2011hope Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 I'm 27 years old and my parents and grandparents think I should give up on becoming a physician and choose another career. They think that continuing school (to raise my gpa) is a waste of time and money (my gpa now is about 3.3 omsas). They basically say I had my chance and I failed and I need to find another career option. I certainly see their point. I have sometimes felt that way myself. But for the life of me I can't think of much else I would like to do as much as medicine. I feel like a whiny little ***** typing this but I need to vent a bit and I thought that maybe some of you peeps could give me some perspective as you all have before. I don't know what to do. I just don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshG Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 I'm 27 years old and my parents and grandparents think I should give up on becoming a physician and choose another career. They think that continuing school (to raise my gpa) is a waste of time and money (my gpa now is about 3.3 omsas). They basically say I had my chance and I failed and I need to find another career option. I certainly see their point. I have sometimes felt that way myself. But for the life of me I can't think of much else I would like to do as much as medicine. I feel like a whiny little ***** typing this but I need to vent a bit and I thought that maybe some of you peeps could give me some perspective as you all have before. I don't know what to do. I just don't know. Well, you may never get your GPA to the standards of a place like Mac because they take into consideration your entire post-secondary education. But there are plenty of places that take your last 2 years, your best 2, the last 3, give bonuses for graduate work etc. I will probably never get into Mac because I had a really bad term in first year, and my GPA will likely not reach their standards because of it. I have plenty of other options though! If you think you can get your grades and MCAT to the levels needed, then I say go for it. Also, don't discount overseas options either. We have one life, might as well do what you want with it or at least spend your life trying. I find it hard to believe that it is possible to want something badly, and to spend your life trying to get there, yet fail to get there. Start treating your studies like a full-time job. If after doing that you still can't get good grades, well then maybe studies isn't your strength. You must exhaust all options though. How is your GPA looking for recent years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cnussey Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 I'm 27 years old and my parents and grandparents think I should give up on becoming a physician and choose another career. They think that continuing school (to raise my gpa) is a waste of time and money (my gpa now is about 3.3 omsas). They basically say I had my chance and I failed and I need to find another career option. I certainly see their point. I have sometimes felt that way myself. But for the life of me I can't think of much else I would like to do as much as medicine. I feel like a whiny little ***** typing this but I need to vent a bit and I thought that maybe some of you peeps could give me some perspective as you all have before. I don't know what to do. I just don't know. I'm turning 27 this year and have 2 kids. I ignore my family and run on my hubby's support. You can do it. You may need to take more courses and really rock the MCAT, but it's doable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123coco Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 Before answering this question, you should really evaluate why you so desperately want to pursue medicine. The " nothing else would make me happy" answer is not deep enough. Is it the status of being a physician which attracts you or, is it the desire to be a healer. If it's the latter, there are other careers in the field of health care that may allow you achieve your end. Once you have answered the first question, critically analyze the reason why you did not earn a 3.7+ cGPA during your first undergrad. If you think the reasons are topical and can be easily eliminated you have the right to still pursue your dream. Even if you were to choose a new career, how much further education would it require? Is the number of additional education comparable to the number of years it would take you get through med school? Lastly, getting a high GPA is the easy part, but getting a MCAT score which exceeds the cut-offs can be more challenging. So if you choose to pursue your dream, jump the MCAT hurdle early on ________ Silver Surfer Reviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaM Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 Have you done the MCAT yet? Since medicine is your goal and you're 27 and done school I would think you would have by now. How did it go? If you think you can get a 4.0 for two years and have a great MCAT, then yes there are universities that might take you, but if you were actually doing your best when achieving your 3.3 GPA then I think it probably is time to look at other options. There are many careers that are very rewarding that don't require and MD including, but not limited to: physical therapist, occupational therapist, geneticist, pharmacist, researcher, medical technologist, midwife and nurse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hastin11 Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 My advice is always to REALLY think about doing other careers. Sometimes I convince myself that I would ONLY be happy doing med, but really, I dont think its true. There are many careers that you could likely be just as happy doing as med. Everyone is different, and maybe (well, obviously), you care more about the ideology of "med is for me" than I do. But if I were 27, and already did one undergrad, I wouldnt bother. Hell, Im 23 (its my 2nd time applying), and if rejected this year, I will try one more time MAX, than go into law/dent/etc. Even if you try going back to school, 4.0 isnt guaranteed. Just a counter-point to the 500 "you can do it its always worth it for med!!" responses you are sure to hear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starling Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 I'm 27 years old and my parents and grandparents think I should give up on becoming a physician and choose another career. They think that continuing school (to raise my gpa) is a waste of time and money (my gpa now is about 3.3 omsas). They basically say I had my chance and I failed and I need to find another career option. I certainly see their point. I have sometimes felt that way myself. But for the life of me I can't think of much else I would like to do as much as medicine. I feel like a whiny little ***** typing this but I need to vent a bit and I thought that maybe some of you peeps could give me some perspective as you all have before. I don't know what to do. I just don't know. If it makes you feel any better, I'm in a similar boat age and GPA-wise. I'm just hoping that the strong upward GPA trend, fantastic reference letters and general life experience will give me a change. Oh, and my parents also make fun of me for still being a student. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfinch Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 I'm 27 years old and my parents and grandparents think I should give up on becoming a physician and choose another career. They think that continuing school (to raise my gpa) is a waste of time and money (my gpa now is about 3.3 omsas). They basically say I had my chance and I failed and I need to find another career option. I certainly see their point. I have sometimes felt that way myself. But for the life of me I can't think of much else I would like to do as much as medicine. I feel like a whiny little ***** typing this but I need to vent a bit and I thought that maybe some of you peeps could give me some perspective as you all have before. I don't know what to do. I just don't know. One word answer: yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sv3 Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 I'm 27 years old and my parents and grandparents think I should give up on becoming a physician and choose another career. They think that continuing school (to raise my gpa) is a waste of time and money (my gpa now is about 3.3 omsas). They basically say I had my chance and I failed and I need to find another career option. I certainly see their point. I have sometimes felt that way myself. But for the life of me I can't think of much else I would like to do as much as medicine. I feel like a whiny little ***** typing this but I need to vent a bit and I thought that maybe some of you peeps could give me some perspective as you all have before. I don't know what to do. I just don't know. I think your biggest issue is the fact that you had to ask others. When I decided to take this route, I was 28, and I don't regret it. I had a science background though and worked in a related industry for 5 yrs after graduating from grad school. I didn't bother posting on these threads b/c some people will invariably tell you to give up, some will tell you to go in, and in the end, their opinions don't really matter. You have to decide for yourself. The gpa thing will cut down the schools you can apply to in a big way. However, I had the same gpa and could only apply to 4 schools. So, try to do well on the MCAT. Queens and UT will let you apply with a lower gpa if you have a grad degree. If you don't, hopefully you live in a province that is not Ontario and you have some outstanding extra currics, etc to make you stand out. but this isn't a group decision, its yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cnussey Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 One word answer: yes Finch, please don't go into psychiatry. Lol. I agree with sv3...why are you looking for our support in making such a decision? Yes, your family is being a downer...yes, you are going to have to work really hard (Finch has a point, he's just harsh) with those grades, but no, you don't have to quit. If you've seriously contemplated everything else and feel as if this is the path you really want to choose, then do it. You cannot make life-size decision's based on other people (especially if you aren't married to them). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrnursing Posted January 30, 2010 Report Share Posted January 30, 2010 I think that we need more information. Assuming that you've finished 4 years in an undergrad degree (which would put you age the age of 22), what have you been doing in the last 5 years? There are plenty of career options to choose from in the health field. They are all rewarding. I'm going to be RN soon, and even if I can't get into medicine (My life long passion), I'll still be very happy with what I'm doing because my main desire is to help sick people in need. Some options available: Physical therapist Occupational therapist Radiation therapist Radiation/x-ray technologist Nuclear medicine technologist Optometrist Registered Dietician Registered Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant Dental Hygienist Dental Technologist Denturist Pharmacist UltraSound Technologist Medical Laboratory Technologist Chiropodist/Podiatrist Diabetes Educator Genetics Technologist Chiropractor Naturopathic Doctor Midwife Speech and Language Pathologist Massage Therapist Audiologist Hearing Instrument Specialist Sleep medicine technologist Cytology Technologist Respiratory Therapist Anesthesia Assistant Cardiovascular Perfusionist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Citan Posted February 2, 2010 Report Share Posted February 2, 2010 Podiatrist is almost as great as medicine if you ask me. You get to perform surgeries, you aren't working 80+ hours a week. And the required GPA + MCAT is definitely lower (3.2 in the States) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2011hope Posted February 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2010 sorry for not entering my stats/background. I have posted them in other threads before so I figured i'd leave them out. Honestly, I was just having a really rough week when I posted this thread. i know what i want to do and am still steadfastly pursuing it. like i said, i just needed to rant :-) thanks for the support guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nonpremed Posted February 2, 2010 Report Share Posted February 2, 2010 To the original poster, I have this to say to you: NEVER let anybody tell you what you are worth or what you can or can't do. Yes, your GPA is not high enough (at least to the rabid premeds here who think only those with high GPAs would make the best doctors), but that shouldn't discourage you. There have been people with 4.00 GPAs, but rejected. Even in Canada, people have been accepted with as low as 3.30 GPAs (with no graduate studies, btw). Take the MCAT first and see what you have. If you could rock MCAT, you are on your way. You might look into graduate studies too (whether thesis-based or course-based) because Queen's and Toronto have special treatments for grad applicants. UBC, Alberta, and Calgary are going to use your grad grades as well. BTW, you aren't too old and definitely won't be the oldest medical student. There have been instances of 30-, 40-somethings applying and getting into medical schools. If you aren't merely chasing medicine because of money, but because of lifetime fulfillment, then it's worth it. However, while you chase the life dream, look for something to do on the side. Lest I forget. If you are very concerned about your age, but are able to foot the finances, then try Australian or US or UK medical schools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w8kg6 Posted February 2, 2010 Report Share Posted February 2, 2010 In spite of the motivational speeches given here, you should always keep in mind that it's prudent to have a backup plan regardless of what your stats are. Always have a few fires in the oven, as they say. You should consider pursuing a different career WHILE you pursue medicine. More than likely, your work experiences will augment your ABS for your med applications, and you'll also be forging your future in a different profession if meds ultimately doesn't work out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrnursing Posted February 2, 2010 Report Share Posted February 2, 2010 In spite of the motivational speeches given here, you should always keep in mind that it's prudent to have a backup plan regardless of what your stats are. Always have a few fires in the oven, as they say. You should consider pursuing a different career WHILE you pursue medicine. More than likely, your work experiences will augment your ABS for your med applications, and you'll also be forging your future in a different profession if meds ultimately doesn't work out. Exactly. It's important to have a realistic backup plan. You can pursue your goal while working as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slashsev01 Posted February 5, 2010 Report Share Posted February 5, 2010 Podiatrist is almost as great as medicine if you ask me. You get to perform surgeries, you aren't working 80+ hours a week. And the required GPA + MCAT is definitely lower (3.2 in the States) I agree..it would be nice iif premed can expand its forum options to other fields something like sdn has... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rombena Posted April 29, 2010 Report Share Posted April 29, 2010 you sound frusterated at your parents for not supporting you in your dreams of becoming a doctor. They may be trying to be realistic about your goals. I am not saying that you not go for you dreams but evaluate your current sitution, what/where you want to be in 5 to 10 years if you choose to be a doctor and what/where you want to be in 5 to 10 years if you choose to give your dreams. If your desire for medicine is strong then go for it but if not then choose something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corey90 Posted July 5, 2010 Report Share Posted July 5, 2010 Go for other career options. Many experience means many knowledge and opportunities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pininkid Posted July 15, 2010 Report Share Posted July 15, 2010 If this is truly, definitely what you want to do--I say go for it. How has your GPA been in recent years (not overall)? Like others have said, if you've still been getting 3.3 in recent years and trying your earnest, you may need to reconsider. But if you've got a 3.8-4.0 in the past couple years and the 3.3 overall is due to poor earlier years, then you probably have a good shot at a couple schools. Have you considered applying abroad? WRT your parents--try to understand it from their point of view. You're 27, which is roughly the age where many people are settling into their careers and becoming self-sufficient. As they're inching closer to retirement, they probably just want to make sure that you'll be able to support yourself. Of course, is medicine is what you desire to do, and you know that you have what it takes--let them know that, and then demonstrate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
in2bate Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Well put Cnussey. If you want it bad enough than nothing will stop you. Stay away from the "nay sayers" and maybe surround yourself with people with similar ambitions and goals. Negative people usually try to bring others down with them because they dont have the guts to persue thier own dreams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taiga gal Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 got my 1st degree in classical flute music at 21 (really low gpa) but love performing music ( now improv jazz, rock and am a singer songwriter). i am really happy i followed my passion instead of doing a 'practical' science degree like my dad wanted me to...then... massagetherapy diploma at 31 (rocked the grades..in science) worked as an RMT which helped me to do.... 2nd degree in Nursing at 44 (great gpa) and now work as an RN and RMT, which hopefully will help me to... enter med school! but, if that is not meant to be, i am happy to let that dream go and continue my studies in Nursing. it's not too late to do a second degree, but pick a healthcare profession or other area you will love to work in, this will give you meaningful work and perhaps strengthen your med school app. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slashsev01 Posted February 19, 2011 Report Share Posted February 19, 2011 there are many international schools looking for mature students like yourself...give it a thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slashsev01 Posted February 19, 2011 Report Share Posted February 19, 2011 there are many international schools looking for mature students like yourself...give it a thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slashsev01 Posted February 19, 2011 Report Share Posted February 19, 2011 there are many international schools looking for mature students like yourself...give it a thought Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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