Hello everyone! I'm in one of the most confusing times in my life and I need some honest opinions. I'm going to dive right in: I applied this cycle to medical school in the states and to 2 Caribbean schools (Ross and SGU). I am graduating with a 3.1 GPA, have a lower science GPA (not really sure and don't want to depress myself). I took the "new" MCAT in July of last year and got a 495, which is around a 25 on the old MCAT. I'm really interested in writing and media (I would love to be a medical correspondent for a major news network) and am a published student writer for my schools health magazine, have my own lifestyle blog for pre-health students and medical professionals (check it out: stylemdblog.wordpress.com) and have really, really good ECs. Really what is lacking are my numbers which are also very important. I've only heard yes from Ross, am expecting an interview from SGU and have 2 more schools to hear "no" from in the states. Before I took my MCAT, I heard about and became very interested in USC's Masters of Global Medicine program and already applied to that, and am studying to take my GRE to supplement my lower MCAT. This is where you come in. Do you think going to a non-SMP like USC's is worth it? I would be taking classes with MS1s, would be able to travel, have more research and shadow experience, and would be able to study for my MCAT and possibly do better with my grad GPA and MCAT score. BUT, on the other hand I currently have an acceptance, keeping in mind I'll have to work my ass off to be successful (I want to do ER and eventually settle down in palliative care). Given only those options, what would you recommend? (Please don't suggest I do something completely different because that will make the confusion insurmountable! lol) I can't really decide what is better and my family especially is really pressuring me to go the Caribbean route because it's an acceptance "somewhere". Of course they wont be paying my loans or studying for me, so I'm still trying to make the best decision for me! Please be honest. I have tough skin! Thanks so much in advance.