End Poverty

That's what I heard in my medical education courses last year as well lol ... It's not gonna make it shorter!!

Most optometrists have to work few years /establish their own business before they make 250K.

I was interviewed ( and accepted) with a GPA lower than yours Once you get an interview, it is all about believing in yourself and showing confidence Best of luck

Thank you for your advice, ZBL I really appreciate it because I am NOT familiar at all with the US system. I'm working on figuring out what I want, but it is difficult because I have not done a lot of the course content in school yet and I don't want to make a pre-mature decission. Hopefully, by the time, I do Course 2, I'll be more decisive. When I talked to my academic counsellor, she was telling me to still keep my options open at this point, and she was saying that even if I want Derm then I can still make it even if I make my decision to pursue it late in my first year. So, I definitely agree with you that my best chances is to do it in Canada.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write the detailed response, Edict . I really appreciate it . I am actually studying for the USMLE as I am studying for my school exams, so it is not too bad. I will definitely shadow more to try to figure out what I really want and I will be doing more research about the different options for pursuing Derm in Canada and US ( If I am still interested in it and I can't see myself doing anything else).

Thank you for your reply, Edict. I go to U of C and I don't think we can get an enrichment year . I was wondering if we have to do electives in the US if we would like to match there? I'm honestly mainly writing the USMLE in case I want to do a dermatology residency ( it is in my top 3 list of residencies that I'm currently interested in), but I'm concerned that I may not have enough time to build my resume for CARMS because I am still not 100% sure if dermatology is my top choice residency. I'm usually really good with standardized exams and I feel that if all I need to get dermatology residency in US is scoring extremely well on USMLEs, then I can definitely do that :). I feel that writing the USMLE would allow me to keep my options open. I also think that writing the exam while the material is fresh in my mind is easier than writing it later and possible having to re-study the material that I might have forgotten. It's a good way to review everything before clerckship. My dilemma is that I am currently interested in Derm, internal medicine, OB/GYN and I have not decided yet which option is what I really would like to pursue for the rest of my life, and I'm writing the USMLE to keep my options open.

Yes, I'm doing it for residency and to keep my options open

When is the best time to write the USMLE in 3 year medical school program? After 1st year ?

You can definitely get in next year. Work on developing great stories that show case your strength. Before my interviews, I prepared around ~15 stories and I was lucky because I was able to use the stories I prepared in all of my interviews

That's great! Thank you so much for your reply, Shematoma !!

Does anyone know if you get the $500 bonus if you do not plan on using the LOC?

Thank you for your response, MoutainAmoeba I am hoping that I'll will see you in July

I'm so happy for you, EggMcmuffin :). Your story is truly inspirational. You will be a wonderful physician.

I know most people use macs/ iPads, but what device do you use in lectures, MountainAmoeba?

It varies each year. Check Dr. Walker's blog for the number of individuals accepted each year off the waitlist. I'd suspect that the number is anywhere from 30 to 60 offers. Not sure though