<p>I think the language on the Cincinnati BS/MD webpage is good advice. They’re looking for students who are self-aware and driven towards careers in medicine. The student should be the one asking questions. You’ve said before that your son may not be interested in medicine or engineering anyway. What does he want?</p>
<p>He wants to be either a scientist, an engineer or a doctor helping people in need. He is not driven by money or fame. His material needs are minimal.</p>
<p>I agree with menloparkmom and electronblue: You are trying to cover too many bases and driving the search too much. I understand your desire to cover every base, but this dilutes the commitment to one path. It doesn’t sound like your S is ready to decide which of those career options he wants. </p>
<p>It sounds like he’ll have many options and a lot to offer the world.</p>
<p>Thanks to the contributors of this forum for taking the time and offer valuable suggestions. This has been a helpful journey so far. Perhaps, as time goes by, my S may be able to narrow down some choices.</p>
<p>Trinity, It’s an evolutionary process. The information gets clearer as you circle around it.</p>
<p>I think, ironically, that by trying to keep all options open you’re actually narrowing opportunities. That is, in focusing on universities that offer medicine, engineering and financial aid your son may be missing some other categories – like medium and small privates, many of which are generous with money.</p>
<p>Also, I don’t see medicine or engineering as an equal either/or; they are so different in discipline and personality type. It’s not the least bit unusual for a 16-17 year old to be unsure of what he wants to do or be in 10 years (except successful 
) </p>
<p>It IS a bit scary to think about the prospect of starting professional school after four years of undergrad, but in actual practice with mentoring, internships and summer jobs along the way the student actually begins his/her career path while s/he is exploring and learning.To me, that’s the beauty of the American liberal arts education.</p>
<p>I agree. It may be a generational gap. My S considers the next 4 months after which he needs to start filling application forms to be like 4 years on his time scale. His laid back attitude makes it difficult for him to start exploring various options on his own now so gets an in-depth understanding of his options prior to applying to various universities.</p>
<p>Many of the kids, especially boys, are like this. Mine was. But usually it all works out.</p>