I've been looking into the details of applying to Poland and it honestly doesn't look like I'll be able to apply.
First of all, all their 4 year medical school programs require pretty much 2 years worth of all the sciences and math, which I don't have.
Second of all, the best school isn't in Warsaw (where my family live), but Krakow which would make any family help impossible. Also they require the MCAT.
Thirdly, I'd need to take an entrance exam in biology and chemistry.
There is also the option of doing a 6 year degree, with the first two years being just the sciences, however that is reserved for students straight out of high school AND they also require IB Biology (which I have) and IB Chemistry (which I don't). Plus I'd be starting the program with a bunch of 17 & 18 year olds and I don't know if I could handle being a full 12 years older than everyone.
Sigh, its just NOT a good alternative for a non-trad like me. And it sucks 'cause I really hoped it would be a good alternative.
It really looks like its Mac or bust for me now...
I can't tell you how nice is Kasiunut to know that there is someone else out there who is having the same struggles with medical school as I am. While I'm not in the position of having a family, I am currently pursuing a Master's degree and attempting to write the dreaded MCAT. I just struggle finding the time and motivation to study and am feeling exactly as you did when you first wrote the MCAT...unprepared. Similarly I'm limited to only a few schools in Ontario and am trying to find references, list activities, etc.
ReplyDeleteI can also relate to your frustration with premed101. It's frustrating to read over and over again about students with incredible stats that don't get it, but I think like you suggested I need to start taking most of it with a grain of salt.
All of that said, I'm not sure what the point of this post is, other than to get some of these feelings out and not get eaten alive as I'm sure they would on the forums. So thank you!
Thank YOU so much for such a kind comment! Honestly, the main purpose of my blog is to chronicle the journey of a non-traditional medical school hopeful and try to be as real about what I'm feeling as I can - hopefully give some insight to anyone who is or will be in my shoes in the future. Like I often say, I really don't know if I'll end up a Dr. I don't know if I care enough about it to do everything it takes. I can't pretend that I'm doing everything and anything to succeed, because I know I'm not. If what I'm doing is enough, then awesome! If not, than I guess I'll get what I deserve. Anyway, thanks so much for reading!
DeleteYes I definitely agree. Sometimes I feel incredibly determined and think that I will be very disappointed should I not become a Dr., whereas other times I think that if I REALLY wanted this I would want to put the effort in.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time I think the root of my problems is a frustration with grad school and the dreaded burn out. Wouldn't it be nice to just fast-forward 5 years and know that regardless of what you are doing you would be happy?