<p>I've always wanted to be a doctor, but lately I've been seriously questioning my decision. I'm a junior in High School by the way....
Ok, so i figure- life is too short to spend that many years in school. I would prefer going for a "lesser" degree while earning a sizeable income and good hours. My "new" choices are Pharmacy, Doctor of Osteopathy, and Medical Doctor. Which occupation would best fit me? </p>
<p>No matter what, I want to attend a program that is on the accelerated track
ie: pharm. D
B.S/M.D
B.S/D.O
GPA- last time I checked: 3.98 unweighted
SAT- didn't take it yet but so far, im looking at a 2150
SAT II- foreign language: 750
(<strong>by the way, I'm taking EVERYTHING in the spring, so...</strong>)
APs- 10th- Euro
11th- Bio, Comp, US, and Psych
12th- dunno, im thinking of doubling up AP Physics and AP Chem, Lit, BC Calc
Volunteer:- Presidential volunteer award (11th grade)
- Missions (9th grade)
- Disabled Center ( since 8th grade)
- Volunteer orchestra (since 8th grade)
- Youth Community Project team (9th and 10th)
Awards/ Distinctions:- All County Music Festival
- invited to participate in Pfizer summer program at St.Louis
- nominated for National Inventors Gala (pending...)
- invited to present at Stony Brook URECA
- Rohm and Haas (Merit)
- LISC (Honorable Mention)
- ToshibaExploraVision (Honorable Mention)
- Siemens Westinghouse (REGIONAL FINALIST)
- New York State Archives History Competition (Honorable Mention)
(<strong>i'm going to more competitions later this year</strong>)
- National Honor Roll
- National Honor Society
- Tri- M Music Honor Society
- Spanish Honor Society
Summer:- North Carolina Missions (YWAM)
- Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (w/ grant)
- NYLF Medical Forum
- Volunteer at disability camp (since 8th grade)
Clubs:- School Newspaper
- School Magazine
- Asian American Awareness (co- president)
- Seekers/ Christian Club (founder and co-leader)
- Science Research Club (co- president)
- Quizbowl
- Varsity Volleyball (all years)
- Varisty Track (9 & 10)</p>
<p>Any suggestions and opinions???
Please include school names that I should be considering</p>
<p>If you aren't interested in staying in school, I don't know why doctor is on your list.</p>
<p>Docs go to 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and at least 4 years of residency. Making that 12 long years before you start working. (10 if you go a shortened route)</p>
<p>that is very, very true...
but i'm still interested in helping people, while being able to earn a living...
i guess thats why i need to look at some more legit occupations.</p>
<p>Get an MPH, become an epidemiologist, and make $60-70k. It doesn't bring in the big bucks like an MD does, but it's a lot shorter route (and less stressful).</p>
<p>Business is probably a good idea. Investment bankers make insane amounts of money and don't necessarily need 8+ years of schooling and training. And you can always give back and help people through large charitable donations :)</p>
<p>DO's and MD's are 4 years of medical school big guy. That means being a doctor...soo im not sure if you totally understand what being a doctor entails if these are your career choices but you dont wanna go to school for that long</p>
<p>I also think you are making a mistake with your focus on an accelerated track. If you were more certain about your career choice i would encourage it...but you dont seem to know what you really wanna do. I wouldnt go accelerated for anything if i were you...you dont know what you want right now. </p>
<p>You first priority should be figuring that out, not getting a degree ASAP</p>
<p>my decision is partially based on schooling, but also hours...
I'd prefer to work a job that allows for...other things</p>
<p>then i dont think medicine is for you...you are gonna have many years of crazy hours be4 you get a set schedule...and even thats not guarenteed depending on your specialty</p>
<p>to me...boring lol i dont like intense chemistry, or sitting in a lab working with medicine all day...do you? You need to ask yourself what you enjoy and then if you are willing to make the sacrifice to have that career.</p>
<p>well, i'm a girl looking to one day raise a family
^basically the main reason for the hours
would pharmacy be a better choice?
regardless my main interest is in science
i'm sure there must be a job out there that doesn't require crazy hours</p>
<p>read my above post</p>
<p>i guess..
from what I hear, there are many options in pharmacy
plus i know people who's base salary is 100,000</p>
<p>yea but its not all about the money...granted money is important but you are gonna be miserable if you dont like wut ur doing</p>
<p>ehh...perhaps
I'll probably look a little more into different kinds of pharmacists
maybe i can incorporate business into the picture</p>
<p>trust me dont go through school for money...you wont even make it that far</p>
<p>i get that...
thanks for your advice
im still undecided...but i guess i'll eventually find out something</p>
<p>just a quick question then...
what four year schools do you think i could actually get into?</p>
<p>Your username reflects an interest in geology...ever think about that career path? You can even gain employment after a BS if you want to start a family early. If not, numerous opportunities exist for all skill levels (up through PhD) for those who want to start a family someday.</p>
<p>I myself am a female geologist and would love to start a family by my early 30's...I don't see any problem with the hours either, many petroleum jobs (attainable after MS) appeal to geologist couples wanting to start families because of flexible schedules and great pay.</p>
<p>sounds interesting...
i'm more in to medicine though</p>
<p>then it sounds like you already know what occupation you want to have</p>