What are my options?

[Wannabe_successful]

I come from a highly disadvantaged background, and I'm rebuilding my science GPA as I speak. Nevertheless, I assumed that I need to complete a SMP to show my competence for a medical education due to my lackluster GPA (reasons for bad GPA isn't school related). However, the only masters program that I can afford is NC State's Masters in Physiology, but I can't be admitted because they use the GPA at graduation, not the new GPA. All of these other programs' tuition is above $20.5k, which is the max annual amount given to grad students and I have no one to cosign for me to get a Grad Plus Loan. Moreover, after this year, I'll be out of undergrad financial aid (I'm completing my remaining prereqs). Ultimately, I feel it's logical to consider being an IMG now, because $40.5k is given to medical students and I can fund my education with that. Otherwise, I'll be struggling to pay out of pocket to raise my science GPA even higher by retaking/taking addition science courses to be considered by osteopathic medical schools. Any thoughts, other than telling me medicine isn't for me? Also, time is of the essence, which is why I'm not leaning towards DO.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Plastic156600sub3]

People will tell you that schools don't take online courses, but, really, a lot of them do. Most people who are nontrad cannot afford to sit in a college classroom and work full time otherwise. Anyway, if you really want a master's degree, you can always do that. There are a lot of decent, large schools that offer them. University of Florida has a MS microbiology online, Arizona State Online has a MS in biomedical diagnostics, one in clinical research management, and one in healthcare delivery. That's just tip of the iceberg.

There's nothing wrong with Caribbean schools. Just make sure you do your homework and pick one that will allow you to practice in the US. This forum has a lot of info on them and the Wiki page on the list of Offshore Schools is useful.

I'm considering Caribbean myself if I don't get in this year.

If you want it that badly, you'll get there. Don't give up on yourself. Do all of us have a lot of money? Absolutely not. Good luck to you!