Other options

<p>Obviously, medical school is insanely hard to get into. I'm at my first quarter in college, and missing a few points on my Chemistry lab is freaking me out (doesn't help with the fact that the midterm is in a few days..) because those few points could make a difference whether I get an A- or A, or B- or B (you get the idea). Then I begin to think about medical school and how a not-so-perfect GPA might kill my chances so I really should reconsider whether I really want to be pre-med. Then I think that I shouldn't think too much about grades, just do the best I can, and whatever happens, will happen. Plus, there are other factors like MCAT, volunteer work, research, etc. Then I think about Chemistry again. It's a vicious cycle. I can't stop obsessing about it. I know I might just drive myself crazy if I don't find a way to stop it.</p>

<p>I have wanted to become a doctor since I was in kindergarten or so, and I hate to think my dreams are over if I get a 3.4 GPA or something. Are there other medical schools out there that aren't as competitive as say, UCSF? I'm also thinking about pharmacy, nursing (not community college), dentistry, or optometry; possibly graduate school. I'm guessing it isn't quite as hard to get into those (of course, you have to do pretty well during undergrad), but does anyone know the exact stats of those type of schools? I can't find them. </p>

<p>I think the only thing that can make me stop stressing (and annoying my roommate endlessly with my constant ramblings about medical school) is to know that I have some sort of back-up plan if medical school doesn't work out. It'll be great if anyone has some answers to my questions!</p>

<p>Nursing can happen in a variety of ways. I don't know all the ways, but I do know an RN doesn't have to be at a community college. Maybe also look into a BSN. On the other hand, if your heart is in the right place, don't give up on medicine! Look into other options (like you are) but just keep trying hard, and realize this too will pass.</p>

<p>1.) Are some medical schools less selective than UCSF? Yes. If you're not from California, there are 121 medical schools less selective than UCSF.</p>

<p>2.) A few points on a chemistry lab is not going to kill you. Seriously. One course really isn't a big deal.</p>

<p>3.) It's not a vicious cycle. You have some very healthy habits. "Just do the best I can, and whatever happens will happen." That's very healthy.</p>

<p>4.) Tons of backup plans, including the ones you just mentioned. Don't forget NP or PA.</p>

<p>hate to bring up the med school crap again BDM, but are most med schools really that picky about residency? around how many med schools can a CA resident apply to?</p>

<p>UCSF is a public school. Like all public schools, it's going to give preference to in-state residents. CA residents can apply to around 100 or so med schools. There are only a couple that ONLY take in-state residents. But, many med schools are going to give PREFERENCE to in-state residents.</p>

<p>Why do you insist on asking the same question over and over again? Is there something about our answers which is somehow unclear?</p>