<p>I am about to graduate highschool. I cant really afford university here and can't even begin to think about the cost of medical school. I am considering going to medical school in pakistan and finishing in 5 years then coming back to california. I know it is difficult to pass the licensing examination after going to medical school in pakistan but I believe I could do it. My questions are :</p>
<p>1) After coming back to the US would I then have to do my residency here? How difficult would that be with a Pakistani education?</p>
<p>2) Exactly how hard would it be to pass the exam in the US after medical school in Pakistan? Is it doable?</p>
<p>3) Which pakistani medical schools are accredited and should I target?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I’ve heard enough from docs to tell you this. </p>
<p>Avoid out of country med schools. Getting a residency as an IMG (international med graduate) is not just hard, its nearly impossible, even for UK and EU students. </p>
<p>I mean…you could certainly try. People have done it, but its very, very rare. The boards aren’t the hard part, the residency match is.</p>
<p>And this is just hearsay, but with a lot of new MD and DO schools popping up and the number of residency slots mostly unchanged, its going to be even harder for IMGs to get a spot in even noncompetitive residencies. </p>
<p>Just my two cents. Point is, its theoretically doable, but you’re stacking the odds against you pretty hard by going to med school out of country.</p>
<p>Every recommendation I have ever heard is do not go to med school out of country. It’s very rare to get residency placement in the US after out of country med school. I was considering a 6 year program in Thailand, then realized it wouldn’t be easy for me to return to the US and work here. It’s not worth it. Go to a CC if you can’t afford a four year, then transfer to a UC. Minimize debt for undergrad. It’s okay to have debt from med school–after all, you are graduating into a high paying job. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that if you have great grades and SAT scores or NMF, you may be able to get a full ride at some schools. The University of Alabama and University of Pittsburgh come to mind. Both are great with merit and (give plenty of full rides), are great for premeds, and have rolling admissions, which means you can still apply for fall 2012 if you would like.</p>
<p>That reminded me. Check into some private schools too. I know for one Vanderbilt usually offers great financial aid.</p>