<p>Are Combined Programs Really worth it? It's good that you can graduate in fewer years and don't have much pressure to do well in undergraduate. BUT sometimes it costs a lot AND you can basically do the same thing, but graduate in more years in a normal college. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Also do people from combined programs get into good residencies?</p>
<p>If I was accepted into a combined program, I would take it. Mainly for me, it provides a lot of relief knowing that I'm going to medical school. I don't constantly have to worry if I'm going to get in or not.
I guess for residencies, people that come from combined programs still are treated the same and not differently for residencies. Though, people that get accepted into combined programs, often have the capabilities to get into good residencies also.</p>
<p>Personally, I chose not to take the combined route. Traditional undergrad for me, with all its pros and cons.</p>
<p>its good in one way- no mcat, mutiple degrees as back up, more prestige
bad- COST!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>You know, if cost is a factor for you, then consider that a number of public schools have guaranteed programs, too. And, if you do attend one like the program I'm in (GPPA @ University of Illinois at Chicago), you follow a traditional undergraduate route, you can major in whatever you wish, and you're not penalized for applying to other medical schools - your spot is still guaranteed, so it basically is going to "regular" undergraduate route plus the safety backup of med school acceptance. </p>
<p>Needless to say, all of the programs are different, but I would say that the program I'm in is exceptionally worth it because I have too many options to count, regarding the amount of years I want to spend in Undergrad, whether or not I want to apply out of the program, which major and/or minor combination to study, etc. Honestly, if you find a program with this much flexibility, it's definitely worth it.</p>
<p>also, students don't necessarily graduate in fewer years in a combined program. People graduate early in accelerated programs.</p>
<p>Personally, I don't want to apply to 6 or 7 year programs (HPME though...) because I don't want to rush anything, I just want that security of being in med school and the freedom to major in anything i want and not do extra activities b/c it will look good for medical admissions.</p>
<p>how is cost that much of a factor?</p>
<p>if you are like typical middle class and went to harvard, you'd pay like 40k a year for 4 years, and then you end up in med school, which, on average, will cost another 40k for 4 years. that's like $320,000 versus if you go to a combined degree program for 8 yrs, might come out to be the same, but you've got a chance for merit money too in most cases. And if it's accelerated (6 or 7 yrs), you'd pay that much less.</p>
<p>1.) Many students would attend state schools for either medical school or undergrad instead of a combined track.</p>
<p>2.) A private medical school will run you about $60K if you're including living expenses. Private undergrads (e.g. mine) usually include living expenses when they charge $40K.</p>
<p>What about programs that are the regular 8 years and very cheap such as Brooklyn College and Stony Brook? These would be ideal if you're worried about high costs and the negatives of cutting out years of college.</p>
<p>Not all the combined programs are expensive...some of the programs in Texas provide a full undergrad scholarship (I got one). Its relieving to know that you don't have to worry about the MCATs and acceptance. Also, most programs are not accelerated. Many of them are 8 year programs.</p>
<p>Personally, I would go for combined programs. Like the others have said, it's very relieving to know that you don't have to worry about grad school applications or MCATs. But then again, its your choice.</p>
<p>There are many combined programs in the Northeast (NY, NJ, CT) which are supported by states too.
If you are a resident in any of these states, and if you qualify for a full ride for 4 years, it leaves you with approximately $12k/year for dorm+food........which is way less than the debt you could incur going to Private schools.</p>
<p>Northwestern's HPME runs around $55k/year, Brown's PLME is about the same as well.</p>
<p>The best part of BS/MD programs is that if you change your mind in your junior year, you can opt out of the program and apply as a regular student. You are not forced to commit to 7 or 8 years if you change your mind.</p>
<p>The other benefit IMO relates to the 'enhanced collaborative learning' kids in these programs tend to indulge in. As opposed to some Ivys that shall remain un-named where the competition in Premeds is so severe that students practically rejoice if their fellow students break a beaker in a chem lab!
This sort of negative pressure does not lead to collegiality nor any collaborative learning.</p>
<p>Since BS/MD'ers have already been accepted in the medical school, there is far more collaborative spirit which is conducive to enhanced learning and a sense of 'belonging' to the Program. Therefore, I would say that it provides a far more nurturing environment than a regular MD program does.</p>
<p>Oh, I've certainly never heard of competition that cutthroat at any of the elite schools besides (possibly) JHU.</p>
<p>My daughter is applying to a combined program for vet school. Given that there are only 28 vet schools, and the competition for admission via the traditional route is brutal (worse than med school), she thinks it's definitely worth a try if it will guarantee her a seat in vet school following the completion of her undergraduate degree. In addition, she gains mentoring and research opportunities with vet school faculty and students while still an undergraduate. Can't hurt.</p>