Starting Fresh?

[bonfozzel]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm 21. I have been interested in medical school for about 3 years. My only post HS education is prereq's from community colleges for a hospital based xray tech program. It was an 18 month program. I never studied (lack of interest I suppose) and I was dismissed 2 weeks before graduation for failing the last final exam in the program. Overall GPA in the program was 3.6 but again, it was a hospital based program. I was going this route for the 'experience'; I have 2,000+ documented clinical hours. Would you recommend I finish an AS at a community college or just go to a 4 year? I basically just wasted 3+ years by not 'graduating' the hospital program. I'll answer any questions & all responses are appreciated.

 

[banthapug]

You're going to need a bachelor's for medical school. Do well on pre reqs and MCAT, and get as much clinical experience as you can. There is a lot of resource on what all that means on this forum and also AAMC website.

 

[bonfozzel]

You're going to need a bachelor's for medical school. Do well on pre reqs and MCAT, and get as much clinical experience as you can. There is a lot of resource on what all that means on this forum and also AAMC website.

Thank you for your response. I am aware of med school prereq's incl a bacc degree. Would the 2,000+ clinical hours I attained in the program be sufficient? Will the dismissal hurt my med school chances? And repeating my initial question, should I finish a AS degree at a community college before transferring to a 4 year university?

 

[banthapug]

Thank you for your response. I am aware of med school prereq's incl a bacc degree. Would the 2,000+ clinical hours I attained in the program be sufficient? Will the dismissal hurt my med school chances? And repeating my initial question, should I finish a AS degree at a community college before transferring to a 4 year university?

Your existing clinical hours will definitely help, but I'd recommend continuing some sort of clinical experience throughout your undergrad education to show your interest. Also volunteering- this doesn't have to be medical.
The dismissal might hurt your application. You have to do well getting your bachelors and be able to speak about your dismissal in your app. You have to show that you have learned and grown from it.
Regarding finishing AS first, it doesn't matter as long as you ultimately get a bachelors. Do what fits your situation better. It is recommended to take pre reqs at a 4 year university.

 

[Dagrimsta1]

Are you ok with the fact that at best you only finish at 32?
It's a long way down

 

[bonfozzel]

Are you ok with the fact that at best you only finish at 32?
It's a long way down

29 vs 32 isn't a big difference.