<p>There are already quite a lot of colleges offering this. They also do require high SAT scores to get in.....since these programs offer the same M.D. degree, aren't these supposed to be better deals in terms of shortened periods of studying (i.e. saving money too)? Most of them also don't require MCAT scores. I don't wanna become a doctor of a renowned person or something like that by the way! :D
Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Accelerated programs can often be more intense than the normal route since you are learning the same amount of material in a shorter time period.</p>
<p>well, the accelerated programs are usually consisted of 2 years of undergrad and 4 years of regular Med School. And, those two years of undergrad are comprised of 10-15 credits per semester (most likely including summers). If you can start w/ some good amount of AP credits, you can definitely get a head start and kinda reduce the stress.</p>
<p>If you want to convince yourself that they are better, why are you asking for our help?</p>
<p>Seems like you've made your mind. This thread is useless.</p>
<p>Eh, I never said that I want to convince myself that they are better! o_O! So far, I haven't seen any major flaws w/ these combined programs except that these can be really demanding and intense. I wanted to see whether I'm overseeing anything and just looking at one side! I'd never want to convince myself that those are better if those aren't really better match for me!
do any of you think that these programs have darker sides?</p>
<p>I'm in a seven year program. I didn't care where I went for undergrad and I liked the school the program was at (and the medical school), so I went for it. I knew I wanted to be a doctor, so I figured it was the best route for me to go. The benefits are that I don't have to take the MCAT, I'm able to stay in the program with a relatively low GPA, and it's accelerated. At my program they make you do a specific major. I was interested in the major, so it doesn't bother me, but some would be turned off by it. Also, if one changes his or her mind about medicine, they will be stuck at the school, which may not offer them a wide variety of options of study.</p>
<p>6 year programs you have to take MCAT after freshman year</p>
<p>I have 2 friends who are in their 2nd year at PSU and are really sweating it out as far as MCAT (they need at least 9 on each section). They aced their SATs with high 1500s too.</p>
<p>Unless you really like the specific medical school and undergrad school and those 2 schools would be your top choice anyway, I wouldn't advise going to one.</p>
<p>But, is it same for all the programs? Agh..I was looking at PennState/Jefferson program and realized that you have to give MCAT anyways! Yeah, I guess it's quite difficult to take MCAT right during/after 2nd year!</p>
<p>UMKC does not require the MCAT at all. Neither does NEOUCOM, but that is killer to get in from out of state. I disagree with aznsnake on his opinion that you have to really like the undergrad and medical school. You need to like it enough to be happy there, but it's also a personal choice on whether the sacrifice of a brand name school is worth it for early clinical experience and an accelerated education. I know it's cliche, but State College A does give you the same M.D as Harvard. Every residency program in the country realizes that the name of the school is not as important as what you do with the degree and your education.</p>
<p>Chaz90 - Correction, NEOUCOM requires MCAT</p>
<p>Accelerated programs might not be the cheapest way. Yes, you are saving on living expenses. However, they are compressed, so you are forced to take much more credit hours than your academic scholarship covers. There are programs that are not accelerated, and that could be a good alternative for some people. However, all of them are very selective, including the ones at state schools.</p>
<p>My bad. 10 chars</p>
<p>I want to know if you know any univ's that offer "Accelerated Medical Program" in the mid-west. My son is interested in Optometry but I am not sure he can take the pressure of accelerated program?. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Optometry, of course, is not going to fall under the heading of a medical program. They may have their own accelerated programs; don't know.</p>
<p>If you Google "accelerated optometry programs" you will find a bunch, hanuma1. If you are looking for an "accelerated medical program" you may be confusing optometry with opthalmology.</p>
<p>What state is your residency? Some of combined programs prefer in-state applicants. If you are talking about combined medical programs, then some of them are not accelerated and still gve you advantage of being conditionally accepted to Med. school (some even w/o MCAT). Then there is no additional pressure. It is actually less pressure knowing that you do not have to apply to Med. school, unless you want to go somewhere else outside of your program. All pre-meds have a pressure to maintain GPA, in combined program or not.</p>