Your take on what my parents say? Also, burnt out and stressed

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>They have been pushing my sister to go to medical school in China right after she graduates high school. (For those who are already confused, the Chinese medical system, like those of other countries, does not require an undergraduate degree.) The reason why is because a physician is a very safe, recession-proof job that pays enough to support her family.</p>

<p>Since I had wanted to also go to medical school, I asked why I couldn't do what they had suggested and why I had to apply to certain schools. </p>

<p>They say that because I'm a male, I have to be able to provide for my family by applying to a US medical school and that a Chinese medical school isn't good enough to get the residencies for the top specialties. Also, they say that I had to apply to Ivy League schools and not Chinese school for the extra prestige that the university name brings as well as the opportunities. </p>

<p>I love my parents but the conflicting views we have towards med school is not helping us at all. Pre-med and classes here are tortuous here because of the insane curves and difficulty that makes me feel really, really dumb. Because of this I've been insanely paranoid that my GPA won't be even close enough to get into medical school and that I won't even get a chance to fulfill my dream. I'm burnt out and have no motivation because what's the point? Everyone is naturally smarter and is going to score higher than me. It's made me wish I never even tried pre-med here but I'm scared that if I switch to another major I won't have the credits to graduate within four years.</p>

<p>I'm stressed beyond belief now, I would like some kind of advice :/</p>

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<p>Is it YOUR dream, or THEIR dream? This is your life. Not theirs. Parents mean well, but they need to learn that they can’t live vicariously through their children. Especially Asian parents. It just makes me so mad – so many of these kids get depressed, move far away from their parents, commit suicide, and worse.</p>

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<p>I agree with STheart. The best thing you can do is set up an appointment with a counselor. about what you want to major in, and what you can do to graduate on time. Additionally, consider transferring to another school. Sometimes standing out at a smaller, lesser known school is better than being middle of the pack in a well known school. Pray. Breath. Remember that there is an ending. Remember that med-school isn’t just about GPA. M-Cat and extra-curriculars are important as well. Good Luck.</p>