Is med school right for me?

KailiaS
Wed, 23 Oct 2013 10:19:23 +0000

Hi, I’m a 1st pre-med student in France. I’m american but i grew up in the south of france. After graduating high school I wanted to return to the states, for the under-graduate program but after looking at prices I decided to try out school in france first.
I have no idea what I would like to do, there are so many options, so many things to try. In france you don’t have a year or so to decide what you like, no general program, you pick a field and go right into it.
I love science, I’ve always found it interesting and cool and I seem to be pretty good at it. It’s not what you’d call a passion, but I enjoy it.
Since school is pretty much free in France, I decided to try out the medical program, after doing some research it seemed to be the perfect thing for me, combining science, interactions with people, anthropology etc.I will also add that both my parents have been persistent that I could be a great doctor and that it would be something that I like.
So, taking their advice I enrolled.
Now the pre-med program in the States is different from the one in france, what you do in 4 or so years, we do in one, and have an exam about the equivalent of the MCAT after that first year. Out of 3000 about 300 are chosen (they can only let a certain amount pass).
I am currently in my 3rd month, and having huge difficulties, second guessing my choice. I spoken with friends and family, and I know it amounts to my decision alone, but I would appreciate any advice from other medical students.
Like I said, I don’t know if this is for me. I’m usually very competitive, when I want something, I get it. And the fact that I am not seeing this as a challenge but as long, and tiring, and not worth it, is making me very anxious.
In other words, can anyone help ?