u/Embarrassed_Luck_497

Hey guys,

I need some advice on how to plan this upcoming year as the new cycle approaches. For some background information, I am currently on the waitlist for McMaster and this is the second cycle I applied (also WL'd at Mac last cycle). I graduated in 2025 and I am currently working for a lab in a gap year. I also took my MCAT in the summer of 2023. My stats are 3.91 GPA and 514 MCAT (127 CP, 129 CARS, 130 BB, 128 PP).

I was wondering what I should do next year. Right now I am facing a lot of pressure from my parents to continue my studies, so I have been frantically searching for one-year course based masters programs to apply for - but there aren't many that are still open at this point. Would you guys suggest going after a one year masters? Or should I do something else like starting to look and apply for medical schools abroad? I'm just a bit confused right now and lost. Any advice on how to plan the next year out would be greatly appreciated!

Hi all, I'm planning a trip to tokyo in June and I was wondering if Tokyo Racecourse is open on the day of the Takarazuka Kinen - even though it takes place elsewhere. I saw on a tiktok somewhere that there are still horse races that go on here on the day of, and they even show the main G1 race on the big screen there. Is this still accurate or true? If so, then would it be adivsed to reserve tickets for this beforehand or would it be easy for my group to just purchase entry tickets on the day of?

If Tokyo Racecourse doesn't do showings of the Takarazuka Kinen, I was thinking of attending the Tokyo Jump Stakes (J-G3) on June 13th. I think it would still be a cool opportunity to get a taste of horseracing in person. I was wondering if any of you had any insights on how to plan around that day? Since its only a G3 race, would I be able to get general admissions tickets pretty easily on the day of at the racecourse entrance, or is it something I should also make reservations for?

Also, regarding the Turfy shop at Tokyo Racecourse, will it be open all the time or are there specific days/hours I should be looking out for?

Just got a WL from Mac, not holding my breath for this one because I was put on the WL last cycle and I never made it off. Not sure why I’m posting this here, but I’ve never been so frustrated and angry with myself and I don’t think anyone else but pre meds would understand these feelings. I’ve tried my best and it’s never enough to take me over the finish line. I’ve never seen myself as an overachiever, moreso I’m someone who barely scrapes by in anything I do, so I’m seriously doubting whether or not I’m good enough to pursue this path.

Wondering if other people feel the same way, just looking for people who get it to talk to.