<p>I'm a high school junior with keen interest in medical science. I am taking the most rigorous weighted courseload in my high school with an emphasis in science (straight A's). I have good extracurricular activities. I'll be taking either SAT or ACT and most AP exams this spring. </p>
<p>Questions: </p>
<p>1) I heard from somewhere that some 8 yrs medical schools admission require ACT instead of SAT. Is that true?
2) My school doesn't offer AP physics (only honors physics). I will be taking that course in senior year. Will that hurt my chance of admission as some have claimed that it's a must to have AP chem/bio/physics and math, and all AP exams must receive a perfect 5 score to have a good chance to get admitted to these competitive program?
3) Once admitted, no MCAT is required in the future, right?
4) Is there a good list of 8 yrs medical schools and any insight into their admission criteria? </p>
<p>Thanks very much for taking your time to help.</p>
<p>Any college or university that requires a standardized exam for admission will accept both the ACT and the SAT.</p>
<p>Many students find that they perform better on one or the other, so pick up a couple exam review books for each at the library, and work your way through some mock exams. You may find that one style is better for you.</p>
<p>When you say 8-year medical schools, I’m assuming you’re talking about BS/MD or BA/MD programs, which accept you into college and medical school out of high school. Though the programs vary quite a bit, most of them accept both the ACT and SAT. I would also say that taking AP exams is not necessary, especially if the class isn’t offered at your high school. What colleges are looking for (and these programs are as well) is that you’ve challenged yourself within the context of your high school and done well in these top courses.</p>
<p>Some BS/MD programs still require you to take the MCAT and get a minimum score, while some don’t have that criteria. You’ll have to do more individual research into that. There’s actually a whole forum for these programs here on CC (Multiple Degree Programs - College Confidential Forums) where you can find links to lists of programs in the US.</p>
<p>No, the MCAT score, once admitted to an MD or DO program (after a BS undergraduate degree), is a part of the past. What will take its place, however, will be two sets of board exams, one at the end of 2nd year med school & one after 3rd year. These scores will either heighten or lessen your chances at a good residency program (3-5 years) after 4 years of med school.</p>
<p>So, OP, you being a junior in HS, if you choose this path you have less than 2 years of HS left, 4 years undergrad, 4 years med school, then 3-5 years of residency before you become a full-fledged MD or DO, whether you get involved in an integrated program per above or not. You will be 28 years old minimum at that time, probably closer to 30-31. It’s a great, fulfilling goal, but you had better know what you’re getting into.</p>