Hi everyone,
I am in my fourth year of a premedical degree at Queen's University. I have had a 74% and 78% average my last two years. Unfortunately, my first year marks were horrible (67%). I missed a lot of my first year classes, due to personal problems back home (my father and, especially, my sister were very ill). I came to university with a $48 000 scholarship, but obviously only kept it for the first year due to my marks. I have since struggled financially to be able to stay here, so have had to work the entire time. Anyway, my situation is probably similar to many, and since things have improved in my personal life, my marks have also gone up. Now my problem is getting into medical school with my average (cumulative about 72-73%). I am, therefore, considering applying for the premed year at SGU (third year) in the hopes that I could then transfer into medicine. I know that it is expensive, however, and i am not exactly sure yet if I could afford it (already in debt $40000). It would be a matter of getting the loans from my bank. I have great references, as I have worked with a doctor and vets for the past 3 years, and carry a lot of medical responsibilty (for dogs!) in my job. I have also been part of a team that recently established an animal blood bank for Ontario. I have written the MCAT but don't know my scores as of yet. SO any advice, especially on doing the last premed year? I really wish I could go back to first year and do it all over again, but I guess that's life, and now I need to figure out a way of continuing my quest to become a doctor. Thanks for any help!

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Hi Nicolea,

From my experiences with these threads (which isn't very extensive), the whole "what are my chances" question can't be answered effectively. We are all in the same boat (with different variations). Some of us will get in, others won't.

But I'm pretty sure that if you apply and don't get in, you'll get a good indication of what your application is missing and you'll be able to work on it to get in the next time. If you want it bad enough, I think you can make it happen. This isn't like Canada where your average is basically tattooed on your forehead. You're looked at as a whole person (not just a GPA that either falls into the "maybe" or "no way" pile).

I'm also not sure what WhatsupDoc means by this: "Seems like a coincidence isn't it? THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES! Either that is a half truth to help you look better in light of your 1st year grade... But I have no say in this. "


My family was completely healthy for a large portion of my life and then three members of my immediate family fell very ill within a period of two years. I am living proof of the expression "When it rains, it pours". I hope your family is doing better now. I know how it can be.

Anyway, best of luck to you Nicolea. Give it a shot, and let us know how it goes.

Ps. When I went to an open-house session for SGU, they mentioned that they have a pre-med program, so perhaps you can discuss this with an advisor too. Nobody said all our routes had to be identical.

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Hey Nicolea,

Just wanted to let you know, that I had marks very similar to yours, with a so-so MCAT as well, and managed somehow (thank God!) to get into SGU. What helped me tremendously though was like 5 years of research, publications, numerious volunteer hours, a good essay, and a kickin' interview. So all I can say is try SGU, write a killer personal statement and see what happens. Don't go the premed route, I thought of that as well, and its way too expensive, and is NOT covered by any type of loans for canadian students.

If all else fails, don't keep your heart set solely on SGU. I did at one time as well, but there are soo many other good schools, especially AUC, St.Matthews, and SABA to mention a few, that would give you a better chance.

Why waste anymore years, when you can get started somewhere else, right? But that's all your decision...

Anyways, hope that helped, take care,

IndianBabu

__________________
SGU SOM, Class of 2009
An ex-samosa technician with a big heart from Canada.

WhatsupDoc,

I'm not really sure how to respond to your "there are no coincidences" theory. It's your prerogative to believe it. I have seen the movie Signs and really enjoyed it. Whether I believe the message behind it, is another story.

Just so you know - of the three members of my family, two lived in the same country and one lived across the ocean.

In any case, I'm trying not be insulted by what you're saying. When someone's family members are affected by tragic consequences, the last thing a person wants to hear is "There are no coincidences". Or at least me anyway. I find it nice that you're trying to find the root cause of what has happened, but some sensitivity to the subject at hand would be appreciated too.

Thanks.

Hey there,
just wanted to clarify some things...as in premedical, I mean life sciences. I realize you can enter med as long as you have the prereqs. Life sciences is a pretty narrow degree though, and most of the students in it are either planning a career in medicine or research.

My home is in BC, as in on the other side of the country. I flew home in first year to be with my sister, who had brain surgery to remove a tumor at age 19, and my father, who almost had a heart attack and then aquired a staph infection and almost had to have his leg removed (this happened the day after my sister's surgery). No coincidences, just a pretty stressful time for me and my family. Needless to say, my mind wasn't on the books at this time. THey are both doing very well now, fortunately, and I didn't go home again to see them for 3 years after that time because of my work and expenses. Obviously, my marks were not directly related to my family member's illnesses. I failed at being able to focus on my education during that time, and that is my fault. I am just really thankful that things are so much better now for all of us.

I work in human research, studying a particular disease in animals. I have had extensive experience working with both animals and people. I know that my volunteer and work references are excellent. It is only my cumulative average that worries me.

As for the loans, the hard part is finding someone to cosign for the large amount of money I would be asking for.

Thanks for the advice anyway.

To everyone else who responded to my post, thanks a lot
I will think again about applying for the premed year.

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