Hello everyone! So I know I'm yet ANOTHER nontrad seeking guidance from the wise people of this forum, but here goes I realize that if I am to make the right decisions now, I am in desperate need of expert guidance. As a word of warning, yes I am a total "newbie" to the medical world, but I would like to give it my all now that I'm older and more mature (22). For those that read through my paragraphs, musings, and many questions, thank you so much, your advice may ease my stress!
I'll start with undergrad. I graduated in 2012 from Grinnell College (private liberal arts) as a German/Global Development Studies major. My GPA was about 3.202. Low, I know, I was an econ major originally, and a D and withdraw later, changed my major.
Most of my previous experience in the sciences dealt with ecology and environmental science. As a consequence I haven't taken any of the prereqs for med school.
I'm currently a grad student at USC studying landscape architecture. After studying through this semester (ending in December) I've realized that I really want to be in a program with more rigorous sciences. A lot of the reasons I applied (more freedom, ability to make an impact) cannot be realized with this degree. I fully expect to get straight A's at the end of the program.
That leads to my first question.
1. Would leaving grad school at the completion of this semester to take prereqs make me look like a "quitter" on my application? I'm worried about not being taken seriously, but at the same time I don't want to invest more money into something I won't consider doing in the future as a career. (I am really worried about this). I could convert my masters into a certificate, but that would mean 20k worth of expenses.
If I continue with my decision to leave and take prereqs, I was wondering about how taking classes yourself/taking prereqs in a post bac program applies to my situation.
2. Would it behoove me to apply to a postbac program considering my gpa, (lack of) relevant extracurriculars, and interests? (I studied abroad in India studying among other things rural healthcare provision and nontraditional medicine, but that's about it for anything I've done directly related to medicine). The other factor I am considering is that I would still be relatively happy in a scientific field, such as toxicology, where I could study the impact of the environment on people, which could be a rewarding future for me, provided I don't make it to med school.
The last inquiry I have as to what would be helpful for me to do in my spare time in terms of extracurrics.
3. Should I shadow a physician? Volunteer in a hospital? What can I do that doesn't require special qualifications?
I know I haven't been too detailed, so if I can provide any info that will help, please tell me. And, seriously, THANK YOU, I can't describe how helpful it would be to get some advice at this point.
I'll start with undergrad. I graduated in 2012 from Grinnell College (private liberal arts) as a German/Global Development Studies major. My GPA was about 3.202. Low, I know, I was an econ major originally, and a D and withdraw later, changed my major.
Most of my previous experience in the sciences dealt with ecology and environmental science. As a consequence I haven't taken any of the prereqs for med school.
I'm currently a grad student at USC studying landscape architecture. After studying through this semester (ending in December) I've realized that I really want to be in a program with more rigorous sciences. A lot of the reasons I applied (more freedom, ability to make an impact) cannot be realized with this degree. I fully expect to get straight A's at the end of the program.
That leads to my first question.
1. Would leaving grad school at the completion of this semester to take prereqs make me look like a "quitter" on my application? I'm worried about not being taken seriously, but at the same time I don't want to invest more money into something I won't consider doing in the future as a career. (I am really worried about this). I could convert my masters into a certificate, but that would mean 20k worth of expenses.
If I continue with my decision to leave and take prereqs, I was wondering about how taking classes yourself/taking prereqs in a post bac program applies to my situation.
2. Would it behoove me to apply to a postbac program considering my gpa, (lack of) relevant extracurriculars, and interests? (I studied abroad in India studying among other things rural healthcare provision and nontraditional medicine, but that's about it for anything I've done directly related to medicine). The other factor I am considering is that I would still be relatively happy in a scientific field, such as toxicology, where I could study the impact of the environment on people, which could be a rewarding future for me, provided I don't make it to med school.
The last inquiry I have as to what would be helpful for me to do in my spare time in terms of extracurrics.
3. Should I shadow a physician? Volunteer in a hospital? What can I do that doesn't require special qualifications?
I know I haven't been too detailed, so if I can provide any info that will help, please tell me. And, seriously, THANK YOU, I can't describe how helpful it would be to get some advice at this point.