medical school in your position. That's why you are facing an upward battle; all you can do is simply prove yourself academically and start getting A's no matter where they come from.
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Exactly what post above said, just focus on doing well. The importance of your overall gpa FAR outweighs a slight possible disadvantage of taking some prerequisites while in CC. You need to prioritize. Your only goal right now should be good grades. If a semester goes by and you figure out that getting mostly A's is doable, THEN you can start to think about these other things. ~9/10 freshman premeds don't end up going to medical school. This isn't because of taking prerequisites in CC, it's largely because of poor grades.
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Stop coming here. All it will do is stress you out. Nothing you read here is going to change what you're doing next year, so take a break and come back after a semester or two if things are going well and you want to continue to plan. Especially for someone with anxiety issues obsessing over med school all day every day is not going to help you get in, it'll just make you miserable.
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I couldn't make it through the wall o' text, but 25 isn't old to start med school. I started at 27, and have many classmates in their 30s. If you want it, you have time to work for it and make it happen.
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You need to find out if you can succeed academically anywhere before thinking about med school.
Go kill your CC classes for a year then reevaulate. If you can maintain a high GPA then the sky is the limit for anything you want to do.
Go kill your CC classes for a year then reevaulate. If you can maintain a high GPA then the sky is the limit for anything you want to do.
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OP, MSAR Online will tell you exactly what MD schools do and do not accept pre-reqs from CC's.
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OP, let's start at the beginning.
You dropped out of high school for whatever reason. BTW, I'm a mom and my son has a GED and is now, officially, a premed.
1) take a BIG breath and slow down 🙂 Don't think you have to figure out the minutiae right now, right this very second. Stop. Seriously. Right now, take a breath. Okay. Now take another.
2) learn how to study effectively. It's not enough to just take classes at CC or uni or private college or liberal arts; learn how to study... what you did or did not do in high school is not enough; what you did for the GED is not enough. If you are not sure, ask the student guidance department for help. Every college has a department dedicated to helping students succeed. Use it.
My suggestion?
Do all problems assigned by teacher. All of them. I don't care what Suzy or Tom or Arnold said, do them. What did you learn from each problem? Write that down.
3) blend your classes. don't take physics/chem/bio/calc in same semester - spread them out with some easier class;
4) breathe. Enjoy being 19.5!! Enjoy having the rest of your life to live (goes for all of us, actually, no matter our ages).
5) this is really important: take each test you get and figure out WHY you got an answer wrong; not that you made a goofy mistake if that's the case but why? what did you miss? what did you learn?
6) after your first semester, quit looking at that GED like it's a dream killer. No one will care if you get A's in college and a great MCAT score. No one. Take each class, each day. Just that day. Live that day and that moment, not tomorrow, not 5 years from now, just that day. Stay present. Know when your tests are, for sure, but don't "live" them now.
Last? Good luck!! This is a marathon, not a sprint and only the pediatric neurosurgical endocrinologists sprint through all this 😉
You dropped out of high school for whatever reason. BTW, I'm a mom and my son has a GED and is now, officially, a premed.
1) take a BIG breath and slow down 🙂 Don't think you have to figure out the minutiae right now, right this very second. Stop. Seriously. Right now, take a breath. Okay. Now take another.
2) learn how to study effectively. It's not enough to just take classes at CC or uni or private college or liberal arts; learn how to study... what you did or did not do in high school is not enough; what you did for the GED is not enough. If you are not sure, ask the student guidance department for help. Every college has a department dedicated to helping students succeed. Use it.
My suggestion?
Do all problems assigned by teacher. All of them. I don't care what Suzy or Tom or Arnold said, do them. What did you learn from each problem? Write that down.
3) blend your classes. don't take physics/chem/bio/calc in same semester - spread them out with some easier class;
4) breathe. Enjoy being 19.5!! Enjoy having the rest of your life to live (goes for all of us, actually, no matter our ages).
5) this is really important: take each test you get and figure out WHY you got an answer wrong; not that you made a goofy mistake if that's the case but why? what did you miss? what did you learn?
6) after your first semester, quit looking at that GED like it's a dream killer. No one will care if you get A's in college and a great MCAT score. No one. Take each class, each day. Just that day. Live that day and that moment, not tomorrow, not 5 years from now, just that day. Stay present. Know when your tests are, for sure, but don't "live" them now.
Last? Good luck!! This is a marathon, not a sprint and only the pediatric neurosurgical endocrinologists sprint through all this 😉
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The only people who say that about high school are those who never achieved anything beyond it (and this coming from someone who was pretty popular in HS).
