<p>I send off my early application this week and just wanted to run my rough 'plan' by you guys and see how it sounds to you. Obviously, I could change my mind and decide on something totally different but I'd better go in with an idea of where I'm headed, right?</p>
<p>I'm an Intl student (British) studying A Levels in English, Mathematics, German and Music. As the title of this thread would suggest, I want to study some maths and philosophy alongside completing the premed requirements. My intention is to go to medical school but I'd be happy to consider a PhD in theoretical physics/applied maths if I find that the current dream fades.</p>
<p>Do you think that I will be able to fit in:
*A math major - specialising in theoretical physics with some classes in cryptanalysis and game theory with;
*A philosophy minor - classes on ethics, logic and 'existence' (ie. religion and epistemology or metaphysics) and;
*A year of physics, 2 of chem (inc. 1 organic), 1 of biology (inc. some biochem and genetics), and maybe a class in psychology/sociology if I need it to keep med schools happy. And lastly;
*Language classes in either German or Russian.</p>
<p>If I can't squeeze it all in to 4 years then I might consider post-bacc premed but I'd rather not do that. Obviously, whether my programme will work depends on where I am accepted and how their timetable works but I'd appreciate a quick yes/no/'are you psycho?' response!</p>
<p>Won’t you be able to get credit for your A-levels in Maths, German and English thereby freeing up some major/elective class space to manage your philosophy classes?</p>
<p>You seem to have left out the volunteer and work shadowing you’ll need to get in order to be admitted to med school regardless of academics. </p>
<p>I guess you could have a 2 pronged attack. Once you know your college, map out the classes you’d choose to take if you were 100% on either career. Then try to take a courseload which would be acceptable to both in your Freshman year. Then, once you’re at college, get involved in any type of volunteering like the Red Cross or with people who are vulnerable (or start now if you can). Do it with a mind to learning about yourself and others and you won’t regret the time spent, even if you do choose to do the maths route. </p>
<p>Lastly, have you considered the possibility that colleges might be questioning why you’re not training in the UK since we have graduate entry courses now? Or the difficulties of getting your qualifications accepted should you want to work back in the UK? Just some things to think about.</p>
I’m not sure what the premed requirements allow me to place out. I hope that that is the case, though.
I already volunteer at a care home(2 years), volunteer as a first-aider for St John Ambulance(4 years) and have work experience with a GP and in hospitals in pathology, cardiology, radiology and neurosurgery (each 2 weeks each) I don’t think I have neglected my need for experience and don’t plan on slowing down any time soon!
I think I can answer both these points in one go so I’ll give it a shot.
I am applying to study in the US because of the freedom of the college system. A couple of Universities have adopted this style in the UK but not to any level worth pursuing. I also play Lacrosse for my national team. Given the popularity of it relative to in the UK, Playing lacrosse the US will be an amazing opportunity.
Also, I’m from a deprived area and a poor background which means that the need-blind admissions and probable financial aid would be an amazing opportunity for me.
I will go back to the UK to study medicine, if I’m still sure I want to study it. As you say, I can do so in 4 years like in the US. However, I’m not sure I want to dedicate all my efforts towards medical school yet as I have an interest in so many other things. I’m hoping that college will help settle that but a medical degree as an undergraduate in the UK isn’t something I will be pursuing.</p>
<p>I appreciate your answers and genuinely thank you for asking the questions you did. It’s definitely important that I think this through thoroughly.</p>
<p>Well, if you can get your needs blind admission, go for it! I played lacrosse (very badly) at uni but I know the American Collegiate System. I’d have loved to have done a year in the US but couldn’t afford the £3000 it cost at the time. Go, go, go!</p>