I used to be so sure that I wanted to go to medical school and become a dermatologist. I have wanted to become a dermatologist since high school. I graduated from college last May and took the MCAT, but did not do well (24)...so I ended up withdrawing my applications. I've been trying to study for the MCAT again because I was planning on applying again this upcoming cycle. I really have a passion for dermatology and medicine, but I just don't know if I would be able to handle medical school. I have no idea how I would afford the costs of living, and I hate the idea of being in debt...I already have to pay off loans from college. I also just cannot seem to concentrate on studying anymore...I used to be so good with that in high school and earlier in college...but it just got worse toward the end of college. I still did really well in college, though (3.8 GPA). I also hate that I will probably have no life in medical school...I already had no life throughout college. I want to be able to experience things...ugh I don't know what to do! This was the only thing I wanted for awhile, so if I don't do it...I don't know what to do...and I want a career that I can make a pretty good living with.
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- Thread starter AudreyH
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Not to sound cliche, but where there's a will, there's a way. It would be best to make it into an MD school if your goal is derm, but, for all you know, that may change in medical school. A lot of people think they know what they want to do in high school, but that changes drastically in many cases.
With your current stats, getting into a DO school would be an option, especially if you scored a few points higher on your next retake.
In terms of having a life in medical school, you will certainly have one if you can manage your time well. Search around on the forums; as a medical student, it's definitely possible to have a life outside of studying.
With your current stats, getting into a DO school would be an option, especially if you scored a few points higher on your next retake.
In terms of having a life in medical school, you will certainly have one if you can manage your time well. Search around on the forums; as a medical student, it's definitely possible to have a life outside of studying.
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Maybe instead of giving up completely on medicine you could just take a year off instead? It sounds like your burned out, you might just need some time to reenergize and also some time to explore other interests before delving into medical school.
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If you retake the MCAT and do poorly, you could always become a PA that works in a derm clinic. It seems like a lucrative route.
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Give up your dream if you want, I doubt anyone on here cares, but it's a decision you'll have to live with for the rest of your life, so can you handle that?
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Should impressing everyone and trying not to disappoint 'everyone' really be a primary reason for going to med school? Also, in the grand scheme of your life, taking one extra year, just ONE YEAR, is really not going to hurt you. So you'll be one year older when you graduate med school, who cares?
As someone else already suggested maybe the PA route is right for you. I believe it's only two years of school and you can specialize in derm.
You have to do it for you, not for other people.
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You just graduated and you consider yourself old...I will be 29 when I start. As Doc Strange said where there is a will there is a way. It took me longer than average to get in but hey it didn't stop me. As others have mentioned figure out if you want to continue on this path. I knew it was what I wanted and persevered. Good luck.
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Bejeezus, I hate this maxim
If your entire happiness in life relies on a single, very narrow career path, you should probably consult a therapist.
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Bejeezus, I hate this maxim
I didn't say that it did. I made the suggestion because OP is bemoaning the time commitment and debt levels associated with med school. It is in fact a big sacrifice, therefore if one can see themselves being equally or more happy with another career, it would be wise to pursue it.
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Not really sure how to respond to something like this. You either have the burning desire or you don't. This definitely isn't a path to pursue halfheartedly.
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Then simply don't apply until you KNOW you are ready. Right now, you're not ready. There will come a time when you are sure of yourself and you won't need the advice of online posters to tell you what to do. When that time comes, if ever, you'll know. Good luck with your journey 👍
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Take a year (at least) off and try something else--anything else. Work in an office, work in manufacturing, work in a restaurant-- whatever! Do something else, figure out what you like and what you don't like.
I'll be 28 when I start med school in the fall. The best thing I ever did was figure out what *I* wanted! I tried other things and realized what I hated and what I really wanted out of a career. Once I made that realization, there wasn't anything that could stop me from becoming a physician.
You need to take care of yourself, first and foremost. You're the one who has to live with your decisions, so do what is best for you and forget about others' expectations!
I'll be 28 when I start med school in the fall. The best thing I ever did was figure out what *I* wanted! I tried other things and realized what I hated and what I really wanted out of a career. Once I made that realization, there wasn't anything that could stop me from becoming a physician.
You need to take care of yourself, first and foremost. You're the one who has to live with your decisions, so do what is best for you and forget about others' expectations!
Ok, thanks! I just feel like I will be able to do what I want to do by being a PA in a derm office (since derm PAs can pretty much do the same things as MDs), and it won't take as long and I won't be in as much debt. I also want to be able to get a job sooner just in case I want to start a family, which I won't be able to do if I go with the MD route...it does stink that the pay is less, but it is still pretty good.
