What should I do?

[davong18]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I wanted to get you guys' opinion on my situation:
Already have a BS with 3.8 GPA, out 2 years to do research and decided it was not for me. I just started nursing school (in hopes of using the experience as background knowledge for medical school). All I lack is the MCAT. Should I drop everything and study for the January MCAT or pace myself over the next two years whilst going through nursing clinicals and apply in 2.5 years???

pros: clinical experience, test taking skills, coping with stress
cons: debt, loss of time, apathy towards the profession, what if it is all for nothing

davong18

 

[little_late_MD]

Going to nursing school as a backup, with the intent to bail as soon as an acceptance is in your hand = weak

From what I've heard around here and through some friends of mine that are doctors, that is not looked upon too kindly by adcoms. It's al hearsay though, so take it as such.

My own personal opinion would be to drop everything and go all out, but that's my personality. Whatever you decide, you'll need to pay the bills somehow.

 

[efex101]

Nursing school should not be taken (IMHO and that of some adcoms) as a way/means to get more clinical experience. You should pursue nursing if this is what you want to do as a profession. The nursing model and the medical model are completely different so gaining knowledge in one will not necessarily mean that you will have "background" knowledge for medicine. It will give you skills in dealing with patients but that is learned early on during your clinical clerkships regardless of background.

 

[CrazyPremed]

I think that it depends on many factors. If you are in a BSN program that will take 3+ years, and then you will have to start over with the premed classes (Many nursing prereqs - although difficult - are shorter than premed classes. You may have to start at the beginning), then it may not be worth it.
If you are an an ADN program that only takes 1.5-2 years, then - I say - go for it. You can work weekends as a nurse and spend the week in classes, volunteering and research projects. You can make connections with physicians, and even get a job at the medical school hospital where you want to attend. Also, if you have to reapply, you can support yourself for a year.

There is a whole debate over whether a person should apply to nursing school, and then medical school. Both sides have good points. Also, people who have never applied to/gone throught the nusing school process will give you a lot of advice (take it with a grain of salt). It basically comes down to the best decision for you. Good luck.

CrazyPremed