Thoughts on playing division 1 football during M1?

[chlorocruorin]

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I have one year of eligibility left and the medical schools that have accepted me do have spots available for a grad student. I was wondering what current med students and ADCOMS think of this. (I know the first thought will be you're crazy, but hear me out).

I truly succeed better academically while playing football as I did it while playing in college with very high grades (3.9). I know college is not the same as med school, but I love the game so much and I'm a big believer in that your mental state has a huge part in dictating your academic performance. I'd love to hear advice from adcoms/med students.

And note: NFL is NOT my career dream, but there is a person who was in the NFL and in med school and graduated too simultaneously, so it's not impossible.

 

[bananafish94]

I don't really see a way that you could do two things that require such a high level of commitment. Medical school is more than a full-time job. Lots of people have to study 24/7 just to be average or even to stay afloat. And from what I understand, high-level collegiate sports require a similar level of commitment. Something would have to give. This is just coming from me, though. Some people do manage to spend fairly little time studying and they make it work. But that's the exception rather than the rule.

 

[965978]

How was your MCAT?

Is your GPA from a competitive undergrad?

 

[Catalystik]

I have one year of eligibility left and the medical schools that have accepted me do have spots available for a grad student. I was wondering what current med students and ADCOMS think of this. (I know the first thought will be you're crazy, but hear me out).

I truly succeed better academically while playing football as I did it while playing in college with very high grades (3.9). I know college is not the same as med school, but I love the game so much and I'm a big believer in that your mental state has a huge part in dictating your academic performance. I'd love to hear advice from adcoms/med students.

And note: NFL is NOT my career dream, but there is a person who was in the NFL and in med school and graduated too simultaneously, so it's not impossible.

No.

 

[gyngyn]

No.

 

[chlorocruorin]

No.

Thanks for the answers. You don't think my school would be more supportive though? Also, are you all saying no because of the time commitment issue @gyngyn

 

[gyngyn]

You don't think my school would be more supportive though? Also, are you all saying no because of the time commitment issue @gyngyn

No. Yes.

 

[Podstar]

Defer and play your last year of eligibility. Med school will always be there, this is the last time you can play your sport. People will disagree with me on this, but I understand where you are coming from.

 

[chlorocruorin]

How was your MCAT?

Is your GPA from a competitive undergrad?

They were both competitive and my undergrad is a top 30 and division one 1a school for sports. I can't get more specific unfortunately

 

[Med Ed]

Thanks for the answers. You don't think my school would be more supportive though?

No. Literally the last thing your school wants to deal with is someone having academic difficulty because of football.

 

[965978]

They were both competitive and my undergrad is a top 30 and division one 1a school for sports. I can't get more specific unfortunately

Last month you said your MCAT was low.

 

[chlorocruorin]

Last month you said your MCAT was low:
Questions for acceptance

competitive enough to get multiple acceptances is how I see it

But in SDN's eyes it's low. don't see how this correlates

 

[965978]

competitive enough to get multiple acceptances is how I see it

But in SDN's eyes it's low. don't see how this correlates

You can get multiple acceptances with a low MCAT. It happens all the time.

As for how this correlates, if your MCAT is low then you might find a med school courseload more challenging and would have a hard time juggling D1 football.

 

[puahate]

Try to defer

 

[chlorocruorin]

You can get multiple acceptances with a low MCAT. It happens all the time.

As for how this correlates, if your MCAT is low then you might find a med school courseload more challenging and would have a hard time juggling D1 football.

I wouldn't say all the time. But thats definitely a valid reason. Although I do think in my case, the 4 years in more indicative of my worth ethic than the 4 hours.

 

[965978]

I wouldn't say all the time. But thats definitely a valid reason. Although I do think in my case, the 4 years in more indicative of my worth ethic than the 4 hours.

You do you man!! I was only trying to help 🙂

 

[chlorocruorin]

Try to defer

I'm not sure if i want to defer though because i've worked so hard to get in and I feel like im sitting on "bench" if I would defer.

 

[965978]

I'm not sure if i want to defer though because i've worked so hard to get in and I feel like im sitting on "bench" if I would defer.

At least you’re on the team roster 😉

 

[chlorocruorin]

You do you man!! I was only trying to help 🙂

Nah you good thanks! Would you say the MCAT was accurate in the difficulty of the course load for M1?

 

[965978]

Nah you good thanks! Would you say the MCAT was accurate in the difficulty of the course load for M1?

Hmm I’m not sure exactly. I agree that work ethic should matter more, which is reflected in your GPA. Did you do well on the CP and Bio/Biochem sections?

 

[puahate]

I'm not sure if i want to defer though because i've worked so hard to get in and I feel like im sitting on "bench" if I would defer.

Then dont. I mean its either or, you cant do both

 

[chlorocruorin]

Hmm I’m not sure exactly. I agree that work ethic should matter more, which is reflected in your GPA. Did you do well on the CP and Bio/Biochem sections?

I did the best on C/P and B/B....a weakness for me was the passages, I had zero experience in research and thus reading journals, so they were very hard for me to read through and critically analyze, def a skill I need to improve on. But as for memorization, I do think I excel in that. I've heard the latter serves you well in med school

 

[lalalallala]

I think you should defer a year, enjoy your last year of eligibility and do research or something, and then go to medical school. It's not that you would necessarily fail out of medical school, but you definitely would not have time to give medical school the attention it needs to do your best

 

[965978]

I did the best on C/P and B/B....a weakness for me was the passages, I had zero experience in research and thus reading journals, so they were very hard for me to read through and critically analyze, def a skill I need to improve on. But as for memorization, I do think I excel in that. I've heard the latter serves you well in med school

Hmm. I honestly don't know how things will play out.

I guess you have to ask yourself, what would you regret more: flunking out cause of football, deferring, or not playing at all?

If it really means that much to you then it would be best to defer, IMO.

The worst possible thing you want to do at this pivotal point in your career is play with fire.

On the other hand, you can also play a club sport at your med school's parent uni 🙂

 

[deleted480308]

You can’t always have everything you want at the same time, this is one of those times to pick the thing that matters most

 

[AllBleedingStops]

I guess I don't understand how the last year of playing helps you. You say you do not want to go into the NFL but then cite the sole example of someone getting their MD while being NFL active. So I guess it kind of raises the question of what do you really want? What benefit do you get out of playing one more year of college football?

 

[BubbaGump15]

I don’t think it’s possible. My SO is a M1 and played a d1 sport and she’s busier at medical school than she was during college + sport. I played a season of division 1 football and she is also busier now than I was then. I think in medical school your focus needs to be on medical school and your well-being may instead be found in weightlifting and exercise but not a division 1 sport. Football is just a game (one I also really love and wish I could still play) but might be best to focus on your career

 

[chlorocruorin]

I guess I don't understand how the last year of playing helps you. You say you do not want to go into the NFL but then cite the sole example of someone getting their MD while being NFL active. So I guess it kind of raises the question of what do you really want? What benefit do you get out of playing one more year of college football?

Personal satisfaction, and I like to push myself. I've been told from the second i stepped in to college that I wouldn't be able to do both, that is pre med and d 1 football, to "just focus on one goal", to "for most people their grades drop" to " it may overwhelm you" and all I've done is produce and proven those statements wrong

I guess it comes down to passion. And it probably is hard for people that haven't played. Also, those who haven't played wouldn't understand the lessons learned form football goes beyond that of a game. I believe it would help me in my career in my work ethic and teamwork as a physician. People have families/kids in med school, and i think that would be way harder than playing division 1 football in med school.

 

[chlorocruorin]

I don’t think it’s possible. My SO is a M1 and played a d1 sport and she’s busier at medical school than she was during college + sport. I played a season of division 1 football and she is also busier now than I was then. I think in medical school your focus needs to be on medical school and your well-being may instead be found in weightlifting and exercise but not a division 1 sport. Football is just a game (one I also really love and wish I could still play) but might be best to focus on your career

Thank you! Could you ask her thoughts on this as well, I would love to hear her feedback just as much as yours!

 

[Phoebus Apollo]

I happen to know one human who played D1 football, went to med school, played pro in med school (!!?!?!), and won a superbowl during med school. This was over 25 years ago.

Is it possible? apparently so (but I mean come on, this guy was a freak of nature clearly.)

Is it a good idea for you? I defer to everyone who’s weighed in thus far. Looks like it’s not.

 

[chlorocruorin]

You can’t always have everything you want at the same time, this is one of those times to pick the thing that matters most

You're exactly right, but the only thing that irks me is that I've been told this throughout my entire life, and who knows where I would've been had I "listened" earlier and lets say not have played football from the beginning. I don't wanna be naive (though I know I'm probably coming off as so) lol

I most likely won't play but it's just a thought

 

[lalalallala]

Personal satisfaction, and I like to push myself. I've been told from the second i stepped in to college that I wouldn't be able to do both, that is pre med and d 1 football, to "just focus on one goal", to "for most people their grades drop" to " it may overwhelm you" and all I've done is produce and proven those statements wrong

I understand the feeling of wanting to prove people wrong but at a certain point it starts harming you... don't do this just because other people haven't. Don't do this because other people say you can't. There's not really a good reason to do it. You gained something from playing football and being in college. You are not gaining anything by playing football while in medical school.

 

[dr_kateb]

Do you have a good shot at being drafted? If not then I'd save the possible ACL tear/CTE and just go straight to med school.

 

[Mad Jack]

Thanks for the answers. You don't think my school would be more supportive though? Also, are you all saying no because of the time commitment issue @gyngyn

No

 

[chlorocruorin]

I understand the feeling of wanting to prove people wrong but at a certain point it starts harming you... don't do this just because other people haven't. Don't do this because other people say you can't. There's not really a good reason to do it. You gained something from playing football and being in college. You are not gaining anything by playing football while in medical school.

I like this, maybe it is my ego thats causing me to run off a cliff. I mean 90% probability that i wouldn't play, but the thought of it has been great enough to put it on here. Thank you again!

 

[chlorocruorin]

No

Just curious, have you heard of anything similar to this before in your career?

 

[OchemOficionado]

I wouldn't say all the time. But thats definitely a valid reason. Although I do think in my case, the 4 years in more indicative of my worth ethic than the 4 hours.

He's right though, it does happen all the time. As in, every single cycle. I think the experts have spoken in regard to you playing football during M1. Are you going to try to juggle it any way?

 

[la flame]

I feel like you know what you want the answer to be. As cliche as it sounds, follow your gut instinct. I think the better question is, "What activity should I do?". Good-luck with your decision! Many people would love to have your problem man, lol!

 

[chlorocruorin]

He's right though, it does happen all the time. As in, every single cycle. I think the experts have spoken in regard to you playing football during M1. Are you going to try to juggle it any way?

I probably won't, because there are some serious logistical issues like housing and transportation, but I may still ask around more. I just hate the feeling of not feeling like I gave it everything I had 🙁

 

[dr_kateb]

Low-ish MCAT, high GPA, D1 athlete..... Is it just me or does this look bad? Cuz.. you know... with schools like UNC literally faking classes so that their athletes can play?

 

[Mad Jack]

Just curious, have you heard of anything similar to this before in your career?

Yes, and the answer to your next question is no

 

[Podstar]

Low-ish MCAT, high GPA, D1 athlete..... Is it just me or does this look bad? Cuz.. you know... with schools like UNC literally faking classes so that their athletes can play?

It's just you.

 

[OchemOficionado]

I probably won't, because there are some serious logistical issues like housing and transportation, but I may still ask around more. I just hate the feeling of not feeling like I gave it everything I had 🙁

But you did give it everything you had while you were in college. Graduating means it's time to move on to bigger and better things. Or defer, but then it's your feelings again about being on the "bench", lol. Gotta take your feelings out of your big decisions sometimes.

 

[chlorocruorin]

But you did give it everything you had while you were in college. Graduating means it's time to move on to bigger and better things. Or defer, but then it's your feelings again about being on the "bench", lol. Gotta take your feelings out of your big decisions sometimes.

Hahahahaha never heard of a sensitive football player?

 

[chlorocruorin]

I feel like you know what you want the answer to be. As cliche as it sounds, follow your gut instinct. I think the better question is, "What activity should I do?". Good-luck with your decision! Many people would love to have your problem man, lol!

I am certainly blessed. I'm not sure you want me to follow my gut hahahaha lol but seriously you're right, and like I said before i just wanted to see what the crowd wanted to say on this

 

[965978]

I am certainly blessed. I'm not sure you want me to follow my gut hahahaha lol but seriously you're right, and like I said before i just wanted to see the what crowd wanted to say on this

Also consider this: it’s not just about whether or not you can handle it, it’s about how far you can go into medicine.

Crushing medical school >>>>>> playing D1 football and doing ok in med school.

If you end up wanting to do a specialty like ortho or derm, PDs aren’t gonna cut you slack.

 

[chlorocruorin]

Also consider this: it’s not just about whether or not you can handle it, it’s about how far you can go into medicine.

Crushing medical school >>>>>> playing D1 football and doing ok in med school.

If you end up wanting to do a specialty like ortho or derm, PDs aren’t gonna cut you slack.

Also very good point! I do, as of now, want to go into urology which is also pretty competitive

 

[965978]

Also very good point! I do, as of now, want to go into urology which is also pretty competitive

In that case I would suggest balancing your time between med school, research, and perhaps playing a club sport (most schools have club rugby if you’re willing to consider an alternative 😉).

You can quit a club sport no problem. But quitting a D1 sport is very messy.

 

[BubbaGump15]

Thank you! Could you ask her thoughts on this as well, I would love to hear her feedback just as much as yours!

I asked her and she agreed. All her time is school and research. I think one logistic issue you’d run into is that there would be conflicting mandatory events, whether they are lifts, lectures, practices, etc.

It’s hard to give it up man, I get it. Playing something for a long time and moving on is hard. No matter what, you accomplished two things that many don’t and only dream of. A D1 sport and medical school. Take some time too to be proud of your accomplishments and reflect. Apply that football work ethic to med school and I bet you’ll make a good physician.


At least you and me will be used to people screaming at us to be better

 

[chlorocruorin]

Thank you! I appreciate both of your feedback!! Also, thank you again, you'll be just as good, if not better! And you are right lol I am numb (unfortunately) to all of the screaming by now, much like you probably are too hahaha