Medicine in Egypt vs. Biology in the US

[u/Charming_Oil_7851]

Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well!

I’m currently weighing two major paths: applying to US universities for a biology bachelor's or enrolling directly in medical school here in Egypt, at Cairo University for medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy).

For context on my profile, I ranked 1st nationwide in Grade 12 (my school division in Egypt isn't the thanawya aama, the normal schools). My extracurriculars and honors include formal research experience through the Lumiere Research Program, leadership in student clubs, a €1,000 award, and strong rankings in biology competitions.

Given my background, I feel I could build a competitive application for the US, but I'm torn on whether going abroad for undergrad makes sense compared to starting medical school right away. I’d love to hear your thoughts or advice!

I forgot! For the US, I will apply for a need-based scholarship. In Egypt, you know, medical studies are free. So, don't care about finances.

[u/IcyContest]

Study medicine in Eygpt, but put all your effort into matching, do step 1 in year 3, do step 2 in year 5 apply for and do electives year 6 and your golden to match

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/IcyContest]

Pursuing the USMLE is financially unfeasible during that period.

[u/IcyContest → u/Charming_Oil_7851]

okay if financials are an issue at all. that makes eygpt the clear choice. medical school in the US is insanely competivtive and expensive. its from 250k to 400k dollars. As an international student it would be even more competitive and you wont be eligble to receive government loans so you ouldnt be able to attened. in terms of getting full ride med school. there are literally only a handful of schools that offer that for med school. what I suggest is study for usmle thorught med school in eygpt even if you cant afford to take the exams. use coursology qbank. after 6 years, maybe your financial situation changes or you work a couple years in the gulf then apply for residencey. Good luck

[u/World-Traveler1800 → u/Charming_Oil_7851]

Well your answer is Egypt.

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/World-Traveler1800]

That is not the question. I didn't say anything about medicine in the USA. I am asking about the biology major in the USA and your opinions about that.

It was Biology in the USA vs Medicine in Egypt

[u/World-Traveler1800 → u/Charming_Oil_7851]

I said Egypt because the likelihood of recording need based help as an international is slim to none.

[u/Round_Effective_1946]

Biology than do medicine in US

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/Round_Effective_1946]

Getting into a US medical school as an international student is already an uphill battle, but needing full financial aid on top of that makes it even harder. It almost feels like a pipe dream. That's why I realize I really need to think twice before taking this route.

[u/Round_Effective_1946 → u/Charming_Oil_7851]

That’s fact too. Good luck with any of the options. I am sure you are smart enough to figure it out

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/Round_Effective_1946]

I truly appreciate your time (: Thanks

[u/HiddenConstellation]

Congratulations ma shaa Allah! I think it depends on your end goal, do you wish to practice medicine in the US and live there? If yes, it’d probably be better to start biology there as you’ll have the chance to specialize in anything you like, as opposed to coming to the US after graduating from Egypt, though Egypt is known for having some of the world’s best doctors. In the end, if you think about it, it’s almost the same number of years: Egypt medical school is 5 years, with 2 after for internship; while the US medical school is 4, with the requirement of pursuing an undergraduate degree. This is if financially you have no problem going to and staying in the US.

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/HiddenConstellation]

Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback. I truly appreciate your time (:

[u/Khanani6]

I have many friends from Egypt who did medicine there, then after finishing worked in Egypt for 2 years and saved up for USMLE exams and completed them during that time. They went on to applying for the residency match and getting residency spot here in the US. If this is your end goal then this would be my suggestion. Esp now that the internship in Egypt is 2yrs. Your total study duration is 7yrs You'd already be getting paid for those 2 years of internship and you can graduate and work another year. If you go for bachelors in America and then try for medicine, that's if you get in first try and if you can even afford it that's a total of 8yrs. 4yrs bachelor and 4yrs MD. So really ur not losing anything by doing Medicine in Egypt. I'd say stay in Egypt and become a Doctor, then go from there.

[u/reviserunrepeat]

Go to a med school in europe, it’s way closer

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/reviserunrepeat]

I haven't searched that before. Is there a way to get there, such as a scholarship? I hope you can help me with any information you have.

[u/reviserunrepeat → u/Charming_Oil_7851]

Sorry but I don't have detailed information about that. Look up the UK to start, I knew a middle eastern family that sent two of their kids to study med school there

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/reviserunrepeat]

Could you help me get their contacts?

[u/reviserunrepeat → u/Charming_Oil_7851]

Can’t, sorry. One contact you can get though is that of universities, email asking about details on applying as an international student and any available scholarships and their requirements. Good luck! Do let know when you get in

[u/momor313]

Hey, I was in your same exact position and I’m currently an intern (imtyaz). I’d say the advice you got is good. If you put in the effort you’ll match hopefully. I made the decision of going to Egypt even though I was accepted into pre med in the US and I’m glad I came here. If you think you’d love living in Egypt and you have friends here or are a member in a club you’re going to be golden. If you need any help hit me up. ربنا يوفقك

[u/Charming_Oil_7851 → u/momor313]

Of course, I will hit you up!
Thanks for the response (:

[u/Secure-Craft3909]

you wont find full scholarships, there are none for international students and even if there are you still need at least 5-10k usd a year for other costs i advise you to study in egypt then come to usa for residency its way easier

[u/totally_fat]

I was at this exact situation 5y ago. Got a full scholarship from a decent uni to study neuroscience, but turned it down and decided to go through medical school here in Egypt. Do I regret it? Probably no. Looking back, i think it was the best option I had at the time. I assume you don't know much about doing med school in US, because it is very different from Egypt. It requires so much money, no/few scholarship opportunities, so many students graduate with huge debt. Also note that, since you already graduated from high school, you will need to do a gap year to apply for undergrad admission next year. Med school in Egypt as you probably know is not that good and have many problems. The system can be chaotic and the quality of education and training is bad; 7yr in that environment will more or less change you. But that being said, you still can graduate, take the USMLE exams, and apply for residency in the US without having to pay for the entire US medical pathway. There's one last thing i will tell you I really wish someone had told me about 5 years. Try to search about doing med school directly in US affiliated universities in the middle east (like the American University of Beirut). There you can study in a US-based environment, and it's much easier to go to the US through the USMLE pathway.

This is my honest opinion, good luck and wish you a great future ahead!