In need of answers.

[matthewg]

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Currently, I've not started college yet, I'm about to move back to Nashville, TN from Reno, Nevada. I turn 19 next month so I'm not too far behind. The problem is this, I'm extremely interested in becoming a psychiatrist, yes I know all the schooling and commitment that I have to give in to it, but here's the kicker, I was forced to get my GED while finishing highschool.

I realize people say it's the equivalence but I'm still worried. Although, I did score almost a perfect score on it, I'm wondering if I'll be able to get into school for it. I have the heart for it and the time and dedication that it'll take, and I guess what I figure is that if I have great grades throughout undergrad school, and my GPA is great through my first 4 years, then I'd see no reason why I wouldn't be able to pursue a career in psychiatry. I don't know, I'm rambling. I'm sure you understand what I'm getting at though.

Please help put my worries to ease.

 

[189213]

Don't worry, matthewg, you'll be fine. If becoming a psychiatrist is truly your goal, I have no doubt that you'll be able to achieve it, despite whatever concerns you might have regarding your GED. You are only at the beginning of the long road towards becoming a psychiatrist -- a journey that involves many stages. Those who are truly motivated will always find a way, even if they hit a speed bump along the road. But my advice to you would be to just keep it simple and focus on the present. The next step for you is to try to get into a college that you like. After you achieve that step, then you'll be able to move on to the next one. You can do it. Just take it one step at a time. Good luck to you!

 

[matthewg]

Don't worry, matthewg, you'll be fine. If becoming a psychiatrist is truly your goal, I have no doubt that you'll be able to achieve it, despite whatever concerns you might have regarding your GED. You are only at the beginning of the long road towards becoming a psychiatrist -- a journey that involves many stages. Those who are truly motivated will always find a way, even if they hit a speed bump along the road. But my advice to you would be to just keep it simple and focus on the present. The next step for you is to try to get into a college that you like. After you achieve that step, then you'll be able to move on to the next one. You can do it. Just take it one step at a time. Good luck to you!

Though to you, it may seem like you weren't saying much, but to me, reading that has really made me feel A LOT better. This definitely gave me a push that I was needing and I appreciate your words of motivation.

 

[DrWuStar]

I didn't graduate from high school, and I'm going to be a psychiatrist (graduating from med school and matching into a psych residency this srping). My situation was a little different, but fact of the matter is, I don't even have a GED. I do have a degree from a good college and a degree from a good med school coming in a couple months. No one has ever asked about high school, and I don't think it's even relevant on applications/resumes/transcripts once you've graduated from college. If you do well in college, you should be fine in whatever field you want to go into. Good luck to you!

 

[Solideliquid]

I dropped out of HS in junior year when I turned 18. I got my GED a few months later.

I'll be a PGY III Psychiatry resident (meaning start my third year of residency) in July.

 

[matthewg]

I know I shouldn't be going into this, nor really anything just for the money, but what should I be expecting to make? What would be my best bet on how to make the most money out of what I've put forth 12 years into? Like, what place should I pursue working at?

I want to set up the best life possible for my family once I have one.

 

[mgdsh]

I know I shouldn't be going into this, nor really anything just for the money, but what should I be expecting to make? What would be my best bet on how to make the most money out of what I've put forth 12 years into? Like, what place should I pursue working at?

I want to set up the best life possible for my family once I have one.

Pay depends on the location, setting (private, academic, community hospital, if you are willing to take call, if you get a fellowship, etc) -- and who knows a lot could change 12 years from now.

You'll be well taken care of - so I wouldn't really worry about it.

As an aside.. while I graduated high school, I don't have a bachelors. I took an early admission to an offshore med school prior to graduating, and everything seemed to have worked out ok. I'll be able to confirm that a month from now 🙂

Best of luck