<p>I was wondering what are the positives of not attending an accelerated ba/md degree (medical)? and just going through it the regular way? I've seen lots of pluses for the other side, but not so much for this side. I'm a junior and just wondering which offers the best options?</p>
<p>I will get flamed, but here goes. I think (having been through med school, etc) that it is actually a rare student who should go through the accelerated degree. I think that most 17 year olds need to grow up a little, experience the world, try out a few non-science classes, do more practical medical exposure. I realize that practical med exposure is almost required for some of these programs, but with all the restrictions on privacy, etc. that we have these days, I think it is harder for college students to get meaningful experiences, let alone a high school student.
Yes, there are some kids who have had real research experiences, other kids who have never had any idea of doing anything else (but they are the ones who could crash and burn the worst). Also, there are some programs, Brown, in particular, I think, where you can quit at any time with minimal damage - the only problem I have with that program, with what little I know, is that you have to go to a private med school which will leave the average kids with a crippling debt burden.</p>
<p>It is hard to appreciate as a 17 year old what I mean, and how important it is. You feel like life is rushing by, and the 14 more years of training you have ahead is almost as many years as you have lived (gotta get started), but it actually goes by so fast, and it is so all consuming, you need the maturity to know that's what you want, before you get so deep into training and can't easily turn back. The bitter truth is, even 20 years ago when I graduated, probably between a third and half the class wished they had never done medicine - and our average debt was only about $20000.</p>
<p>Look hard at what the outs are - the MCATs are so very bad - if you can get through the SATs, and have the grades, etc, to be considered for the combined program, you can get into med school after college.</p>
<p>well I've always been leaning towards the traditional route, but everyone here is interested in the accelerated programs. I want to enjoy my undergrad years. I was just wondering if I was stupid for not wanting to go to one of these programs.</p>
<p>I would strongly encourage you to do so. I have no personal experience with the accelerated programs, just the traditional 4 year med school. Let me put it this way: I would have trouble using the words "enjoy" and "my medical school years" in the same sentence.</p>
<p>Duh, I meant to say in the last paragraph:</p>
<p>the MCATs AREN'T so very bad.</p>
<p>This is something I feel pretty strongly about, you should not at all feel inadequate for going the traditional route - it seems to me that like a lot of other things in the college admissions world, these programs are more about what they can do for the institution, than about what they can do for the student.</p>
<p>Not that an individual student cannot use the system to her advantage, but buyer beware.</p>
<p>DO what seems best for you Celebrian.</p>
<p>well med school isn't anything near fun, and I think undergrad is a place to develop and learn, not be on a professional route the second you start</p>
<p>anymore opinions?</p>
<p>i dont know but this was one of your first posts young lady!</p>