Is Med School even viable for me? What should I do..?

[StellarRay]

Hi everyone. I've recently been referred to this forum and it's absolutely amazing at how much info I've been missing out on. I'm posting today, like many others here do, to find out what my "chances" are and what my options are. I go to the University of Toronto and I'm currently doing my undergrad in human biology specialist. However, this is were my story gets really really ugly.. and I wonder if I've scarred myself so much that my dreams to pursue being a doctor are just impossible now. I wonder if I've screwed up so much that no matter what I do now, as much as I'm finally ready to be a student and start working, am I too broken to fix?

 

Introduction:

So lets begin. After 5 yrs, I currently have a GPA of 1.37, I've now been suspended for the 3rd time and therefore I've got to wait 3 yrs before coming back to U of T. I have 11.5 credits and could've graduated (had I raised my GPA to 1.6 or higher) with approximately 4 more credits. But even should I have graduated, I realise a low GPA and a degree will hardly get me anywhere. I don't mean for this to sound like a sob story, I would like to maintain this as professional as possible, but I think it'd help myself I just explained my history a little.

 

Background/Growing up:

I'm the asian kid that went to school and got stereotyped very young as one of the "smart kids". Throughout elementary and high school I never really had to try. My family often praised me and heralded me to be the smartest child out of all our relatives and their kids (my cousins). My little sister (my only other sibling) on the otherhand was the type that actually had to study hard in school in order to succeed and so when she went on to university she made that transition so very easily and now maintains a GPA in the high 3.0's. I know that when I first got suspended (for 4 months) I did deserve it. It should have been a wake up call but instead I became very depressed and instead of using that time to re-think things I decided to hide it. I spent so much energy and time hiding my abscence from school from my parents (I live with my parents and commute) having to always think of how to avoid answering questions about school or where I'm going after instead of seeking academic help or even therapeutic help. I'm now currently seeking all this extra help provided by the school but it's clearly too late. Since I've been suspended, I'm not even allowed more than 3 sessions with a psychiatrist at Health and Wellness.

 

The walls are closing in:

Anyways, the lies kept compounding and now my parents expect me to graduate after this fall semester. I clearly won't be doing that. Even my girlfriend of 4 yrs at the same university has left me being unable to carry this burden of mine anymore... I believe one of my biggest drives besides my own self expections right now is to make her proud and one day.... perhaps she will miss me. In the past few weeks, I have come so close to that edge of no return. Seeing myself become the trash that I am... having the first and only love of my life tell me that I'm a failure.. and knowing that she's right. It really hurts.

 

But before I do confront my parents (whom I suspect are very likely to kick me out, I'm not even exaggerating this) I do wish to have a plan for the future.

 

It's kind of sad that after all these years of them throwing pressure on me to succeed that it's only when I've completely hit rock bottom that now I want this more than ever. I realise that when I was doing it solely for them that I lacked interest and passion, but now, I would very much like to show how much of a student I am.

 

Anyways, long enough post.. hopefully some people here have a hard time sleeping and will give it a read. For those who haven't, the gist of things is this:

 

Where do I go from here?

Do I even have the chance anymore to ever get into med school? If so, what should I be doing to achieve my dreams? I'm worried that if after I put in all this effort (ie graduate, possibly pursue a masters, do really great there and then re-apply) that I would still not be competitive enough. I'm already behind all my friends by 5 yrs because of my shame. I do dream of being a doctor one day.. but perhaps, realistically speaking, it would make more sense to abandon ship and do business or finance in college and then after the suspension try to seek a programme switch into the world of business. I heard if you're willing to sell your soul then investment banking is where the money's at. =\

 

Self Expectations:

Finally, I know I sound like THE most spoiled brat for saying this, but I do have such high expectations for myself. I know every job is honourable and respected but I really can't stand to look at myself if I'm unable to redeem myself and achieve my own expectations as a doctor instead of say a paramedic. I know, the kid with 3 suspensions and a gpa of 1.37 should probably just try to grab onto whatever he can get.. but I don't ever want to just "settle".

 

Maybe I just have delusions of grandeur.

 

But I do dream of being a doctor one day. I do dream so big. And not just because shows like Grey's Anatomy or House made it "cool". But hey, maybe one day.. I wonder if this kid that's posting here with his 1.37 GPA and 3 suspensions and broken heart.. I wonder if this kid will one day become a successful neurosurgeon named McAsian and maybe in his spare time write a book about how this was one of his hardest chapters in his life. Is it still possible for me to realise this dream?

 

Please, someone help me.

[Flav_cool]

That's unfortunate man. Probably the only way for you to still have a chance is to start a NEW degree, but med schools look at a second degree in different ways. Try and get a medical excuse for that time in your life of the first degree. Long road ahead either way

[StellarRay]

So does that mean you think that even if I finally put forth my 100% that I'd be wasting the next 5-6 yrs of my life if were to pursue my dream of being a doctor?

 

I know that there are literally around a thousands of other med school applicants that have the better GPAs, better academic record, better extracurriculars and such. Many apply with a 3.7-4.0 GPA. And here I am with a 1.37 GPA.

 

My little sister did tell me that Queen's and I think Ottawa and Western can still consider you even if your cumulative GPA doesn't make the cut that they would then look at your final 2 yrs only but there'd be more weight on the MCAT portion? Is this true at all? Could this be a viable option for me?

 

Do you think I should just give up on dreaming to be a doctor? =\

[worriedandwaiting]

Hi StellarRay,

 

I think the first step you should take is to explain the situation to your parents. You are going to need their support so you can get back on your feet and work your way towards your goal. Its going to be difficult, they may get angry, but in the end, you can't change the past and you can only work to improve the future. If they can help you with that, then all the better. Things will be easier for you if you don't have to be hiding behind an overcomplicated lie.

 

Second, are you ready for school? I have a friend who was in a similar position (he wasn't a med-hopeful, but an compsci/engineering-hopeful) in that he basically got kicked out of school (Waterloo). Since then, he took a short term certificate course at UofT in his field, secured a Co-op placement, and was recently employed with a good salary at his placement site. Having gone through the process from failing to succeeding in the job setting, he has become more confident in himself as well as gained valuable experience on things like time management, completing projects, etc. He plans to return to school after this contract ends, complete his degree and get more certifications so that he can further improve himself. He wasn't ready for university back when he started his undergrad, but he is ready now. The question is, are you?

 

Next, decide on how you can get the gpa etc to qualify for med school. Was the human bio specialization at your university too difficult? Would you be able to manage a similar program and courseload at another university ? Or, would you be better of getting a degree in a subject that you may find easier (you mentioned business). If so, where would you do it and when can you start? Perhaps you need to go to one o the smaller universities and move away from the big name Toronto- check out the courses offered at places like Brock, Carleton, etc etc. You may get more support there, and perhaps even get credit for your already completed coursework at Toronto - saving you time.

 

 

Remember that you don't need a bio degree to get into medical school and that most people don't get in right away. There are applicants with second degrees, people who switched careers, went back to school, have families, etc.

 

If this is truly your goal, then you have to be prepared to work towards it. Even if that means starting back at the begining, redifining your goals, learning how to study and realizing that simply being 'smart' isn't enough to succeed. This may take you a long time, and you may feel like later that you are wasting your time. SO think about this goal now so that you can make the right decision.

 

 

So that was the long answer. The short answer is yes, you have a chance. Now work for it.

[arctic_monkey]

hey man,

 

sorry to hear about your situation...with regards to queens/ottawa/western, you are banking on a lot if you think you might be able to get in with your GPA. In Canada, the GPA is worth a lot by schools and is weighted more heavily than the MCAT. Definitely call the schools or look on their websites to find out as much as you can and your options but maybe starting fresh is the best way to go?

 

How about international med schools? I heard that some of them just look at your high school marks for admissions - not too sure which ones but maybe look into those as another option.

 

Best of luck!

[unknown user 7]

I'm sorry to hear this.

 

What province are you from?

 

As for the international schools that arctic mentioned, I hear that the medschool in the dominican is not too hard to get into. Do you have a decent % average?

[StellarRay]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I feel like I'm burdening what few friends I have left with my troubles. I've lost more than half of my university friends when my girlfriend left me because they were originally her friends first.. and the other half I've avoided because of my situation. I'm actually finding myself talking to many high school friends now.

 

I just got off the phone with a Miss Leslie Taylor (the Admissions Officer at the U of T med school). She told me that there is still an opportunity if I were to clean up my GPA a little bit for my undergrad and then do my Masters and do very well in that. Apparently admissions look a little differently at graduate/mature students. I'm just so scared right now that I'd be rejected anyways after waiting 3 yrs (suspension) and 2-3 yrs to fix my undergrad and another 2 yrs for my Masters... that's around 7-8 yrs from now. I'll be 31.

 

The Human Biology Specialist degree is challenging but I do honestly believe that if I were to finally APPLY myself with my newly discovered PASSION that I could handle it without a prob. Although if I've been considering since it would take a minimum of 2 years possibly 3 years to fix my current degree that perhaps it would make more sense to choose a lighter or shorter degree (ie A bio major is only 3 yrs long). But I'm not sure if that would just be a sign of weakness because I heard that med schools do like applicants who take that extra challenge... and by switching to something easier after I bombed it then I just look like I'm very weak.

 

And my parents, I'm almost positive with about a 1% chance of error that they will demand that I get the hell out if they knew I lied to them for 5 yrs, that I am to wait 3 yrs before even returning to school, and that I just wasted $30,000+ that they had to work so hard to save. I mean, they worked really really hard for this money. We haven't been able to afford to go on vacation since I was 10, they never buy anything nice for themselves, and my parents wouldn't even pay the $5 to get a new blue recycling to replace our old beaten up one. Instead my dad took some tape and taped off the cracked sides. You should know that I never cry in front of my parents.. but honestly, yesterday was garbage day and I was just moved to tears when I saw that the garbagemen had ripped off all the tape my dad used to keep the box intact. My parents can't spare $5 and here I've gone and blown $30,000+ and have nothing to show for it.

 

I know I screwed up in school.. but I just don't understand why they can't just let me restart fresh? Is it asking that much? I don't care for the credits I've earned. Just throw them all away. The tuition's been paid so the school's got the money already. This GPA is just haunting me and causing me to lose even more and more time. Sometimes I think I'd be better off pronounced clinically dead and hope for a ressurection to give me that clean slate. I honestly feel like a new person with this fire known as passion.. but I'm still haunted by these mistakes.

 

@unknown_user_7:

 

I live in Ontario. I do have a good high school average (90's). But these international schools like Xavier's School of Medicine in Aruba (http://edu.xusom.nl/?page=programs⊂=premd) cost a fortune and you would also not be able to practice medicine in anywhere but the States. I think just tuition alone is nearly $100,000 for the complete program.. and that's not even including res and food. I know that there's some med school loans out there.. but do you think that this is really one of the best options? In a way, I feel a little disgusted simply because it feels like I would be buying my way in. I do wish to make my girlfriend proud one day when she were to see how hard I worked. But frankly, because I screwed myself over in school early on.. I feel like I'm taking nearly 3x or 4x longer to get into med school because of my past mistakes. Suspension itself is 3 yrs which is enough time to get a major in biology. =\

[unknown user 7]

I'm sorry to hear that buddy.

 

The decision is up to you, but UofT is nuts. I would go to another university, do an undergrad like business (like you mentioned) where it has career potential and work hard to get good marks.

 

That or go to the carribbean, where they'll likely accept you.

[arctic_monkey]

ya...don't be afraid to tell your parents...eventually you are going to have to and it is better to tell them now - perhaps you can lay out a plan for yourself and then tell them...did you lie about your GPA to them or just not tell them at all?

 

If you truly want to go into medicine, then do what it takes to get there! Best of luck! Feel free to PM me if you need other advice, etc.

[StellarRay]

I'm just so angry with myself. I just want to give up and end it sometimes. Being told that your dreams were achievable at one point because you are smart but now that you've ****ed up that your dreams are probably too distant.. just makes me want to breakdown and cry.

 

I've considered business, but really, I'm not even sure I can switch programmes with a 1.37 GPA. I'm pretty sure the academic advisor I spoke to said my GPA is too low to switch now.

 

Is it not shameful at all to go do school in the caribbean? If I could even afford it.. I'm not even sure I would right now because it just goes to show that I had to buy my way in. It feels like there's no honour in that.

 

And to think, that someone somewhere out there could just erase my entire academic record clean for me with just a click and save me nearly 10 yrs... I'm not asking to delete just my bad marks.. but to give me a clean start. Make me a froshee. =\

[unknown user 7]

I'm just so angry with myself. I just want to give up and end it sometimes. Being told that your dreams were achievable at one point because you are smart but now that you've ****ed up that your dreams are probably too distant.. just makes me want to breakdown and cry.

 

I've considered business, but really, I'm not even sure I can switch programmes with a 1.37 GPA. I'm pretty sure the academic advisor I spoke to said my GPA is too low to switch now.

 

Is it not shameful at all to go do school in the caribbean? If I could even afford it.. I'm not even sure I would right now because it just goes to show that I had to buy my way in. It feels like there's no honour in that.

 

And to think, that someone somewhere out there could just erase my entire academic record clean for me with just a click and save me nearly 10 yrs... I'm not asking to delete just my bad marks.. but to give me a clean start. Make me a froshee. =\

 

 

Shameful? So docs from other countries are shameful? I mean its up to you. Yes, admissions may be a bit lower, but the programs at these schools can be good. I have a few friends who are in medschool in the carribbean and love it there. I was just trying to provide a a solution that you could benefit from and seems to the situation. I guess it comes down to confidence/pride/personal stuff. You can either do another degree and be confident that you'll ace or you could apply to the carribean and have a shot. It's up to you really.

[arctic_monkey]

Hey buddy,

 

If you really are feeling depressed, I think you need to seek help - either a therapist or even a Help line...I'm sure I probably can't comprehend what you are feeling right now but by telling your parents, it will take a huge burden off your back. I know it will be hard and tough but your parents love you and will do whatever they can to help you. Yes, they may be angry at first but give them time and things will get better.

 

Don't beat yourself up. You have options so let's explore them. There is no shame in going to international schools for medical school. LOTS of students do this as there are not enough spaces in Canadian medical schools and they have AWESOME experiences and some do return to practice in Canada. It may be expensive but there are many resources available to assist you such as student loan or a LOC from a bank.

 

Again, if you are feeling depressed, please call 911 for help. You are clearly an intelligent person with a lot to offer so try not to be too hard on yourself.

 

Wishing you the best.

[Espere Une Minute]

Hi StellarRay,

 

It sounds to me like you should concentrate on getting yourself healthy before you start seriously thinking about putting in the work/stress required to get into medical school. Your posts really sound like you may be suffering from some form of clinical depression. I agree with the posters upthread that your first step should be to come clean to your parents. They will no doubt be upset, but if you tell them what you told us - you screwed up and you're sorry, and you're willing to do what it takes to come back from the mess you've gotten into - they might be more inclined to be supportive and help you get the help you need.

 

Believe me, I know what it feels like to be consumed by this passion and be forced to put it on the back burner. It's incredibly frustrating, and it feels like the end of the world at the time. But you will be better off in the long run if you take care of yourself now. Either way, you might benefit from taking a year or so off from the pressures of school and just working...hanging out...getting some volunteer experience.

 

I hope everything works out for you!

[StellarRay]

I have been seeing a personal counsellor/therapist at school lately but since I'm not suspended I'm no longer covered by the school as much as my therapist would like to see me more often... I've been given 3 sessions maximum and I've already used up 2. She's referred me to a life coach which is free at no cost for 6 sessions. I prefered the school therapist much more simply because she was in the school. Being told to not come back for 3 years will make the best of us cry I would think. Knowing that all the kiddies I see now (since I'm 5 yrs older than the average froshee) , about 75% of them will have graduated and left by the time I just get back into school. I just can't waitttt to see some happy bubbly person tell me to go out there and gett'em. >_>

 

But the depression I'm feeling right now really stems from the fact that, as Espere put it, I'm full of fire and vigor and I'm so god damn passionate about being a student now... but I'm told to go "cool" off. It IS frustrating. God knows that after 3 years I'll be older and I don't even know if I'll have this fire anymore.

 

About the carribean schools... is the medical license only good for the States? Is it really impossible to use it anywhere outside the States (ie O Canada?)? I think I heard that after you graduate from these med schools like the caribbean that you have to do some kind of admissions test to be able to work in the States? Does Canada have that? Could you at least use the med license you got from the Caribbean and use that to apply to med school in Canada to get one here in Canada too?

 

Oh and is there any difference between an MD from the Carribean and an MD from anywhere else in the States?

 

Also is it possible to go further with this MD after (ie become a specialist.. like a neurosurgeon like McDreamy )

 

Sorry... I'm just going crazy trying to consider all my options. Not even sure where I would find the $100,000+ for med school abroad. I heard of places offering med school loans.. but sounds kinda sketch like loan sharks... and $100,000 is a bit much under a student's credit.. =\

[avenir001]

i agree with the above posts. as much as u hate the suspension, maybe it's not such a bad idea to take some time off from school...u can return in a couple yrs and start over..if u can do well then, u'll have a clean start as far as some schools are concerned...but as u know, applying to med school isn't just about grades...so in the meantime, why don't u focus on work, volunteering, doing things u enjoy, hobbies, EC's, etc...all that real-life experience which med schools value so much but which u probably wouldn't be able to commit to as much while being a full-time student...so think of this time as a chance to work on all the other aspects of ur application...if u miss studying, u could study for the mcat by urself...practice verbal, writing, go over the sciences, etc...in ur spare time, u could even read books on health care, medical ethics, interviews, current events, everything, why not?...then when u go back to school u already have most of this stuff out of the way and can focus mostly on doing well academically...and with that kind of prep you'll most likely ace the mcat...then with a couple yrs of 3.7+ under your belt, you'll be good to go for a few schools.

 

and u know, nothing is ever wasted...if it took 5 yrs of undergrad and hitting rock bottom for you to find yourself and what you're passionate about, then so be it..what if u hadn't found this passion and had gotten into med just to please your parents? chances are this same thing could've happened in med school...u could've flunked out...wouldn't it have been a bigger loss then? if you find the strength to get yourself out of this and achieve your goals, in time it will all have been worth it, both for you and your future patients..it will be quite an accomplishment and there's a lot of honour in that.

[Dante]

I'm curious... if UofT says you need to take 3 years off, can't you just apply to another University with your high school marks?

[estairella]

Finally, I know I sound like THE most spoiled brat

 

Yes. And I'm not gonna be sweet and nice and tell you that you can fly just because you believe you can.

 

I know every job is honourable and respected but I really can't stand to look at myself if I'm unable to redeem myself and achieve my own expectations as a doctor instead of say a paramedic.

 

Then you're clearly becoming a doctor for the wrong reasons (if it's any consolation, at least you're not going in it for the money). Maybe you'll be able to bulls--- your way through the interview; you seem to be pretty adept at lying after all.

 

But I do dream of being a doctor one day. I do dream so big. And not just because shows like Grey's Anatomy or House made it "cool". But hey, maybe one day.. I wonder if this kid that's posting here with his 1.37 GPA and 3 suspensions and broken heart.. I wonder if this kid will one day become a successful neurosurgeon named McAsian and maybe in his spare time write a book about how this was one of his hardest chapters in his life.

 

And here is where I'm 95% positive you're just another troll. But, for the sake of courtesy if you're not...

 

I'm just so scared right now that I'd be rejected anyways after waiting 3 yrs (suspension) and 2-3 yrs to fix my undergrad and another 2 yrs for my Masters... that's around 7-8 yrs from now. I'll be 31.

 

It's quite possible. But think of it this way, if you can actually pull off that new undergrad and masters with decent marks, at least then you'll know you've actually changed (i.e. your passion is translating into good grades) rather than just 'feeling' passionate. That's something to be proud of even if you're not a doctor.

 

And my parents, I'm almost positive with about a 1% chance of error that they will demand that I get the hell out if they knew I lied to them for 5 yrs, that I am to wait 3 yrs before even returning to school, and that I just wasted $30,000+ that they had to work so hard to save.

 

If I was your parent, I wouldn't just demand it, I'd call the police about a trespasser in the house. Seriously, it sounds like you did not learn from your mistakes - you KNOW lying to your parents has been a gigantic mistake, just like you KNOW you should have straightened up after your first suspension. It's nice that you have all these aspirations, but if you can't even deal with your current problems, how can you expect to get anywhere in the future? Or in other words: man up, nancy!

 

I know I screwed up in school.. but I just don't understand why they can't just let me restart fresh? Is it asking that much?

 

For the same reason people who go into bankruptcy protection can't get a loan for about 7 years - the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour and if 2 suspensions haven't changed yours, I'm have to agree with them that they're not exactly going to trust you after your 3rd. Sometimes reality bites.

 

In a way, I feel a little disgusted simply because it feels like I would be buying my way in. I do wish to make my girlfriend proud one day when she were to see how hard I worked.

 

You feel disgusted about buying a medical school spot (which no way guarantees you'll graduate with a degree, since you know, you still have to study in medical school) but not about lying to your parents about using their money for the last 5 years?

 

Is it not shameful at all to go do school in the caribbean? If I could even afford it.. I'm not even sure I would right now because it just goes to show that I had to buy my way in. It feels like there's no honour in that.

 

And I repeat, you are lying to the people who care about you most and you CONTINUE to lie to them and you want to talk about honour? Seriously? Grow the f--- up dude.

 

Also is it possible to go further with this MD after (ie become a specialist.. like a neurosurgeon like McDreamy )

 

And now 100% for troll. Thanks for playing.

[StellarRay]

@Dante:

I'm afraid that most universities will ask for a transcript from all other schools and they usually honour any academic statuses. I really wish they wouldn't. I really wish for a clean start. It seems the only place you can use your high school marks after being accepted to a university is either at colleges or those Caribbean med schools... which I wish someone would get back to me on.

 

@avenir001:

The thing is, for me, the suspensions worked the complete opposite of how they were suppose to function. Instead of taking time out to think about the future or what I did wrong.. I actually panicked and as a result I lied to my family and friends about my status. I kept attending school. Going to classes with friends. Just never showing up for exams. I've been hiding for so long. I was ashamed and couldn't confide to anyone but my girlfriend. I used up so much energy and brain power just thinking of ways to avoid being exposed.

 

But now, I honestly do feel ready for school. I've finally found the student within me that's passionate about school. Not just because my parents told me to do this or that. It's kind of sad now, that after all these years of stressing over how they would treat me if I failed them.. just tonight my mom's told me 5 seperate times that she and my dad have given up all expectations of me. That I should just go do whatever and be able to support myself. That they don't expect me to be able to provide anything for them.

 

I have so much drive and passion and interest now after these 5 years. To tell me to sit out for 3 more years feels like a death sentence.

 

Can anyone explain to me these pre-med schools that seem to just require sometimes just 1st year bio courses (ie University of Windsor Med school) or nothing at all but high school marks (ie Caribbean Med schools)? Is there something wrong with them? Will i be able to ever use it to apply to med schools in Canada afterwards? Can I ever get a specialist using these MDs (ie be a neuro-surgeon like McDreamy) or are these MD programs just dead-ends?

 

Am I just suffering from delusions of grandeur? Seriously, sometimes I forget that I ****ed up, got a 1.37 gpa, and got suspended 3 times...

 

@estairella:

I didn't lie to my parents and my friends thus alienating myself for the last 4-5 yrs for kicks.. I did it as a reaction to the shame. Yes, lying is disgusting. I didn't think I had to say that much. And becoming adept at it was no easy task nor was it something that any "pre-med" student should or would want to learn. It was immature and irresponsible for me to lie and I am disgusted with myself. There are times I often wonder how easy it would be to just never tell anyone at all. All I would have to do is pretend I lost control of the car while driving, accidentally step in front of moving traffic, knock myself unconcious in the bathtub, etc... It could look to everyone like it was just an accident.

 

Like I said about the suspensions, they really did work in conflict with what they were suppose to do. Instead of realising my mistakes I was more worried about catching up. I would take much more courses than I should've given my academic state but I often feared if I didn't take the pre-req for a certain course then I'd have to wait an entire year before the 2nd half was offered. I'm sure many people in the same situation have worried about being behind their friends. It was an immature move on my part. Illogical and immature.

 

Okay, so it's my bad for ever bringing up a tv drama series and comparing it to real life. But I am a real person and not a ''troll'' and I do appreciate your help even if it was rather brutal. But yes, reality is brutal. I get it. I just would like to know what options there are to me given that many members of this forumboard are the top of the med school game.

 

The one option you did comment on is to wait the 3 yrs and return and show them what I've got with a new degree and a masters (approx 5-6 yrs minimum to complete). My question about this tactic is would the cumulative GPA still crush my new application? If say hypothetically speaking I get around a 3.7 GPA in my new undergrad degree and then do pretty darn good job in my Masters... would my cumulative GPA just automatically disqualify in the computer processing my chances of med school?

[KennethToronto]

Assuming you're not a troll and you're genuinely lost and trying to find some help (and if you are a troll...wow, get a life):

 

With a 1.37 GPA, I don't think you can even get into a respectable Carribean medical school like St. Georges in Grenada. SGU and Ross also both require the MCAT and you haven't even written that. I don't see how you expect to tackle the test if you have had so much difficulty with regular school coursework.

 

Right now, I think trying to get into medical school and becoming a doctor should be the last thing on your mind. If I was in your shoes, I'd try to clean up my life first. I don't even know if it's possible, but I'd try and get into a paramedic program and get some experience in healthcare and then see where to go from there. Honestly, I'm not going to tell anyone they can't do anything, but at the end of the day, we can't always become who we want to be. I can't be a Tour de France cyclist just because I love the sport, my friend can't be a movie star or a basketball player, and not everyone can be a doctor. But it doesn't mean there aren't a multitude of equally rewarding and challenging careers in healthcare (too many to name).

[avenir001]

wow ppl...i really don't think he's a troll.

 

but ya why not start with a paramedic program at a college or something...i believe that's what elaine did with a situation somewhat similar to yours...and now she's in med! who cares if you're 31 when u get in, as long as u get to do something u love.

[StellarRay]

Well, there are 2 year paramedic programs offered in colleges and colleges tend to only look at your high school marks.

 

The SGU pre-med seems to only look at high school marks. And it's 3 years long. I'm not expecting to jump straight into a med school. I just want to consider if there's a chance still for someone with as much trash and academic baggege like me. And if there is a chance or way then perhaps people on this forum could be so kindly as to share it.

 

ie Get a new undergrad, get a masters, do great in both and then re-apply with a whack load of volunteer and/or work experience and EC's. I still wonder what my chances are with this given my past GPA baggage.

 

I know that reality is cold and bitter and obviously a sob story is never ever ever going to skip me from here into a med school without doing a mcat or anything at all. And I would never want it to. Obviously there are students here who have worked hard for their 4 yrs of undergrad and I clearly don't deserve to just cut in front of them because I cried. But I want to know if I'll ever stand a good chance anymore. Because it is alot of time that it I'll be investing to reach this goal. If say after doing amazing in my new undergrad degree and then amazing in my masters.. do I have a good chance or was I doomed before I started on this endeavor?

 

About SGU, their pre-med doesn't require anything but high school marks and a financial statement. I'm wondering though, if these MDs are good outside of the States or if they can be used to say apply to Med School in Canada after? And if you can pursue a specialist after SGU's MD?

 

Please, I know my life is complete rubbish right now and it is hard to believe. But I assure you that this joke of a life of mine isn't a troll-spun tale. A bird who lost its wings cannot fly again.. I just want to know if I've already lost my wings for life. =\

 

@avenir001:

Thank you. It actually hurts just a tiny bit that my life seems like such a joke that I look like a troll. I know, I probably deserve alot of heat over this. I wasn't passionate about going into medicine when it was my parents pushing me. But just tonight my own mother has told me she doesn't care what I do with my life anymore as she no longer has any hope or expectations from me anymore. I really do wish to pursue this dream of mine now. And yes, I do feel passionately for this now. It's hard to see all your friend graduating and meanwhile I'm just sitting here with unfulfilled dreams and nothing more than a high school diploma.

[The Goldfish]

Hey man, sorry to hear about your situation. I completely feel for you man (as I, to a minor extent have been through what you have emotionally). I think I am like you in the sense that I keep problems to myself rather than discussing with people close to me (family and friends), which in itself is a trap that will end up caving you in if you don't escape it. So as the posters above, I definitely agree you need to sort this stuff out with your family and friends because after the fact you'll look back and see how important it was to do.

 

Please please please get rid of the mentality that going to the Caribbean for Medschool is "shameful", because it is absolutely not. And what is worse is that your insulting a lot of people out there reading that, who aspire to be doctors as well. By showing (like the posters before said) that you are trying to be a doctor because of pride instead of actually having a passion for the profession will lead people to assume that you are a troll and will generate for you no help. I believe you are not trying to convey this message though.

 

Past failures are tough, but it takes the bigger person to learn from them and make themselves a better person. Not until this year did I really learn how true this is. You'll hopefully soon notice that your failures are not the end of your life, but minor setbacks that (I believe) are placed infront of us to improve us, making us stronger. I know people close to me appreciate the fact that I can make it through the tought times, and you know what, I geniunely feel more accomplished when I look deep within myself, knowing the trouble that I've overcome.

 

I'm sorry I can not really offer any academical advice, or past anecdotal examples because I have none. But I do believe, if you put your mind to it, no matter how long it takes, you'll end up where you want to be sooner or later.

[Jectin]

First off, I am gonna say that this post is going to be a bit harsh, so if you aren’t able to endure this in your current mental state, please do not read any further.

 

Ok so here goes, I need you to go seek some medical attention. Your suicidal ideations are very uncomfortable for me to read and I think it would be in your best interest to get some professional help.

A lot of my colleagues and future colleagues are being very optimistic for you in this thread while a few have chosen to take the more pessimistic approach. Here is the truth from how I view it.

 

Q1: Is it possible for you to eventually get into medical school in Canada?

 

Theoretically, I would say it is possible. Practically I would not. Theoretically, a 3.85+ last 10 credits would put you in the qualifying for a few schools assuming you do well on the MCAT (by well, I mean up to the standards of these particular schools I am talking about). I am truly unsure if you have the capabilities of achieving a 3.85+ in these two years. I don’t care if you did well in high school and you are now gonna try. That does not by any means ensure that you will do well. A lot of people try hard all the time and don’t achieve a 3.85+. Even a 3.7+ is hard for a lot of people. You have not proven to you or anyone else that you are capable of these sorts of grades in a university setting. There is your reality check.

 

Also, I pose to you this and maybe someone else can chime in with some more insight into this issue. If you lie to cover up shame, and you care so much about what other people think of you, how does that bode well for the future of your patients? “Oh no, I screwed up on your brain, but you know what, my colleagues are gonna look at me funny and I’ll get sued, so I’ll just cover it up with lies”. Sorry, that is the worst attribute a physician could have and I would not trust you with my care on any level. Secondly, it takes you 3 tries to realize your mistake? That is definitely not gonna fly in the medical world. In medicine, you need to learn from your mistakes relatively quickly in order to prevent it from happening to your future patients. This is the reality and your pride maybe has something to do with you not being able to accept your failures as they are until it has happened repeatedly.

 

So here it is, tell your parents. Take responsibility for your actions and accept the blame. Accept their disappointment and move on. You do not need instant gratification (which has been part of your downfall anyway – someone who has been complimented to the point where they are unable to recognize their weaknesses until It’s too late).

 

Here are your options just so I’m not being a complete douche to you:

 

Take the 3 years off – study for the MCAT with one of those years, write it do well, get your confidence back. The remainder 2 years should be split between volunteering and auditing classes you plan to take in the future. Just attend the class as if you were already in it, study like you are in it, and by the time you repeat it, you’ll be much better off. This will help improve your grades. Aim for 3.85+, if you find that the first year back you are having trouble achieving these sorts of grades and are falling significantly short (<3.0), I believe it would be in your best interest to find another profession that is not as competitive or go abroad for your medical education.

 

Reapply to another university and start from scratch with another degree. This will in turn be the same length of time or even shorter as waiting the full 5 years. Those schools who take cumulative averages are still gonna reject you, but those schools with best years etc will be able to look at your application and interview you.

 

Go abroad. Like the post above me, no shame in going to Carribean, no shame in going anywhere to become a doctor. Work hard and score well on your tests and go to the USA or even if you are lucky, Canada to practice. Canada is becoming increasingly friendly to IMGs to shorten the doctor shortage, this will translate well for you if you decide to take this route and end up succeeding. Money is not an issue.

 

Also, you can work these 3 years and not do anything but study for the MCAT. Pay your parents back. They are going to be disappointed when you tell them but I know for a fact that the only thing worst is if you are unhappy. The key to your happiness is to eliminate this emotional burden you have accumulated from lying.

 

Just my 2 pennies.

 

J

[Yood]

If you truly think you have the potential to do well and be a good doctor than go for it. But a friend of mine did try to follow that path, ended up going to a foreign med school, flunked out, and is still, many years later, paying off the debt.

 

Try and be realistic.

 

It seems that unless you do a complete change to how you approach things, the outlook doesn't look good. And you just might be doing yourself more harm than good if you attempt the long (and extremely expensive) road ahead.

 

There is so much out there. Medicine doesn't have to be the be all end all. It seems that you really just want to prove yourself, and that perhaps medicine isn't the true goal (ie. all the shamefulness about Caribbean schools). I get the sense that you feel you've destroyed your entire future and just need some hope. Med doesn't have to be that hope!

 

But it's not the end of the world. Have you thought of working for a year? If you worked for a year you could earn some cash, something tangible, and perhaps help repay the debt you feel you owe to your parents. It would also give you breathing room and a chance to really think about your next move.

 

But yeh, no one here is a psychologist, and I think the best advice is to see a professional to straighten yourself up mentally before even thinking about anything else.

[StellarRay]

@The Goldfish:

Thank you for understanding to a degree what I'm going through. It does feel like there are these walls closing in on me and it is scary. If it wasn't scary then I never would've had the temptation to lie in the first place.

 

And yes, I'm really sorry if that's how I came off sounding about the pride issue. I do wish to help people, I do wish to have these life-saving skills rather than business skills, I do wish to know that if there were ever someone in danger around me that I would be able to DO something. But I guess a better way of wording the "pride" I have is that I want to believe in myself that I am capable of being more than my example of a paramedic and I do want to explore just how I can use my capabilities to their limits. So I am extremely sorry if anyone took that the wrong way. I know, sometimes, I have a really bad way of conveying my thoughts. >.<

 

@Jectin:

Thank you for your honesty and the options (I've been really asking for) that you've laid forth.

 

And yes, it was wrong of me to lie. It's hardly ever justified to lie and it was only a matter of time that someone on this forum would question my integrity. And I haven't done anything since to prove to anyone that I'm a better person. But right now I've confessed my sins and I am trying to grow up. I want to see what options there are left for trash like me.

 

Moving right along, are you saying that if I can manage a 3.85 GPA (~85%) in my last 2 yrs that it would be worth a shot?

 

If I reapply to another university, would my current gpa prevent me from being accepted to most programmes?

 

And about the Carribean, how is money not an issue? It looks like it costs nearly $40,000 a year in just tuition. How hard are the admission standards for SGU at pre-med? On SGU's website (http://www.sgu.edu/website/sguwebsite.nsf/som/premed-admissions.html) it appears to only be a high school diploma, SAT score, Statement of Financial Support, and possibly reference letters. I understand there are lines of credit from the bank that I could apply for, some federal/provincial funding possibly (No OSAP though, I believe), and medical school loans. But I'm rather scared about approaching these especially after what Yood just posted about his friend.

 

@Yood:

I do feel like I have something to prove to myself but I honestly do have a desire to be a doctor and explore my skills. And to be frank, there isn't too much a high school diploma can land me in terms of a job to make money to repay off.

 

Thank you for all your input guys. I appreciate the positive and the negatives, afterall, this is the real world. =\