@N’s Mom
I haven’t make a final decision about my future career but I have been accepted at Faculty of Medicine here in Algeria. I don’t undertsand what do you mean by MD degree we don’t have such degree here, students of medicine study 7 years and then they earn their doctoral degree as a general doctor; if they want to be a consulant doctor, they will be obliged to study 5 other years.
So please explain furthermore this point, what is the equivalent of MD degree? and if I chose this path, it will be easier for me? (I mean applying for residency?)
Thank you for you reply.
In the USA, most students who become physicians take this path: they attend an undergraduate college and attain a Bachelors degree. To obtain a degree as a general doctor (here in the US it’s and MD or a DO), they apply to a medical school. Realistic applicants to med schools have very good GPA from college, recommendation letters and score well on a standardized test, the MCAT.
In the US, students mostly are not asked to enter a strict pre-medicine track until after they attain their bachelors degree. As N’s mom says, US medical schools take almost no international students.
If you want to become a doctor, it sounds like it is more efficient to do it in your own country than here. In the US you start with a 4 year undergraduate degree. Then you go to a medical school and the length of study varies according to your specialty. I’m no expert but I’d like to say 3 to 4 years. Then you have internships and residencies on top of that and then you take your medical board exams to be certified. It’s typically a very expensive and lengthy process, far longer than the 7 years that is typical where you live.
There are some universities here that offer direct BA to MD programs that will reduce the total time by a year or two.
Whatever path you take, good luck!
@T26E4
Thank you for these details. I read before on Yale university website similiar thing, I mean they said that international students whose future career is physian should realise that it won’t be an easy process. I will read more about medical schools and their policies regarding international students.
Based on your original post, I think you are shooting WAY too high considering your lack of command of written English. I’m a professor and see many students held back by their lack of understanding of English, and continual simple mistakes. Yet there are also many ESL students who do extremely well because they took the time to learn English better.
So either get yourself some significant English tutoring, or realize even that if you got into a top school, you’d likely fail out due to lack of English ability.
And honestly if you plan to be a doctor, find a solid state school that is less expensive for your undergrad and your English skills will skyrocket there, and then apply to Yale or Harvard med school.
@mamaedefamilia
Thank you for your answer. Please tell me wich universities offer this courses? or where I can find information about them?
@rhandco
Thank you for your remark. I do realize that I face problems in English (not only written) and I’m working in approving my English language. Though I won’t let this side prevent me from applying. It is high possible that I would rectify this problem, not completely perhaps but at leat paty, before enrolling (if I even would be accpeted).
I appreciate your advice and I will take it on consideration.
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As I said before, it is true that I have been accepted at faculty of medicine in Algeria, but I’m not sure about my future career if I would have the chance to study in USA.
rhandco, I’m guessing that this student’s chances of getting into a top medical school like Harvard are close to zero. Even with perfect English and outstanding grades, a high MCAT, a long resume of research and outstanding leadership skills, it would be difficult to get one of the very few spots for international students (assuming there are any). At state medical schools, the number of slots for international students is usually zero: Many won’t even except applicants who are residents of other states, let alone other countries.
As before, if you want to be a doctor, stay in Algeria. Come to the US for your residency (specialty training). If you have other aspirations, then the advice you have received here is relevant.