If you can't make it into any
medical schools in the United States, then consider other healthcare options. Though, RN and PA schools are getting way more competitive nowadays.
Work on the GPA issue by getting a good upward trend and take time off to work, shadow, and volunteer. When you shadow, get insight from physicians from across many different specialties (even if you're only calling/emailing them and not actually shadowing.) Talk to your PCP, ask an ED doc where you volunteer, and any specialty in between and really ask
"Do you think I should become a doctor?" I don't mean give them your stats, your passions, etc. I mean ask "do you think the medical field will improve to a point where I should be in debt well over $300k just to be in your shoes?" You'd be shocked by the answers. Some might tell you "Hell yeah! I love my job every day!" Most will probably give you a round-about way of saying "look into another profession." A good amount of physicians I shadowed/emailed/called told me they'd wish they did something completely different.
From there, OP, you need to really dig deep and outweigh the benefits and costs of your next steps.
- Ace that MCAT in 2017. Should be self-explanatory...
- If you decide to want to pursue this career, go to a formal SMP program if your major is hard science-related (bio, chem, biochem, physics, etc.) If you have a minor in hard sciences or your major is outside of it completely, with only the prereqs as your bcpmGPA, I'd consider a DIY-postbacc with only science classes while you work.
- Get a good GPA for about 2-4 semesters part-time. This will save you a lot more money than an SMP or formal post-bacc.
- Apply DO and state MD school(s) if you did informal postbacc. If SMP, then your list can be far greater if you have a high MCAT + killer GPA (3.5+.) Show your commitment to medicine.
If you don't think medical school, +3-7 years commitment to your job, crippling debt (unless you go HPSP,) worry about licensing (which is so damn expensive,) and having the high levels of stress and risk of burnout is not worth it for you, then I'd look at other options, starting with Physician Assistant or Nursing. Both are respectable fields and are getting more autonomy about every year. Scope of practice will be greater by the time you collect yourself, take all of your testing, and graduate from your program.
Good luck OP. Don't be in a rush into medicine. It's a large commitment that starts the moment you decide which school to attend.
EDIT: Also, taking national boards/tests will almost never end. The MCAT isn't the last test you have to take. $3oo for the MCAT is
nothing compared to exams you have to take in medical school and residency.
