Can I Get Into Medicine (Medical School)?

Question

I am 21 years old, and I have been working as a carpenter for 3 years. I wanted to know is it HARD to get into MEDICINE and is it worth my time?

I only have a high-school diploma and that I had poor marks from the past, but now I have the motive to do better. Even if I didn't do well before does not mean I am going to struggle again, especially with my motivation and interest.

Now that I have mentioned that I only have a diploma from highschool, I am only eligible to go to College here in Canada. I know that I have to get a Science Diploma, which is 3 years in length, and then a BA or BSc in University (another 4 years), but really is it worth my time for getting into medical school and becoming a doctor?

Most of my friends say that it isn't worth my time and effort considering that I am 21 and I was not that bright before. Everyone puts me down..... but what the hell I want to try.

Thank you for your time. =)

Answer 1

I'm taking a lot of time to answer this because I was in your shoes before I got back into school. I totally relate to this.

Never let other people tell you what you can and cannot do as far as your potential is concerned. NEVER. I made that mistake during high school (probably most of my life).

But guess what? I took a few years off from school and then went to college and proved to myself they were wrong.

You, and you alone, know your limits and your potential. Even then, it doesn't matter. Hard work and consistency will get you to your goal. Everyone has this idea that doctors are the smartest and brightest people. Some are, but most of them just worked really hard to get to that point.

If you don't want to go to school in Canada, you can always go somewhere else with a student visa as an international student. Might be a little more costly.

I don't know how college works in Canada, but in the US you go to college for about 4 years and get a science related degree. It doesn't have to be science related, but it gives you the best advantage. I've heard of people getting into med school with English degrees, but they also had to take all the required courses for med school. Then, you take the MCAT, a standardized test. After that, you apply to med school.

Here's an option: Because you weren't very strong in school before, go to a community or city college first. It's cheaper that way anyway. This way, you can figure out if biology, chemistry, and math is something you can live with.

Go to the website of a school that has a graduate med program. They should list the requirements in their admission or prospective student area.

This is an example of requirements: http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/admissions/criteria/requirements_medr_en.htm

Just remember, push yourself. Study hard, get tutoring, do whatever it takes. There's no shame in asking for help. You have to learn the material well because you don't want to hurt someone in the future as a doctor. And always stay on top of deadlines for applications and such.

Answer 2

I think that it would be worth it. It will take a lot of time and effort (and money or loans), but that will pay off. You are still young, you can start college in the fall, graduate when you're 24-25 and then start medical school. I am glad that you are motivated to become a doctor, but ask yourself the following questions:

-Why are you motivated? Do you think you will continue motivated throughout the years?

-Why didn't you do well in high school? Did you not care enough? (If that's the case, then your performance now should not reflect your high school performance since the circumstances are different.)

-Can I afford to live off loans for the next 10 years? You will need to do VERY well in college in order to get admitted into medical school, so you won't be able to work.

Those are very important things to consider, along with other factors that I'm sure you have already taken into account.

If you decide that become a doctor is really what you want to do, go to college in Canada, and then apply to a bunch of medical schools all over Canada and the US. I don't know how the medical industry works in Canada (money-wise since I hear healthcare is free), but in the United States, you can get paid very handsomely and there's potential for even more if you open your own practice.

Good luck pursuing your dreams!

Answer 3

If this is what you want to do then of course it is worth the time. You are still very young, and can change your path very easily right now. My wife was 27 when she entered medical school. You'll be at a similar age when you enter as well. Just realize it is a long haul. I don't know exactly what you'll have to do to get there, but there is a way. If you were in the states, I would suggest going to community college first and then transfer to university. You probably will have to do something different in Canada. Nonetheless, find out exactly what you need to do to get into University first. One goal at a time. Once you get there the it is incumbant on you to work very hard, and get very good grades. If you are able to do this then you can get into medical school. Your medical training will take you quite a bit of time. You'll be in your early 30s when you graduate. Then you will do a residency and you will be in your late 30s when you are finished with that. If you want to specialize, add another 2-10 years. Generally it is 2-4 years additional, unless you want to become a brain surgeon. So by the time you will be able to make a good deal of money at medicine (you do get paid during residency and fellowship) you will be about 40. If you have that type of long term vision and tenacity then you can do it. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

It is easy for people to say "don't give up" and encourage you to go ahead with this... but it is an extremely difficult process.

First I think you have to establish that you can do the work.

To get into med school you must do very well in chemistry courses in college. To do well in chemistry you must be competent in algebra. So, I'd say a way to get started is to do a term or two of algebra in community college. If you can get A in algebra, then try a term of general chemistry. If you can get A in chemistry, then try the next level of math, calculus, and then the calculus-physics course. If you can get A in those courses then you have the basic academic ability to go through all your prerequisites.

I'm not saying that it will be easy, but I'm saying that if you can get A in these entry level courses then you have a fighting chance of making it to the end, provided you have an iron will.

Give it a shot!

Answer 5

it is very doable u're still young don't give up no matter what.