Is it really worth applying after all as an international student?

Pre-Med & Medical School
1

I was going to get my permanent residence before med school application cycle next year, but because of USCIS policy changes, now I have to wait 4+ years just to apply for my 2nd part of green card app…

I have three semesters left, and maintained 3.54 GPA as chemical engineer and spanish minor. I know It’s not good enough for many med schools, but I am studying hard to raise GPA as much as possible.

Also, there is a money problem. My sister and my mom, who are US citizen and permanent resident respectively, plan to cosign loan for me for med school, but that scenario is AFTER I get in at all. But with current situation, I am feeling more and more discouraged… and I don’t think going to med school in Korea is viable at this point because unlike USA, Koreans start med school in their undergrad.

I am considering to go to chem. E grad school for my masters, do OPT, and wait until I get my green card so that I can be considered as a domestic student. Or, should I just apply anyway and see what happens? I wouldn’t be this stressed if the prospective costs for just applying weren’t so high.

2

IMHO, you should go with your Chem Eng route. Less stress and shorter route to make the first dollar. A 3.6 is NOT competitive for international student apply for med school(MD & DO). Don’t know much about the Caribbeans.