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[alexandrajag]

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Hello folks!
My situation is a loooot more complicated that you've ever seen on this page, however I hope, some of you will try to help. Currently, I'm 18 and in September I'm starting my senior year. I am not from USA or any other English-speaking country, I'm just from a small country in Europe. I am in the class with focus on languages and so far, I've been told that my destiny is to follow my gift to languages and become a translator or someone like that. My mum works at hospital and when I've told her that I want to be a surgeon [before going to HS], she said 'no way, it's not a job for girls' and as I was a kid that time, I had nothing to say. I would love to start medicine in the U.S, however I don't know where even to start. Can I take SATs when I'll be for example 19 or 20 years old? I know, I have to earn Bachelor's Degree first, so I was thinking of Biomedical Sciences, don't know which Uni yet. I know, it's a lot of work, but do you think I can accomplish that? It would be a total new start for me, moving behind the ocean and starting learning there, living. I could take BA no matter where, but my dream is Columbia Med School. Are GPA and MCAT scores the only things that matter? Because my high school report wouldn't help me much, because we've got terribly hard curriculum and it's very hard to get only As and Bs. I know, that's a lot of time, but I need someone to calm me down and tell me realistic opinions about it. Let's say, money wouldn't matter.
My dream specialisation is neurosurgery, but as I've been reading here, it changes a lot on Med School.
I'm glad if you read that. Please, answer.

Alexandra 🙂

 

[Beekachu]

Well fortunately your high school grades won't matter for applying to med school.

1. Get into a college in the US, major doesn't really matter so do whatever you'll love
2. Kill your classes (GPA matters now)
3. Rock the MCAT
4. Get involved, volunteer, etc (grades &MCAT aren't everything)

 

[alexandrajag]

Well fortunately your high school grades won't matter for applying to med school.

1. Get into a college in the US, major doesn't really matter so do whatever you'll love
2. Kill your classes (GPA matters now)
3. Rock the MCAT
4. Get involved, volunteer, etc (grades &MCAT aren't everything)

Thank you very much for your answer! I'm so relieved that grades won't matter. Does it matter which college I'll graduate from?
Do you know anyone who started medicine path later than normally?

 

[Beekachu]

Thank you very much for your answer! I'm so relieved that grades won't matter. Does it matter which college I'll graduate from?
Do you know anyone who started medicine path later than normally?

Just to be clear, your high school grades don't matter except for getting into college, but your college grades will absolutely matter for medical school, so do your best there.

I personally don't think your undergrad college matters. I just went to my state school, saved lots of money, did my best, and it worked out great. I think it's preferable to attend a 4-year institution for all four years (instead of starting in a community college) BUT there are plenty of people who do that route and succeed.

Also, you're definitely not starting your path to medicine late if your only in your senior year of high school, at the age of 18, and planning to go pretty much directly to college then medical school. That's typical. Even if you take a year or two off before college or before medical school, that's not an issue either, and is fairly common nowadays.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Moving to hSDN.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Hello folks!
My situation is a loooot more complicated that you've ever seen on this page, however I hope, some of you will try to help. Currently, I'm 18 and in September I'm starting my senior year. I am not from USA or any other English-speaking country, I'm just from a small country in Europe. I am in the class with focus on languages and so far, I've been told that my destiny is to follow my gift to languages and become a translator or someone like that. My mum works at hospital and when I've told her that I want to be a surgeon [before going to HS], she said 'no way, it's not a job for girls' and as I was a kid that time, I had nothing to say. I would love to start medicine in the U.S, however I don't know where even to start. Can I take SATs when I'll be for example 19 or 20 years old? I know, I have to earn Bachelor's Degree first, so I was thinking of Biomedical Sciences, don't know which Uni yet. I know, it's a lot of work, but do you think I can accomplish that? It would be a total new start for me, moving behind the ocean and starting learning there, living. I could take BA no matter where, but my dream is Columbia Med School. Are GPA and MCAT scores the only things that matter? Because my high school report wouldn't help me much, because we've got terribly hard curriculum and it's very hard to get only As and Bs. I know, that's a lot of time, but I need someone to calm me down and tell me realistic opinions about it. Let's say, money wouldn't matter.
My dream specialisation is neurosurgery, but as I've been reading here, it changes a lot on Med School.
I'm glad if you read that. Please, answer.

Alexandra 🙂

Hi Alexandra. Welcome to SDN. I think that I may be of some help to you as I am a student at Columbia currently. I'm afraid that I don't know much about international students getting into undergraduate colleges, but as far as medical school goes it would be ideal to get a BA or BS in the united states. The university doesn't matter all of that much, but you do want to attend a place that is going to have sufficient resources to allow you to succeed as a pre-med. Research on campus, a nearby hospital/clinic, and a robust set of student organizations can make your experience more pleasant and productive. High school GPA doesn't matter, but college GPA does. GPA and MCAT are important in college (especially as a foreign student, you will need very high grades and scores), but Columbia is known for its appreciation of non-medical related talents, achievements, and passions.

 

[alexandrajag]

Just to be clear, your high school grades don't matter except for getting into college, but your college grades will absolutely matter for medical school, so do your best there.

I personally don't think your undergrad college matters. I just went to my state school, saved lots of money, did my best, and it worked out great. I think it's preferable to attend a 4-year institution for all four years (instead of starting in a community college) BUT there are plenty of people who do that route and succeed.

Also, you're definitely not starting your path to medicine late if your only in your senior year of high school, at the age of 18, and planning to go pretty much directly to college then medical school. That's typical. Even if you take a year or two off before college or before medical school, that's not an issue either, and is fairly common nowadays.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. I know, my GPA will have to be as high as I possibly can and so will be grades. I am sure, that when I get there, I will work very hard to proove my mother wrong.

Congrats for you then! 🙂 I am certainly thinking about univeristy, I even didn't consider community college. However I was a little scared, that if I want to apply later on for Ivy League School, then I must graduate from IL as well.

I am considering, starting my college [the earliest] in the year, when I turn 20. I think that's not too late, as you've said and I hope I wouldn't be the oldest from all people. 🙂

Thanks for answer! You cheered me up!

Moving to hSDN.

Thank you.

 

[alexandrajag]

Hi Alexandra. Welcome to SDN. I think that I may be of some help to you as I am a student at Columbia currently. I'm afraid that I don't know much about international students getting into undergraduate colleges, but as far as medical school goes it would be ideal to get a BA or BS in the united states. The university doesn't matter all of that much, but you do want to attend a place that is going to have sufficient resources to allow you to succeed as a pre-med. Research on campus, a nearby hospital/clinic, and a robust set of student organizations can make your experience more pleasant and productive. High school GPA doesn't matter, but college GPA does. GPA and MCAT are important in college (especially as a foreign student, you will need very high grades and scores), but Columbia is known for its appreciation of non-medical related talents, achievements, and passions.

Thank you very your kind reply. I'm considering a move to U.S to start my Degree there, because it's pointless to start BS here, where I won't be surrounded by English-speaking environment and many organizations and that is very important to me. During searching a proper one, I will be definitely looking by these factors - thank you. I already know, how much college GPA and MCAT is important and I am more terrified about the second one, however I've heard there will be some changes in 2015. Have you heard anything about that? I am not genius from Physics and it's my Achilles' Heel, but I will work out my best.
I'm so glad you answered this thread, your last sentence will surely make me more confident and brave about choosing this path. And this medical school.

edit. I'd like to ask you one more question. What undergraduate major do you recommend? On the Columbia Med School's website it is said, that crucial things are biology and chemistry' labs. I'd like to fulfill all conditions, yet have time to learn to MCAT.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Thank you very your kind reply. I'm considering a move to U.S to start my Degree there, because it's pointless to start BS here, where I won't be surrounded by English-speaking environment and many organizations and that is very important to me. During searching a proper one, I will be definitely looking by these factors - thank you. I already know, how much college GPA and MCAT is important and I am more terrified about the second one, however I've heard there will be some changes in 2015. Have you heard anything about that? I am not genius from Physics and it's my Achilles' Heel, but I will work out my best.
I'm so glad you answered this thread, your last sentence will surely make me more confident and brave about choosing this path. And this medical school.

edit. I'd like to ask you one more question. What undergraduate major do you recommend? On the Columbia Med School's website it is said, that crucial things are biology and chemistry' labs. I'd like to fulfill all conditions, yet have time to learn to MCAT.

Choose any major that you would care to. About 50% of Columbia's class majored in a non-science. You just have to take the required classes regardless of major. I'm afraid that I don't know much about the new MCAT. However, this website should get you started:
https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/

 

[alexandrajag]

Choose any major that you would care to. About 50% of Columbia's class majored in a non-science. You just have to take the required classes regardless of major. I'm afraid that I don't know much about the new MCAT. However, this website should get you started:
https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/

Thank you very much again. I've already done some reasearch and I really like William&Mary College. And it has pre-med program. We'll see how it goes. Right now, I am planning to pass IELTS and ACT the best I can. I don't have much time left.

Thanks for web and I wish you all the best!

 

[mmmcdowe]

Thank you very much again. I've already done some reasearch and I really like William&Mary College. And it has pre-med program. We'll see how it goes. Right now, I am planning to pass IELTS and ACT the best I can. I don't have much time left.

Thanks for web and I wish you all the best!

👍

 

[MedMentor]

Just a small thought, OP are you a US citizen? If not then you might have a difficult time getting into a US medical school. If you can gain US citizenship you will be much better off. You should be able to do this before you apply to medical school. Good luck!

 

[alexandrajag]

Just a small thought, OP are you a US citizen? If not then you might have a difficult time getting into a US medical school. If you can gain US citizenship you will be much better off. You should be able to do this before you apply to medical school. Good luck!

I am not US citizen, but I've already thought this through. During college, which lasts 4 years, I will be able to be a pernament resident and then just before med school [it is possible to apply for citizenship 3 months before 5th 'anniversary] I could be able to call myself American. 🙂 I know that many med schools do not accept international students, that's why I went digging. Anyway, thanks for reply! Appreciate it! 👍

 

[alexandrajag]

HI GUYS! I've got last question. What if I decide to do M.D in my country. Will I be able to do residency in U.S then? I know, I would had to nostrificate my diploma first, but that's the easy part. It's possible, right?

 

[mmmcdowe]

HI GUYS! I've got last question. What if I decide to do M.D in my country. Will I be able to do residency in U.S then? I know, I would had to nostrificate my diploma first, but that's the easy part. It's possible, right?

You would have the chance to apply for a US residency, in most cases, but the chances of success are very low due to the high demand and low supply.

 

[JRWPREMED]

Thank you very much again. I've already done some reasearch and I really like William&Mary College. And it has pre-med program. We'll see how it goes. Right now, I am planning to pass IELTS and ACT the best I can. I don't have much time left.

Thanks for web and I wish you all the best!

At first I thought I had no advice for you, but seeing as you mentioned William and Mary, I think I may can help you out. I live in the same state here in the US as W&M. A lot of the students from my graduating class actually ended up going there.

Here are some facts that you should know:

W&M is international student friendly. They accept students from other countries every year. I do not know the acceptance rates, but you should be able to find them pretty easily.

It is easier to get into W&M if you are a resident of Virginia due to it being in-state, but it is still pretty competitive as it is a top school in Virginia. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if your grades weren't above average at your current school, you may have to take the back way in.

With that, I'd like to introduce you to the Virginia Community College System. There are over 10 community colleges in Virginia that span throughout the entire state. The good thing about this is that VCCS has a transfer agreement with nearly every major college in Virginia:

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William and Mary
Old Dominion
Virginia Commonwealth
etc.

As long as you attain an Associates Degree from one of these institutions and maintain the set grade point average (for that school) outlined on http://myfuture.vccs.edu/transfer/, you have guaranteed admissions to that school.

I noticed in your message that you said W&M has a pre-med program.... Well so do most schools.

I know for a fact that Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech (Where I attend) have pre-med advising programs for their students. VCU actually has a program for high school students where you apply to their BS/MD program and as long as you meet the standards for that program each year, you have a guaranteed seat at VCU Medical School.

I don't really have anymore information regarding undergraduate besides to keep your grades up and get involved (Volunteering, Shadowing, Clubs, etc.)

I would like to mention that Virginia has multiple medical schools: Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO).

University of Virginia Medical School (Allopathic)
Virginia Tech Carilion (Allopathic)
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Osteopathic)
Eastern Virginia Medical School (Allopathic)
Virginia Commonwealth Medical School (Allopathic)
(Opening 2014 I think) King College Medical School (Allopathic)

Each have their own tiers that people on SDN put them into. I guess none of this really matters since you are interested in Colombia, but you should still apply broadly. Few will ever say it and the school will deny it, but I believe they do give preference to students who attended their school for undergrad.

If you have any questions, especially regarding schools in Virginia (Especially Virginia Tech), feel free to send me a Private Message on here. I'd be more than happy to provide you with additional information. Everything else related to medical school you should be able to find here.

 

[Valadi]

At first I thought I had no advice for you, but seeing as you mentioned William and Mary, I think I may can help you out. I live in the same state here in the US as W&M. A lot of the students from my graduating class actually ended up going there.

Here are some facts that you should know:

W&M is international student friendly. They accept students from other countries every year. I do not know the acceptance rates, but you should be able to find them pretty easily.

It is easier to get into W&M if you are a resident of Virginia due to it being in-state, but it is still pretty competitive as it is a top school in Virginia. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if your grades weren't above average at your current school, you may have to take the back way in.

With that, I'd like to introduce you to the Virginia Community College System. There are over 10 community colleges in Virginia that span throughout the entire state. The good thing about this is that VCCS has a transfer agreement with nearly every major college in Virginia:

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William and Mary
Old Dominion
Virginia Commonwealth
etc.

As long as you attain an Associates Degree from one of these institutions and maintain the set grade point average (for that school) outlined on http://myfuture.vccs.edu/transfer/, you have guaranteed admissions to that school.

I noticed in your message that you said W&M has a pre-med program.... Well so do most schools.

I know for a fact that Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech (Where I attend) have pre-med advising programs for their students. VCU actually has a program for high school students where you apply to their BS/MD program and as long as you meet the standards for that program each year, you have a guaranteed seat at VCU Medical School.

I don't really have anymore information regarding undergraduate besides to keep your grades up and get involved (Volunteering, Shadowing, Clubs, etc.)

I would like to mention that Virginia has multiple medical schools: Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO).

University of Virginia Medical School (Allopathic)
Virginia Tech Carilion (Allopathic)
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Osteopathic)
Eastern Virginia Medical School (Allopathic)
Virginia Commonwealth Medical School (Allopathic)
(Opening 2014 I think) King College Medical School (Allopathic)

Each have their own tiers that people on SDN put them into. I guess none of this really matters since you are interested in Colombia, but you should still apply broadly. Few will ever say it and the school will deny it, but I believe they do give preference to students who attended their school for undergrad.

If you have any questions, especially regarding schools in Virginia (Especially Virginia Tech), feel free to send me a Private Message on here. I'd be more than happy to provide you with additional information. Everything else related to medical school you should be able to find here.

As a graduate of W&M I second everything mentioned here. I know several kids who transferred into my undergrad class from the community colleges.

 

[alexandrajag]

You would have the chance to apply for a US residency, in most cases, but the chances of success are very low due to the high demand and low supply.

Fine, thank you for the answer!

At first I thought I had no advice for you, but seeing as you mentioned William and Mary, I think I may can help you out. I live in the same state here in the US as W&M. A lot of the students from my graduating class actually ended up going there.

Here are some facts that you should know:

W&M is international student friendly. They accept students from other countries every year. I do not know the acceptance rates, but you should be able to find them pretty easily.

It is easier to get into W&M if you are a resident of Virginia due to it being in-state, but it is still pretty competitive as it is a top school in Virginia. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if your grades weren't above average at your current school, you may have to take the back way in.

With that, I'd like to introduce you to the Virginia Community College System. There are over 10 community colleges in Virginia that span throughout the entire state. The good thing about this is that VCCS has a transfer agreement with nearly every major college in Virginia:

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William and Mary
Old Dominion
Virginia Commonwealth
etc.

As long as you attain an Associates Degree from one of these institutions and maintain the set grade point average (for that school) outlined on http://myfuture.vccs.edu/transfer/, you have guaranteed admissions to that school.

I noticed in your message that you said W&M has a pre-med program.... Well so do most schools.

I know for a fact that Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech (Where I attend) have pre-med advising programs for their students. VCU actually has a program for high school students where you apply to their BS/MD program and as long as you meet the standards for that program each year, you have a guaranteed seat at VCU Medical School.

I don't really have anymore information regarding undergraduate besides to keep your grades up and get involved (Volunteering, Shadowing, Clubs, etc.)

I would like to mention that Virginia has multiple medical schools: Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO).

University of Virginia Medical School (Allopathic)
Virginia Tech Carilion (Allopathic)
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Osteopathic)
Eastern Virginia Medical School (Allopathic)
Virginia Commonwealth Medical School (Allopathic)
(Opening 2014 I think) King College Medical School (Allopathic)

Each have their own tiers that people on SDN put them into. I guess none of this really matters since you are interested in Colombia, but you should still apply broadly. Few will ever say it and the school will deny it, but I believe they do give preference to students who attended their school for undergrad.

If you have any questions, especially regarding schools in Virginia (Especially Virginia Tech), feel free to send me a Private Message on here. I'd be more than happy to provide you with additional information. Everything else related to medical school you should be able to find here.

That is really useful message! I will take your word for that and see those universities that you have mentioned, especially VCU.

As a graduate of W&M I second everything mentioned here. I know several kids who transferred into my undergrad class from the community colleges.

That sounds really promising!