Applying to all BA/MD programs...?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm a rising senior and recently my parents told me that if I want to apply to a school, I should apply to their BA/MD program if they have it. They said it'll make me "look more ambitious" rather than just applying to the regular undergraduate program. </p>

<p>I was so shocked when I heard this idea, because my stats aren't high enough to get me into any BA/MD program. For example, I'm very interested in attending USC, and it seems like a good fit for me, but my parents want me to "apply to the BA/MD program at USC anyways just to show that you are ambitious". My parents say that it won't matter if I get denied from the BA/MD program because I'll still be considered for regular admission, and this is true for many colleges that offer those program.</p>

<p>I'm really worried that if I go with this plan, I'll have so many extra essays to write regarding medicine that I won't have time to really concentrate on the apps for the other schools that do not have BA/MD programs. </p>

<p>I'm interested in studying biotechnology when I go to college, and I'm somewhat interested in becoming a dermatologist or an eye doctor. Should I just go for all of the BA/MD programs that are available to me when I make my final list?</p>

2

<p>I seriously doubt applying to a BA/MD program will give any advantage at all for regular admissions. It could possibly hurt you, if anything. I would not bother applying to them.</p>

3

<p>No, applying to BA/MD programs is not going to make you look more ambitious and you are correct that the extra work will take away from your regular applications.</p>

<p>IMO, unless you are absolutely sure you want to become a physician AND have high stats, clinical experience and other factors that BA/MD programs look for, it is not wise to pursue a multiple degree program.</p>

4

<p>Thank you SmallCollegesFTW, can you please explain to me why it would hurt my chances? I agree though, I don’t want to bother.</p>

<p>Thank you entomom, I’ll try to make my parents realize that.</p>