Should I even do medicine?

[learnmedicine]

I am an above average student at school but i'm not gifted or anything. Medicine is the only thing I have ever wanted to do but I am not sure if I am smart enough... What do you think?

[Arch_Angel]

Well....what are your grades? If they are high enough, go for it, if not, work harder.

Simple

There was an article in The Guardian today about James D Watson (co-discover of the structure of DNA) who said that he was never exceptional, simply focused, and he won a Nobel prize, so not being naturally clever is no excuse.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Nik

[learnmedicine]

In NZ the grading goes Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit and Excelence. My average is borderline Merit/Excelence

[Arch_Angel]

Well ok then, what's the average acceptance onto a medical course?

Again, if you're on track, wonderful, if not, pull your finger out to get there. If you decide to actually go for it you'll find yourself more motivated than if you wait and see and decide what to do when you get your grades (believe me, my average has shot up since I actually decided what I wanted to do).

[JERI]

I'm from NZ too, applying to medicine this year as well (Auckland).

I'd say you ought to go for it. If you really are interested, there's no hurt trying to apply for it.

Are you still in year 13? You have to study for 1 year in uni first before you can apply for entry into medicine, so you can use your performance in that 1st year to really boost your standing.

[learnmedicine]

I am actually only year 11 this year but I want to get as far as I can

[JERI]

That's a cool attitude I reckon.

Still you may wanna talk this over with your school's career counsellor, or current doctors or med students.

Med schools look for a lot in their candidates, and it will require a lot of commitment from you - in your grades as well as your character.

If you don't commit yourself into your performance you'll have little luck getting in, but there's no sure what you really want out of life or what you may want in the future.

But anyway, I think trying to get as far as you can is something you can aim for at the moment. I mean if you go for good grades (particularly in your last year), devote yourself to certain paid work, social and volunteering activities - even if you don't get into med schools in your first try you'll still have good grades and a wealth of experience under your belt. Can't hurt.

[annarchy]

Sorry to go off topic but I read an article today that claimed James Watson, legend of a man that he is, said that he if convinced blacks are "genetically less intelligent" than whites.

Gobbsmacked, lost a little respect for him, but then again you can't always trust the media... Ok I'll go back to lurking now, sorry to interrupt lol.

Oh and you should do medicine because you never know until you try. Weak, yes, I'm leaving now...

[Diya]

I say go for it but u have to believe in yourself so that when (or if) u get to interview stage, the panel will see your potential too! There is a good Q to ask early on too cos u'r at a stage where u can make any changes u need in time for it to make a difference when applying. Good luck

There are always people that'll make racist remarks like that and think because they back it up with 'evidence' its acceptable. Its his problem if he cannot see that we are all equal despite differences in skin colour

[kofi]

just do it, believe in yourself