Am I truly smart enough to become a doctor?

Question

I'm an entering senior into high school and all my life I have wanted to be a doctor. I have a passion for medicine and a deep desire to help people. Entering my senior year I have a 4.56 weighted GPA. I have taken many honors classes in preparation for college. While my GPA appears high, I attend a public high school and I am afraid my GPA doesn't stack up to those who attend "better high schools." When I took the SAT, I was disappointed in my scores of 570 on Reading, 640 on Math, and 540 on Writing. My ACT composite score of 27 was a little better. I fear that my low performance on standardized tests shows a weakness that could possibly hurt me in my pursuit of a medical career.

Are my dreams of becoming a doctor realistic?

Answer 1

Don't every let some test influence your career choice!  Don't worry about some standardized tests when it comes to your career dreams.  Your scores are very good and it appears you are very smart.  I got a 26 on my ACT and I became an auditor and am now studying to become an actuary.  

Answer 2

I think if you brush up on the areas you are worried about, you will be able to fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor. It will take a lot of hard work.  Find people to help you study any material you are finding difficult. Keep on top of your coursework.  Good Luck and follow your dreams.

Answer 3

only  you can tell yourself you're not good enough. I'm terrible at testing cause I have anxiety about them, but I'm really smart otherwise. Don't let this discourage you.

Answer 4

I got something that may be some light at the end of the tunnel for you. My Dad is an Attorney and he didn't go to a particularly large high school, but did well on his LSATs and did extremely well thru University.

I would assume that if you would do very well on the MCATs and your pre-med/undergrad grades are above par then you should be able to

Answer 5

You can get better at taking tests, but you need to feel confident in your decision making skills, and have a drive to keep learning, and adjusting.  

Answer 6

It's possible you still could become a doctor. Just keep your college gpa around 3.7 and study hard for the MCAT think it's called.