<p>Aikomidori,
I am currently in year 6/7 in the RPI combined degree phys. scientist program.
There are plenty of Indians at RPI, and the program especially - I think 1/2- 3/4 of my program class is Indians. I'm Tamil, and there are a bunch of Gujus, more Bengalis, and some Pakistanis, and 4 Caucasians in my class - out of 13 people!
Second, the course load for me was fairly easy at RPI. I know this is not the case for everyone - my class year started with about 18 of us freshman year at RPI and by the time AMC time came, 3 years later, we were down to 13 students. I wasn't close enough to talk with anyone who "left" the program about their reasons for leaving, but I'm pretty sure it was because their GPA didn't hack it. I've made the observation that most of them left after Organic Chemistry, too. The GPA requirement is a 3.4 - I graduated with a 3.89, went to a bunch of parties, did a TON of community service, was an RA, had a boyfriend, etc. Bottom line, you can have a life, and still have a great GPA. But, O.chem was tough for me, I will admit.
I loved the program - even in retrospect, I'm happy I did it. I have always felt pretty certain that I've wanted to be a doctor, and I was always interested in research, and this was the best of both worlds for me. The summer research requirement is not bad at all - something like 10 weeks or 8 weeks, and you are paid - so instead of scooping ice cream or lifeguarding, you're actually doing something very useful with your summers in addition to building your resume and making some cash. Plus, you get to get settled into life in Albany, NY the summer before med. school, which is nice in terms of planning for an apartment, etc.
The research aspect is awesome - when you are in medical school, it is one thing which can set you apart from other candidates when applying to a residency.
Yes, tuition at AMC is very high, but so is every medical school. Friends of mine are studying for the MCAT and are SO stressed out - saving 1 year of tuition (this is a 7 year program), and knowing you are in, are definetely worth it, in my opnion.
...
The med. school aspect is far ahead in your future, but the RPI part is pretty close - I'd say focus on that.</p>
<p>If you are sure med. school is right for you, do it. It's a great program, very supportive staff, and a great school. But, I'm also a big believer in the fact that no matter where you go for college, your experience is based largely on YOU and YOUR actions. Not what the school is like, not what kinds of students are there, etc. If you are outgoing, and need a lot of friends, join a sorority, if not, don't (I didn't), but do things which interest you, and you will be happy and have a great experience.</p>
<p>This is my lil' sister's account, and I will probably never again check this board, but if you want to email me with specific questions about the RPI-AMC program, my personal email is <a href="mailto:Priposterous@yahoo.com">Priposterous@yahoo.com</a>.</p>
<p>Good luck!
Priya</p>