Whose parents don't understand how competitive it is?

[powerful_squib]

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*raises hand*

My mom didn't understand until just recently, about how competitive it is to get into med school. I try to tell her about the whole process and how it is completely different from applying to college, but she was only mildly interested. Saying that any med school who would reject me is a fool for not accepting me.

I would try to explain but it would go through one ear and out of the other. I knew then that I had to open her eyes. I got a hold of a copy of the MSAR and when she saw that she finally got it.

I love my mom to death but sometimes...lol.

Who else has parents that are like this?

 

[LabMonster]

*raises hand*

My mom didn't understand until just recently, about how competitive it is to get into med school. I try to tell her about the whole process and how it is completely different from applying to college, but she was only mildly interested. Saying that any med school who would reject me is a fool for not accepting me.

I would try to explain but it would go through one ear and out of the other. I knew then that I had to open her eyes. I got a hold of a copy of the MSAR and when she saw that she finally got it.

I love my mom to death but sometimes...lol.

Who else has parents that are like this?

Many people (including parents) have no idea of what it takes to get in to medical school. Talk to them, give them numbers (like 1/2 of people who apply in the US don't get in) and they'll understand 😉

 

[Oceaner]

haha nah, my parents are always like... geez, it's so competitive well you can always go to med school in [random obscure south-east asian island/country*]

me: /😡//😡

*and I'm not southeast asian btw so really, I don't understand this catchphrase and its origin.

 

[mvenus929]

My dad seriously switches back and forth. I was talking on the phone to him tonight, and this was pretty much the conversation:

Dad: so, you're applying now?
Me: Yes (thinking 'I could've sworn I mentioned this like... every single time I've talked to you since I submitted my primary)
D: how many schools are you applying to?
M: nine
D: What are they?
M: [lists off my schools, including where some of them are]
D: Oh, that's pretty narrow. I hope you get in somewhere.
...
D: Oh, well, I'm sure with 9 schools, someone will take you.

So within the same conversation, maybe a 10 minute break, he goes from doubting I'll get in, to insisting that I will. He then asked me what I'd do if I didn't get in. Since he's a nurse, I think he felt a nice glow of pride when I said that I'd take CNA classes and do that for a year while reapplying.

 

[MahSpoon]

I always get "we know someone who went to the carribean and became a doctor! you should have no problem getting in"

hopefully they're right

 

[AlexMorph]

yea, victim of that here too. they honestly are like if you don't get into med school, that's just sad. Yup, I love my parents.

 

[emttim]

yea, victim of that here too. they honestly are like if you don't get into med school, that's just sad. Yup, I love my parents.

Talk about jacked.

My parents are sure I'll get in somewhere when I apply. Eh, whatever. 😛 Maybe I'll do the trick the OP mentioned of showing them the MSAR...that'll put things in perspective.

 

[Kaydubz]

My parents have actually done a pretty good job convincing me that my butt is toast in terms of getting into a decent med school if I don't keep up my grades / MCAT.

 

[SnoPearl]

Yeah... my dad so doesn't get it. Every time I mention med schools or complain about the cost of applying to 20 schools he tells me that I'm being silly and should only apply to 2 schools. And then when I try to explain, he says well if your top 2 choices don't accept you then you can just go into another profession, why are you groveling to get into any old medical school? *rolls eyes* haha

 

[LabMonster]

My dad seriously switches back and forth. I was talking on the phone to him tonight, and this was pretty much the conversation:

Dad: so, you're applying now?
Me: Yes (thinking 'I could've sworn I mentioned this like... every single time I've talked to you since I submitted my primary)
D: how many schools are you applying to?
M: nine
D: What are they?
M: [lists off my schools, including where some of them are]
D: Oh, that's pretty narrow. I hope you get in somewhere.
...
D: Oh, well, I'm sure with 9 schools, someone will take you.

So within the same conversation, maybe a 10 minute break, he goes from doubting I'll get in, to insisting that I will. He then asked me what I'd do if I didn't get in. Since he's a nurse, I think he felt a nice glow of pride when I said that I'd take CNA classes and do that for a year while reapplying.

He doesn't know. Again, most people have NO idea of what it takes to get into med-school.

You've got to tell him. 😉

 

[Meatwad]

My mom falls into the "There's always the Caribbean!" camp; I'm not sure she realizes all the nuances of medicine, like the nature of matching into a competitive residency, etc. I think she blocked it all out of her brain due to her father (an MD) trying for years to convince her to go to medical school, even though she was not interested in it whatsoever.

 

[Jolie South]

My parents do not have any comprehension of why I'm applying to 20+ schools. All they can see is the money, and they haven't even paid $1 towards my apps! I want to just say that it is expensive but having to reapply next year would cost twice as much.

What I hate the most is when my mom asks "why do you want to go to school outside of Texas?" Seriously, I get this question at least once weekly. I then have to get into the whole shpiel about how Texas is great but there are no African Studies doctoral programs for my husband. Then, she just says that my husband should abandon his dreams so that we can save money. I'm like what? I wouldn't want anyone to stop me from achieving my dreams so why should I stop him?

 

[mave]

My parents didn't really understand until my white coat ceremony last week, when the dean actually said that there are 187 people in this class, picked from a pool of 10,000 applicants. They were always much more certain that I would get in somewhere than I was. It's their job a little bit, and you're going to be stressed about this for a while, so my best advice to you is to pick your neurotic battles. You're going to need your family around for support because you can't con your friends into listening to you forever!

 

[mvenus929]

He doesn't know. Again, most people have NO idea of what it takes to get into med-school.

You've got to tell him. 😉

He does have some idea what it takes to be competitive. He's always emphasized how important my GPA and MCAT is, but then thinks that that's all that's important. And he has a great idea about how hard doctors work, since he's a nurse and all. For years, I think he was trying to convince me not to follow the medical route, because it would be hard. I think he's finally trying to support me now.

 

[greg1184]

My mom knows exactly how competitive it is. She warned me 4 years ago that premeds are dog-eat-dog.

 

[ESzczesniak]

Well, not to burst people's bubbles, but by the numbers, getting in to medical school could be a lot tougher too. An acceptance rate of 30-50% still means a good number get in. While med school probably is a little tougher, it's much in line with law and high level business schools. If you want low numbers, try getting hired trading stock at a big financial firm or similar. It's not that medical school is the easiest thing to get into, but it's also not the hardest thing like some people will have you believe. And yes, I've been there and gotten into med school, so I know that road.

 

[mvenus929]

While med school probably is a little tougher, it's much in line with law and high level business schools.

I thought most applicants got accepted into law school (provided that they don't only apply to like Harvard and Yale). Course, I was never interested in law, so I don't know how accurate that statement is...

 

[Hershi]

my parents seem to get it at times but just say...well work harder . if so and so can do it why cant you. then theres friends who say well just go to the carribbeans ....little do they know....although i know about 4 from my school personally who just left . sigh

 

[ssquared]

My dad looked at my schools list and said, "Why don't you have Wash U on there? Or Hopkins? Or Harvard?"

I explained to him that since I don't have a 3.9/38, there really is no point. He eventually conceded, but only after I agreed to add Penn, Wake, and Vanderbilt to my list. I'm going to give him the pleasure of opening up those rejections. 🙄

Parents are clueless. It sucks for me even more because my parents attended the top schools in their respective fields.

 

[drlisa0318]

For those of us who are non-traditional (ie. "old fogies") there should be some choices regarding spouses or significant others. For me (my parents are deceased), the problem is hubby. He not only doesn't understand the process, he's absolutely convinced I'll never get accepted. He thinks I'm stupid for even trying. He used to tell his coworkers that I was studying to be a nurse. My parents, were they still alive, would be extremely proud and supportive - certainly all the rest of my family is. Even my 18 yr old son is very supportive. Sigh...sometimes makes me want to take a 2x4 upside hubby's head - except he's so hard-headed, it would be the board that would probably break! 😀

 

[DropkickMurphy]

My parents will be lucky if I tell them I got in.

BTW, I plan to drink ipecac to get out of my white coat ceremony.......I refuse to take part in such pointless collective feel good wanking. Of course I feel the same way about graduation ceremonies too......

 

[narretgrez]

Try dealing with parents who think your life (and their lives) are complete once you get into medical school.

I feel depressed just imagining how disappointed they are going to be a few years down the road.

 

[TheSky]

I went to the dentist and it was sooo annoying...he was like, "Getting into medical school is easy." That is the most incorrect statement of the year! He should win an award for "The Most Incorrect Statement-Maker of the Year". I mean, how would he know?? His doctor wife was educated overseas, not in America!

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Try dealing with parents who think your life (and their lives) are complete once you get into medical school.

I feel depressed just imagining how disappointed they are going to be a few years down the road.

Let me guess.....you're Indian or Asian?

 

[inaminute]

I thought most applicants got accepted into law school (provided that they don't only apply to like Harvard and Yale). Course, I was never interested in law, so I don't know how accurate that statement is...

wrong

 

[inaminute]

I am fascinated by the whining here. If mom and dad know and acknowledge that it's tough to get into med school, some of you gripe that they have no confidence in you when they don't claim you are a shoe-in, yet if they say "you're certain to get in somewhere, honey!" you b*tch because they are "pressuring" you and don't get that you might not get in.

If your parents truly don't "get it," you've done a poor job of communicating with them. Kick yourselves.

Jolie South: if your mom asks the same question over and over DON'T KEEP REPEATING YOUR ANSWER. Either let the question die in the ether without another response or come up with something more entertaining, like "I've been lying to you, Mom. Hubby and I detest you and Dad and can't get far enough away from you."

 

[Jolie South]

Jolie South: if your mom asks the same question over and over DON'T KEEP REPEATING YOUR ANSWER. Either let the question die in the ether without another response or come up with something more entertaining, like "I've been lying to you, Mom. Hubby and I detest you and Dad and can't get far enough away from you."

Dude, of course that's part of it, but you seriously don't understand my mom. If I don't give her an answer, she'll badger my husband and dad to no end, not that they really know all that much more about it. Then, I get to hear that at dinner that was all she could talk about and why can't I talk to her. So in either case, it ends up in my hands. I'm just trying to cut out the discomfort for the others. 🙄

 

[narretgrez]

Let me guess.....you're Indian or Asian?

right on the money. parents are asian.

asian parents have so many misconceptions, it's sad.

 

[Jolie South]

right on the money. parents are asian.

asian parents have so many misconceptions, it's sad.

they don't have a monopoly on that though.

my parents are convinced that I can get a full ride to med school with me coming from a white affluent family and having mediocre grades. Where they came up with this delusion I'll never know. 😎

 

[inaminute]

Dude, of course that's part of it, but you seriously don't understand my mom. If I don't give her an answer, she'll badger my husband and dad to no end, not that they really know all that much more about it. Then, I get to hear that at dinner that was all she could talk about and why can't I talk to her. So in either case, it ends up in my hands. I'm just trying to cut out the discomfort for the others. 🙄

print up some cards with the answer, give copies to hubby and dad, and all of y'all just hand her the cards when she asks.

and if she doesn't get it, start asking her if she needs you to set up an appt with a psychotherapist or a geriatric specialist 😀

 

[Jolie South]

print up some cards with the answer, give copies to hubby and dad, and all of y'all just hand her the cards when she asks.

and if she doesn't get it, start asking her if she needs you to set up an appt with a psychotherapist or a geriatric specialist 😀

i think you're right on the money there. i'll definitely consider it.

 

[Hyperstudyosis]

I talk about it so much that my mom understands what's involved. The two of us are pretty funny because we both have a one track mind. All I can talk about is med school and all she can talk about is her boyfriend. Our conversations are something like this:

me: "Well, I'm thinking I'm going to start studying for the MCAT because I want to get a really good score."

mom: "Yeah, well you would just not believe what Jim said to me tonight..."

me: "Yeah...I'm definitely going to apply to Vanderbilt..."

mom: "Oh! I didn't tell you! Jim said sometime the two of us are going to go out on a sailboat..."

and so on!

My dad has confidence in me that I will get into medical school and I'm actually glad about that. He's always had confidence that I can do whatever I set my mind to do. He has his heart set on me going to Wright State becuase he lives in Dayton and he wants me to be nearby. He keeps telling me, "I think you should to to Wright State." I tell him, "I'll apply there, but that doesn't mean I'll get in." And he keeps on, "Come on, come to Wright State."

 

[misterex]

My parents think its like college, if you apply you will get in somewhere. I WISH.

 

[mmcnam]

My grandfather once told me to "quit that doctor crap and become a lawyer". Thanks Grandpa, but I think not.

 

[Jolie South]

My grandfather once told me to "quit that doctor crap and become a lawyer". Thanks Grandpa, but I think not.

laughing so hard right now!

 

[jochi1543]

My grandfather once told me to "quit that doctor crap and become a lawyer". Thanks Grandpa, but I think not.

I think I can top that...my father disowned me for about 3 months when I said I didn't want to work in Econ/Finance for another second and switched to premed. Seriously, he stopped sending me money, and for someone who was not able to legally work in the US OR obtain loans, it was a catastrophe...I spent 2 months cleaning houses and recruiting bikini models for websites for like 20-30 hours a week on top of a full courseload - this hardly helped my GPA for med school purposes.🙄

 

[DropkickMurphy]

recruiting bikini models for websites for like 20-30 hours a week

*looks up from real estate licensing exam study guide*
😱
Where the hell do I sign up for THAT job?

 

[jochi1543]

*looks up from real estate licensing exam study guide*
😱
Where the hell do I sign up for THAT job?

I know....it was definitely every man's dream job...WASTED on a woman.

 

[MDrunner]

My mom understands, but my im-laws have NO clue what med school is like. My mother-in-law has asked if I am going to keep my job (I work full time currently) while I am in school and is already planning on weekly dinners if we are able to move back to Michigan! 😱 I just tell her...ummm NO! 😀 Med school is a full time job!! She can have weekly dinners with my husband and baby..I will be studying and daving my weekly dinners for my family! 🙂

 

[Meatwad]

I know....it was definitely every man's dream job...WASTED on a woman.

But in all seriousness... how does one get this job?! What is the job title? It can't possibly be something as cliche as "bikini inspector," can it? Maybe "talent scout,"?

Details please.

 

[jochi1543]

But in all seriousness... how does one get this job?! What is the job title? It can't possibly be something as cliche as "bikini inspector," can it? Maybe "talent scout,"?

Details please.

LOL, I made some connections with photographers/webmasters online and was offered the option.

 

[BigRedPremed]

My parents understand the process only too well. That's why I get a call every couple of days inquiring about the status of my secondaries.

 

[bwells46]

I went to the dentist and it was sooo annoying...he was like, "Getting into medical school is easy." That is the most incorrect statement of the year! He should win an award for "The Most Incorrect Statement-Maker of the Year". I mean, how would he know?? His doctor wife was educated overseas, not in America!

Why is this a problem? I work with a managed care organization and some of the best physicians I've met were not US graduates. In fact, out of the several anti-fraud investigations I've been involved with, only one was a FMG/IMG.

 

[jochi1543]

Why is this a problem? I work with a managed care organization and some of the best physicians I've met were not US graduates. In fact, out of the several anti-fraud investigations I've been involved with, only one was a FMG/IMG.

She's talking about how much easier it is to get into med overseas. Some places it's just med straight outta high school, and no MCAT or anything.

 

[bwells46]

She's talking about how much easier it is to get into med overseas. Some places it's just med straight outta high school, and no MCAT or anything.

True, medical school can be quite different depending on what country you are talking about. Frankly, I'm surprised by what passes as medicine in some places but this is coming from a citizen in country that is still debating evolution versus intelligent design. 🙄

However, I'd be surprised if someone were to ever consider abandoning a career in medicine instead just going overseas. If they're worried about getting a competitive residency, then they just need to work exceptionally hard and do as well as possible on the USMLE.

Granted, the HMO I work for is not nationwide, but we have FMGs/IMGs in all specialties in our network, including radiology, dermatology, and plastics. That said, the FMGs/IMGs we do have in these specialites are VERY good overall as their quality of care and statistical profiling consistently demonstrate.

 

[littlealex]

My parents don't want me to be a doctor. They want me to go into something with a smaller time investment so I'll have time for my life and be happier.

=(

 

[Quix]

BTW, I plan to drink ipecac to get out of my white coat ceremony.......I refuse to take part in such pointless collective feel good wanking. Of course I feel the same way about graduation ceremonies too......

If I'm admitted, I'll miss white coat for an entirely different reason - I may be in Beijing watching the Olympics! 😱

On-topic, my parents (and family) understand how difficult it is; they have enough friends in the health professions to know how competitive this process is.

 

[TheSky]

Why is this a problem? I work with a managed care organization and some of the best physicians I've met were not US graduates. In fact, out of the several anti-fraud investigations I've been involved with, only one was a FMG/IMG.

When and where did I imply that that was a problem? I just said that he wouldn't know how difficult it is under the American system because his wife was educated under a different system (and that too, many years ago). Things are different in different systems and different times. I know that there are several fine, foreign-educated doctors, I'm in no way disputing that fact.

 

[powerful_squib]

BTW, I plan to drink ipecac to get out of my white coat ceremony.......I refuse to take part in such pointless collective feel good wanking. Of course I feel the same way about graduation ceremonies too......

LOL... thinks about that episode of Family Guy in which Peter, Brain, Stewie and Chris drink ipecac to see who would get the last piece of pie... lol... who ever is the last to vomit wins... LMAO... classic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqS8VVD6A6s

 

[jochi1543]

LOL... thinks about that episode of Family Guy in which Peter, Brain, Stewie and Chris drink ipecac to see who would get the last piece of pie... lol... who ever is the last to vomit wins... LMAO... classic!

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqS8VVD6A6s&mode=related&search=[/YOUTUBE]