Torn between a sure thing and a "Maybe"

[Therese737]

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Some people may think this is a no brainer, but here's my dilemma:

I have the option of starting Med school next Fall in my state (at a private school, so no, I wont get cheap tuition!). My application is part of a special program for students in rural areas, so it is guaranteed acceptance as long as I maintain a high GPA in my prereqs.However, I hate the state I live in
with a passion. I have my heart and mind set on moving to Florida permanently, so I'd like to attend med achools there. Unfortunately, I don't stand a chance at at Florida med schools due to my not being a Florida resident, and the competetion is even stiffer.
So, instead of going to the med school where I live, I was thinking about doing a 1 year Master's at Barry in Miami, which from what I've researched, has a very good rep. Of course, it's not a sure thing, but the odds are pretty good that after a year, I'd get into some DO or MD program in FLorida.
I know it seems illogical to give up a "guaranteed acceptance" for something that's not, but for personal and family reasons, I have a strong desire to be in Florida. Any thoughts on what you would do?

 

[LoneCoyote]

Will Florida give you residency if you move there and immediately start the master's program? I know California (and other states I have lived/studied in) would consider that a move for "educational purposes" and would not consider you a resident until you have lived and worked there for a year (or more in some states). Of course, for private schools in FL it probably would not matter. If I were in your position I would definitely be sure about the residency rules in FL before giving up a seat at a med school, because you don't want to move there, do the master's and then find you still aren't eligible to attend the FL schools.

I understand your feeling about location as I feel the same way about living in California and being near my family and friends. I think you have to weigh what is most important to you, getting your medical degree or living in FL. If it did not work out with FL would you regret having walked away from the med school seat? If you stayed in your state would you be so miserable that it would not be worth it? I know only you can answer these questions and I would get as much information as you can about the residency thing in FL before making your decision. Good luck 🙂

 

[pjv2410]

My advisor told me that medical schools almost never accept students who have previously been accepted to medical school but chose not to attend. Apparently the schools think that you should feel lucky to get in anywhere, and that if you don't go you're just being too picky.

However, in your case I'm not sure how that would work. Since you didn't apply to your in-state school through AMCAS, I'm not sure that there would be a record that you had been accepted to a school previously. Still, you should be careful that this situation won't hurt your future chances at a Florida school.

 

[AlphaKi]

There is something to consider, though Miami is a private school, they have different tuition ( or at least did last year ) for in and out of state. They are also desperate to INCREASE their out of state enrollment.

 

[Fusion]

In cases such as yours, it is always helpful to know what medical school in particular that you are considering. With that said, however, you should probably go with the sure thing and attend the program/med school that has given you a chance to become a physician. You can always do residency in Florida.

 

[lemonlite]

Wouldn't it be two years - not one: next year at the postbacc, followed by a year to apply?

 

[Febrifuge]

1) Are you absolutely sure that spending the hypothetical year at Barry would in fact earn you Florida residency or something like it -- or is there a chance that you would still be considered "out-of-state?"

2) If you hate what you're doing, it certainly won't make you better at doing it. Do what's right by yourself, not what you believe 'they' say you should do.