FadZ
Hello there, I'm somewhat new to this site. I haven't got the chance to introduce myself..
The subject I've chosen does sound pretty unusual at first, but in all cases, it's been pondered upon by the vast majority of teenagers in Lebanon today. What comes from our education? What use will our university degrees be? Will we find the work and financial stability we all so desperately hope for? Have we made the right choices?
The state I'm in right now is considered, in most countries outside, to be that of a desperate 40 year old with no job, no family, and no expectations. I'm willing to believe that many are living it, or at least went through something like it.
I'm 19 years old, and not to go into details of my personal life (that has not been very sunshine and flowery), I'm strictly concerned about the choices I've made, academically. Currently in my second year of Biology in the Lebanese University, English taught; I'm feeling my future is not what I've ever intended it to be.
I've always had this obscure dream of becoming a doctor, maybe I thought too highly of myself, my grades in the third secondary school year (terminal/Life Sciences) were dwindling, without being instructed of how important that year is to my future, I managed to succeed at the pity average of 10.7/20
After realising the narrowness of my university options, I've chose the LU, biology. First year was a pain, we were bombarded by subjects and materials, a first semester which I failed (7/20) and a second which I managed to save my year from failing (13/20), applying for the medical school concour was out of the question.
On to the second year, currently in my second semester, (first having an average of 73/100)
In all likeliness, I'm passing this year. And here my questions lie.. Where will this take me? Perhaps, I can pursue a masters and maybe even a doctorate in France (which is financially possible), but what are the prospects of a successful study path? Is teaching the inevitable purpose of a biology student?
A lot of options arise, concerning the majors I want to choose, Genetic Engineering, Neurosciences, Pharmacology and things close to those..
But I find no one to clarify the things I should expect if I choose any of these majors.. So I'm looking for insight.. Job prospects..etc
What I'm asking for is not a reassurance, but simply a selection of future options, or expectations. Thanks.
Prolonged, winy text - end
ironman
Since money is not an issue, and since you love being a doctor, why don't you finish this year, and continue your education in a private university, first of all they will eliminate some courses because you studied two years at the LU, then being approved is easier than "LU's concours"
What do you think?
FadZ
Ironman - Thanks for the advice.
From what I've learned, LAU or AUB require a good terminal exam mark. They also ask for more money for medical school than I may be able to manage (Studying in France is an option because of their affiliation to the LU). I'm also searching for options in Biology. But your advice has been on my mind for a while.. I don't know if it's possible for me to get an acceptance from these universities.
venam
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FadZ
venam - thank you for your valuable input
user
Are you sure your terminal marks will cause you issues in private universities? I was under the impression they rely more on the SAT score and other entrance exams when it comes to evaluating students.
I'm fairly certain there must be a loophole somewhere, I mean how do foreign students get in? Also, I remember in LAU you could "petition" for almost anything. But you'd have to keep high scores to be a doctor, we're talking about 80/100 scores on all the materials even if not relevant (even a D in gym class can threaten you) I was a pharmacy student there once upon a time...
Also you're only 19, too early to be giving up on anything.
FadZ
user - It'd be great to find a way, I'm sure the guys here would know it. That's what prompted me to post here..
Thanks anyway :)
a-l
a 73/100 in your second year in LU is not bad and if you apply for a transfer your chances are better, that being said I think you should look into what is called MD-PhD, you can find it in some universities in the US and generally it is fully funded, at the end of it you will be able to either go into a scientific career or practice medicine, but for this option you'll have to raise your grades in the remaining years for you as an undergraduate, i know i didn't include details on the program but you can find them on google.
finally a piece of advice never be pessimistic about opportunities, be realistic, even with your grades but with a good SAT scores you can get accepted to AUB, if what is holding you from doing something is only mental just do it, ( for example if you can't afford SAT or the application fees that is a good reason not to apply but if you can afford them and you're afraid of not getting in then that is not a good reason for not applying).
good luck with your future.
FadZ
A.L - I'll look into that, and thanks for the support
MrClass
Nobody can succeed without hitting rock bottom. Keep reading about the topics that interest you and develop connections with people in your field. Who cares about grades; when you get people interested in you, then you know you're on the right track.