Premed Journey Reflections
My twin sister and I are trailblazers in our family, as we’re the first to pursue careers in Medicine and become Doctors. This pioneering journey has been filled with challenges, including figuring out the best path to set ourselves up for Med School and life in general.
Currently, we’re nearing the completion of our associate degrees in biology. Following that, we plan to obtain a phlebotomy certificate and then apply to nursing school to gain more experience in the healthcare field. Our ultimate goal is to both gain admission to medical school afterward.
I’d love to hear thoughts on whether this plan is solid. We’ve adjusted our course so many times that it’s been quite overwhelming, and while my mom (who means well) is eager to guide us, she doesn’t have a background in this area. I understand there are many complexities to consider—like financial aid, transferring, grades, and extracurricular activities—but is this a good foundation to build on? Thanks for any advice! 🙂
It sounds like you and your sister are really dedicated to your journey in medicine, and that’s a great starting point! Here’s some feedback on your current plan:
Associate’s Degree: Starting with an associate’s degree in biology is a solid foundation. It gives you essential knowledge for your future studies.
Phlebotomy Certificate: Getting certified in phlebotomy can provide you with hands-on experience in a clinical setting, which is valuable. It could also help you develop patient interaction skills, which are crucial for medical school and a medical career.
Nursing School: Pursuing nursing before applying to medical school can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, nursing will give you valuable clinical experience and exposure to healthcare, which can be beneficial when applying to med school. On the other hand, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t detract from your focus on the pre-med requirements needed for medical school. Carefully consider if the nursing program allows you to balance your pre-med coursework and maintain a strong GPA.
Evolving Plans: It’s completely normal to change plans multiple times, especially when navigating a path as complex as medicine. Stay flexible but also ensure that each step is intentional and aligned with your long-term goals.
Financial Aid and Grades: These are critical components. Keep track of prerequisites for both nursing and medical schools, and be aware of deadlines for financial aid. Maintaining a strong GPA and seeking out extracurricular activities (like volunteering or shadowing doctors) will be important for your med school applications.
Support System: If your mom has strong opinions, it might be helpful to have an open conversation with her about your goals and the rationale behind your decisions. It can also be beneficial for you to seek guidance from academic advisors at your community college or prospective nursing/medical schools— they can provide tailored advice.
Overall, your plan sounds like it has potential, but continual assessment and flexibility will be crucial as you progress. Good luck to both of you on your journey to becoming doctors!