premed sept 08

[strides]

I was just looking for a second opinion from all of you who have applied to pre med

I am a nursing student who has done 2.5 years of uni. I had a 2.0 GPA first year, but my second year i moved up to 3.5 and Im currently doing very well. I have alot of clinical experience as well as heavy community involvement.

What are my chances? I am hoping to get into sept 08. Im applying this week.

[joe soap]

strides....if you are a younger person < 30 finish your nursing degree and take the nclex ...only then come here for med 1 and go on to md status...this will help you a lot more than you think now. Especially if you need to earn money while waiting to take the boards or clinicals...loans are in crisis now and for the forseeable future. I know many pre-meds here and even though it helped them a great deal, i would suggest finishing pre-med in the US ...so much easier on your mental health...20 months is ok, but 28 ain't so hot...as for getting in...with nursing exp behind you and a semi-decent gpa > 3.0..you are a good fit for med school. Good luck to you!

[strides]

I am only 21...yes i have alot of time to go...yes i can finish my nursing degree here in canada in another 2 years or so....but why? I dont care to acquire the "nursing" experience..ive had enough...i know what i want in my life and MD is my goal....the fastest way to get there is the MUA premed which i know i can excel in....

I just hope they recognize it thru my application.

as for living in the tropics for 28 months....im fine with it..ive lived in worser conditions (imagine hip deep snow for 8 months of the year).

[joe soap]

by the stats you have given i would say ...ok go for it if you really want to...pre-med is not easy here so its no short cut academically...it will prepare you well for the med program, however at your age the nursing degree will not hurt either if you needed income during your studies, but being a canadian you might have better loan options so that is moot...for US students the loans are a bit non-existant at the moment.....if your parents are footing the bill then that is also a non-issue....i can almost certainly bet that you will be accepted to the pre-med program...getting through the med program is a bit tougher, but doable ...if you study every day ....anyways you seem a good candidate, i am sure you will do just fine ....good luck..

[strides]

Thanks for your advice! It helps to have a boost of confidence from a conversation like that. :)

[joe soap]

you are most welcome...if i may share a thought buy the chem text and start reading that now...most of the students that do not make it in pre-med and leave failed the chem classes...anyway just a tip that might help you down the line...happy studies.:)