Which direction to take? Help

[MrsBdwk]

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Hello Everyone- I'm new to this website, and I have to say I Love it!!!

I'm 27 and started my undergrad in the fall. After about 2 weeks I decided I want to go to medical school. I'm currently undeclared because I'm trying to choose the "right" major (mostly out of fear). I've been doing a lot of reading and have found that you don't necessarily have to major in Biology to go to medical school (unfortunately my University doesn't have a premed option).

My questions I guess are: Should I major in Biology or pick another major as a "back-up plan" in case I don't get into medical school (which goes back to my fears). Should I go the whole way and major in Biology and minor in something a little different (again as a back up plan). I just want to do things right, it's taken forever for me to finally go back to school and I want to make sure I do it right. I also want to make sure I line things up properly so that when medical school applications roll around I have a real shot at getting in somewhere. My other things is that I haven't told anyone except my husband and mom that I want to be a doctor, I'm afraid of being judge. I guess I don't want people to think I'm nuts and can't do it.

I have a 12 month old daughter, and I'm married and I know the sacrifice this is all going to take, so I want to try and line things up correctly. My other concern is that I really want to volunteer somewhere, but since I don't have any family here and can't find a cheap daycare I have no one to watch my daughter. What would some of my other options be? Should I find stuff on the weekends?

I'm sorry this is so long, but I'm open to any and all advice!

Thanks.

M-

 

[paintballdoc]

You definitely have alot going on. You can definitely do it, but the first question is why you decided now to go to medical school. In terms of majors, I would choose what interests you. Most medical students are biology majors b/c that is what interests them; you can definitely be any major and get into med school as long as you have the basic requirements. I would concentrate on your science grades and your MCAT scores, and everything will work out. Hope this helps.
In terms of volunteering, if you can do it on the weekends while your husband watches your child, that is what I would do.

 

[MeowMix]

If this is just your first year, then I would take your time to really do well in school this year, find ways to balance your family life, and then slowly start to fit in other activities as family and school permit. There is no point in stuffing in extra activities and not doing anything well, plus increasing your stress level. At your age, there is no hurry to get everything done in 4 years; you could easily take a year btw undergrad and med school, which would get your kid past kindergarten age, and work as a paramedic, research assistant, med assistant, phlebotomist, or something else.

If you do well in school and on the MCAT, you will almost certainly get into med school somewhere. If you have severe geographic constraints, and few local choices, then you need to orient yourself around your local med school(s). However, this doesn't mean making your life the stereotypical premed life (i.e. EMT, volunteer in emergency dept, meet EM faculty). Keep your perspective open and allow yourself the possibility of finding out that something else is your perfect career. Find things that are fun and interesting, and do those. Forget the backup plan; it's just more work right now, and taking your attention away from your focus.

good luck

 

[gman33]

Pick a major based on what you enjoy and could see yourself doing if you do not get into med school. I wouldn't pick a BIO major unless you can see yourself putting that degree to use if med school doesn't work out. It won't make it any easier for you to get in, and it might even hurt. I think it is difficult for some people to maintain a high GPA as a science major. It's better to have a 3.7 overall in a non-science than it is to have a 3.3 as a bio major.

I'd say just pick something you like and concentrate on keeping your gpa up over the next 2 years. Most people change their minds many times during their education.

 

[Imgtnold]

I am 35 y/o and am finishing my first year as a podiatric medical student...my undergrad degree is in psychology. Like stated before, choose a major you enjoy (and can keep a relatively high gpa). One suggestion: aside from the standard pre-med courses, I would recommend taking anatomy and physiology either for a grade or just to sit in. Your first year Gross Anatomy course is a killer!!!

 

[OncoCaP]

... I'm currently undeclared because I'm trying to choose the "right" major (mostly out of fear). I've been doing a lot of reading and have found that you don't necessarily have to major in Biology to go to medical school (unfortunately my University doesn't have a premed option).

You're a little anxious right now, which is normal. Don't worry about picking a major right now. Just focus on what classes you need and doing well in those classes.

My questions I guess are: Should I major in Biology or pick another major as a "back-up plan" in case I don't get into medical school (which goes back to my fears). Should I go the whole way and major in Biology and minor in something a little different (again as a back up plan).

There are many very good backup options (Dental, Pharmacy, NA, PA, RN, NP, research, teaching, etc. etc.), and it would be pointless and a waste of time and energy to worry about that right now. Just major in Bio unless you have something else you really want to major in. If you study hard you will have many options besides medical school.

I just want to do things right, it's taken forever for me to finally go back to school and I want to make sure I do it right. I also want to make sure I line things up properly so that when medical school applications roll around I have a real shot at getting in somewhere. ...

You're at an exciting point. Find out if your school has some kind of pre-med advisors and make use of their services. They will guide you through the process and you'll do just fine.

My other things is that I haven't told anyone except my husband and mom that I want to be a doctor, I'm afraid of being judge. I guess I don't want people to think I'm nuts and can't do it.

I have a 12 month old daughter, and I'm married and I know the sacrifice this is all going to take, so I want to try and line things up correctly. My other concern is that I really want to volunteer somewhere, but since I don't have any family here and can't find a cheap daycare I have no one to watch my daughter. What would some of my other options be? Should I find stuff on the weekends?

I'm sorry this is so long, but I'm open to any and all advice!

Thanks.

M-

Yes, you can volunteer on weekends, don't worry.🙂

 

[sawood]

Hello Everyone- I'm new to this website, and I have to say I Love it!!!

I'm 27 and started my undergrad in the fall. After about 2 weeks I decided I want to go to medical school. I'm currently undeclared because I'm trying to choose the "right" major (mostly out of fear). I've been doing a lot of reading and have found that you don't necessarily have to major in Biology to go to medical school (unfortunately my University doesn't have a premed option).

My questions I guess are: Should I major in Biology or pick another major as a "back-up plan" in case I don't get into medical school (which goes back to my fears). Should I go the whole way and major in Biology and minor in something a little different (again as a back up plan). I just want to do things right, it's taken forever for me to finally go back to school and I want to make sure I do it right. I also want to make sure I line things up properly so that when medical school applications roll around I have a real shot at getting in somewhere. My other things is that I haven't told anyone except my husband and mom that I want to be a doctor, I'm afraid of being judge. I guess I don't want people to think I'm nuts and can't do it.

I have a 12 month old daughter, and I'm married and I know the sacrifice this is all going to take, so I want to try and line things up correctly. My other concern is that I really want to volunteer somewhere, but since I don't have any family here and can't find a cheap daycare I have no one to watch my daughter. What would some of my other options be? Should I find stuff on the weekends?

I'm sorry this is so long, but I'm open to any and all advice!

Thanks.

M-

Although you may be called to medicine now, you already made the choice to get married and have a child. They need to come first, especially the kid. I know you are willing to make the sacrifices, but no one can ask your daughter if she is willing to make the sacrifices. Is your husband going to be willing and able to be there at home when you can't be? Not just now, but four and eight years from now when you're in med school and residency? Can he work from home part of the week? Right now you can't even volunteer for a few hours unless its the weekend, and you don't have family in the area and no money for child care.

My suggestion would be to study something now in the medical or biological fields. If you like math, biomedical engineering is an excellent choice because it pays well, has regular hours, and you can sometimes telecommute. Either way, get a job straight out of undergrad for a few years, save some money, spend time with your daughter and husband. Then, when your daughter is a little older, you'll already have your degree and cool experience in whatever field you chose, just take the MCAT and apply to med school. There's no rush to get to med school, but your daughter will not be young forever.

This post may sound ultra-traditional. Ultimately, its just one person's opinion and you are the only one who knows the right course for your life.