Aspiring psychiatrist...

[gbs2004]

<p>I am considering a career in psychiatry. The more I think about it, the more attractive it seems as a career path.</p>

<p>However, I am not very strong in the sciences -- I will need to take extra science courses now, and I do not expect to get above-average grades in them. I'll need to do everything else that I can to maximize my chances of getting into medical school.</p>

<p>So would it hurt my chances of getting into med school if I admit in my applications and interview that I want to be a psychiatrist? I could explain very passionately about why I am attracted to the field -- and not be lying -- but I don't want to give the impression that I won't take the med school curriculum as seriously as, say, an aspiring GP.</p>

<p>Any thoughts would be much appreciated.</p>

[PSedrishMD]

<p>There are no shortcuts and no exceptions based on any early conception of a particular interest. Saying anything remotely related to "I'm not great at this science stuff but hey, I only want to be a psychiatrist" will assure you of instantaneous rejection.</p>

[gbs2004]

<p>No, no, that's not at all what I meant in my original post.</p>

<p>I was an English major and got excellent grades in my humanities courses. No matter how hard I try, I'm not going to be able to produce the same quality of grades in my pre-med courses. It will be clear to the med schools that my science skills are not the primary reason that I'm applying.</p>

<p>Hence, if and when I apply to med school, I will have to emphasize my desire to treat people and make a difference in their lives. I can write a passionate, honest essay of my academic journey from English major to aspiring psychiatrist. Or I can write a vaguer, less passionate and less convincing essay, making vaguer references to why I was drawn to the health professions from my literature days. I'm not looking for a "shortcut," I'm looking to maximize my chances given that science is not my forte -- but I do not want to look like a flake.</p>

[PSedrishMD]

<p>Necessarily, your essay will reflect your interest in humanity. Nothing will be assumed in any way, shape or form about where your preferences might lie within Medicine.
Therefore, you'll have to sell yourself as a competent prospective medical student, not a wandering humanist who just might be able to bring a special caring nature to an otherwise too-science oriented profession.
What I am telling you is that you must get in through the front door: a high GPA, with a separately calculated science GPA of 3.5 or better, and a set of MCATs that measure your science aptitude & knowledge to be well above average (composite score of >30).
Once you're in a med school, you can start talking about your passion for psychiatry, if in fact you still have one.</p>