Hello all. I am at the moment a freshman in a direct-med program. I have a few issues with this path.
In terms of social needs:
- I go to a commuter school (UIC), so no "college experience" (and I have no friends) because people leave at 4PM each day, hardly any clubs that aren't pre-med, etc.
- everyone else in my program is Asian-American, and I feel like the odd one out
- I haven't had a relationship, and am quite stressed that I'll end up alone if I keep doing what I'm doing here
In terms of career needs:
- I'm worried I'll be unhappy/bored committing to so much (3+ years undergraduate, then 4+ years medical school, then 3+ years residency)
- I am not sure how I feel about doing the same thing as my parents
Do you guys have any ideas? I got into the University of Illinois for engineering as well, and am thinking of transferring to there from UIC. I think medicine fits my skill set better somewhat, but I honestly feel BORED thinking of just doing medicine and living a comfortable life (aside from the grind). The problem is I don’t feel like I have a strong passion for anything… and that I’m a perfectionist.
Any advice? I’m honestly terrified to transfer, and feel like I won’t get into med school if I do and decide again. I was considering dropping my current engineering major and doing a BS in physics and a BA in history so I have the option of applying to grad school and deciding then–just scared of being super overworked and hating my life more. Thanks.