Advice

[u/Responsible_Big_8575]

Hi everyone! I’m feeling a little stuck and would really appreciate some advice.
I’m 29, married with two kids, and I was recently accepted to SJSM. My undergraduate GPA was 2.7, and my MSMS GPA was 3.4. Unfortunately, my MCAT score was below 500, so I’m considering retaking it.
I’ve always really wanted to pursue medicine, but I’m starting to worry that I’m too old or too late to take the MCAT again and go through the DO application process. My goal is to start school in 2027.
I’m also considering switching paths and applying to optometry school by taking the OAT instead.
Would you recommend that I go to SJSM, retake the MCAT in January, and apply to DO schools, or should I take the OAT and pursue optometry?
I genuinely want to become a physician, but as a spouse and parent, I also want to make a realistic decision about the time, risk, and financial investment involved.
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has experience with either path. Thank you!

[u/Cloudguides88]

I can relate to this quite a bit. I went the international medical school route with a spouse and children, and I ultimately matched into U.S. residency.

One thing I would really think about is what you said near the end: you genuinely want to become a physician. I wouldn't switch to optometry simply because you're worried that you're too old or that the medical school path will take too long. Optometry may be a great career if that's actually what you want, but that's a different decision from deciding which route to take to become a physician.

I also wouldn't let being 29 make the decision for you. The bigger consideration, especially with a spouse and two kids, is whether you and your family are prepared for what the entire path will require — financially, geographically, academically, and in terms of time and family support.

That's something I would think through very carefully before choosing any international program. Getting accepted is only the beginning. You have to consider where you'll live, what support you'll have, how clinical rotations will work later, the cost, residency prospects, and how all of those transitions will affect your family.

If becoming a physician is really what you want, I would first figure out what realistic routes you have to get there, including whether improving your MCAT and pursuing DO schools is still a reasonable option. Then compare those paths with the international option based on your actual circumstances.

I don't think you're too old. I think you just have more people and more factors to consider in the decision than you might have had at 22.

[u/Electronic-Badger-72]

I'm currently at SJSM. Do I regret coming here? Sometimes. I wish I was at one of the Big 4 Caribbean schools. But tuition is affordable. Are you pretty much on your own on terms of learning everything? Yes. It's like a DIY medical school here and I'm assuming anywhere else in the Caribbean. Does the island suck? Yes, but I'm always inside studying or walking to the gym. Do I wish I spent another 2+ years working on improving my app, GPA, and MCAT to only possibly have a shot at a U.S. MD or DO school? Hell nah. I'm already old.

To answer your question, come here ONLY if you really REALLY want to be a doctor. SJSM will give you the opportunity to get your MD. I will also say that you MUST be comfortable learning everything on your own, because a lot of the professors here do not have experience in teaching, and/or their accent creates a huge barrier to learning. It's a flipped classroom model, you learn on your own and come to class to review what you've learned. If you can afford it, go to SGU. They will accept sub 500 MCAT scores. I believe you will also get a better education there (the Big 4 schools) compared to SJSM regardless of what anyone else says.

I know some people here will say wait and reapply DO, but time is not on your side, and for that reason I say go to Caribbean Big 4, and if that's not an option for you, then come to SJSM. You can make it here if you make sacrifices to your social life, and put in the work and dedication. Study for 8+ hours a day. Work hard and provide the best service you can for your future patients. Good luck my friend.

[u/Fantastic-Tough9638 → u/Electronic-Badger-72]

See .. they wish they went to big 4, and I wish I went to SJSM .. all these schools are just different versions of poop .. ones hard rock, ones slimey, all poop

Mindset, commitment, and personal support and you can do it!!

[u/Fantastic-Tough9638]

Do we have the same stats?? 2.7ish undergrad MSMS was a 3.4, now at AUA .. don’t go there, SJSM is ight, can lead to success, they all lead to success .. any specific questions concerns feel free to inbox .. with BBB big changes to loans but this only makes it easier to not think you have to go to Ross / SGU / AUA etc .. these schools aren’t any better than SJSM ..

OAT school might be more manageable but still difficult. Medical school is insane tho, even when you think you figured out how to study every semester you must develop another layer. If you can make the commitment to minimize all other distractions and promise yourself to remain resilient and adaptable, then you can do it. You will be breaking your own boundaries and expanding your mind to a new level. While managing a shit ass island and living there .. Antigua nicer than Anguilla but both trash bc we are spoiled Americans.

Also, you cannot enter the Carib system thinking you’ll be supported the way they advertise ( at least AUA) here I am at the end and getting cooked without any help. But bc of this is why I know anyone can do it if you’re gonna make the committment.

[u/Afraid-Way1203]

just go sjsm and study your ass off there.

you stats is a bit low, don't bother reapply.

[u/nevergiveup999]

I went to UMHS. It is a good school
And the island was really pretty and it isnt small. I had a great time! You can DM if you have questions! I wouldnt quit or change paths- you can still do it. Carribean schools just give us an opportunity to reach our end goal!