Struggling with Academics and Disorganized Premed Path, Continue or Pivot?

[Enjai]

I'm currently a third-year with a data science major with minors in public health and literature studies. I originally intended to follow a traditional premed track, but I put it on the back burner while I struggled with health problems that disrupted my studies and led to a substantial downward trend in my GPA (4.0 -> 3.1 this fall, 3.5 overall). Last fall, my health required me to withdraw from my classes, which included Chemistry and Calculus. I had a second W for Calculus previously, and this fall I retook Chemistry for a C+, but otherwise all of my other coursework is related to my degree. I feel like juggling the premed route and my degree has led to being unremarkable in both. I gave up on pursuing medicine after last fall because I didn't feel like I was cut out for it. I wanted to retry this year and my grades naturally have me questioning it again. To avoid being convoluted, I feel lost.

If more details are helpful: I'm first-gen college, Native American, from a small town, low-income family. I've volunteered and taught in both my hometown and underserved communities where my undergrad is located. My goal was to work as a PCP in rural and Indigenous health, and to be honest that deeply personal connection has been the only thing that's kept me coming back to medicine despite feeling academically underprepared. I know how much support is needed, and I know that I can show my commitment to that position through experience, but I don't feel like my academics show I'm capable of everything else it takes to get into med school. Should I keep trying, or seriously consider alternative paths where I can still make a significant impact? If I was going to reinvent myself, what advice would you have for someone in my position? I'm at a crossroads and would appreciate honest advice, even if it means that the role I want might not be feasible.

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[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

If you meet the basic requirements as a Native American tribal member with at least a 3.0 and 500, UNM will almost certainly accept you probably among other low/mid-tier schools. If you want to be a doctor, press on. If you don't, quit.

 

[Stuaccount]

Has your health improved? I don’t think the issue is your chances of admission but more about whether you have taken all the time you need to take care of yourself without additional stress. Med school will be there whenever you are ready, you don’t have to rush into it or give up on it. You and your health should take priority at all times over school or jobs.

As for your grades or how “remarkable” or “unremarkable” you have been, very few people are remarkable and the rest of us were just students with warts and all. You are fine. Given your mission, you are much needed in the medical profession. My advice is do your best next semester, don’t stress yourself and take your time with your plans, whatever direction you decide to take. You have got plenty of time to figure it out.

 

[Goro]

Give the highest priority to your health, and put academics on the back burner until that improves to the extent that you could handle your school curriculum.

If time management is an issue in your studies, go to your schools office of student services and seek out their learning or education center.

 

[Enjai]

Has your health improved? I don’t think the issue is your chances of admission but more about whether you have taken all the time you need to take care of yourself without additional stress. Med school will be there whenever you are ready, you don’t have to rush into it or give up on it. You and your health should take priority at all times over school or jobs.

As for your grades or how “remarkable” or “unremarkable” you have been, very few people are remarkable and the rest of us were just students with warts and all. You are fine. Given your mission, you are much needed in the medical profession. My advice is do your best next semester, don’t stress yourself and take your time with your plans, whatever direction you decide to take. You have got plenty of time to figure it out.

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Last year I could basically only attend quizzes and weekly discussions, so my health has 'improved' since then but it is not as good as my first year. It's reassuring to hear that there are still opportunities even if my path isn't straightforward.

I recognize that most of the hiccups I'm experiencing are typical for students adapting to college and weedouts, and I think my timeline is causing me to feel rushed. I'll try to refocus my goals again and think more holistically before making any final decisions, thank you again.

 

[Enjai]

Give the highest priority to your health, and put academics on the back burner until that improves to the extent that you could handle your school curriculum.

If time management is an issue in your studies, go to your schools office of student services and seek out their learning or education center.

Hi Goro! Thank you for your response. I had actually been reviewing your 'advice for reinvention' from 2021 to consider my plans moving forward.

Unfortunately, I think that if it weren't for the premed courses I would otherwise be successful academically. But I suppose I don't have nearly enough experience to even determine whether it's an issue with my habits or my health, so I appreciate your advice to seek out more services on campus. Rationally, do you think that a post-bac program is something I should be considering? What would the rest of undergrad look like in that case, would I try to take as many prereqs now and complete the others during the program? Appreciate your response, thanks again.

 

[Goro]

I think your plan sounds good.