Best Combined Program that I could get into?

Pre-Med & Medical School Multiple Degree Programs
1

<p>Hey everyone. I'm trying to figure out what's the best combined undergrad and med school program that I could get into. I'm looking for a program that would be able to give me a pretty good scholarship since my family income is in that akward middle ground between receiving a lot of aid and none at all, and towords the higher end of that spectrum at that.</p>

<p>Here are my stats:
GPA:4.3; 3.9
SAT:2300
PSAT:236
ACT:36
SAT II: Chem-800, World History-800, Math II-taking in June, expecting 800
APs:Chem-5, World History-5, Human Geography-5, Took this year: Bio, Physics C(s), US History, English, Calculus BC. Expecting to get 5s but Physics C is not as solid as the rest.</p>

<p>Major Awards: USABO Semis, USNCO national finalist, Best quiz bowl team in state, Physics team got 4th in nation, Lots of Science Olympiad Medals with a couple at Nationals, Octas at a national debate tournament, Bauch and Lomb Award, going to be atleast National Merit Semifinalist</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Quiz Bowl- Team Captain
Science Olympiad- President
NHS- President
Student Government- Senator, shoe-in to be senate chairman next year, effectively student body president
Physics Team- Founder, President
Debate
Orchestra- Assistant concertmaster, not going to lie- we're pretty good
Science Bowl- founder, captain, we did ok at regionals...
Research on MD... didn't win Science Fair, got 3rd, no ISEF </p>

<p>Volunteering:
30 hours at hospital
130-140 at Science Museum</p>

<p>I know that I'm a pretty good applicant to college in general, my question is about my dearth of "hard science" ISEF style awards. How will that play out in the admissions process. I'm going to wager that they want to see a strong dedication to the medical profession, but the most that I can give them is about 30 hours volunteering at the hospital. Right now all I'm really looking into is NU HPME and Brown PLME, what other programs should I look into, particularly ones with good financial aid?</p>

<p>Thanks
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using CC App</p>

2

<p>USC and Rice/Baylor.
What state are you from?</p>

3

<p>You’re clearly a very strong applicant for top colleges in general, but the lack of shadowing and significant volunteering at hospitals could be a major detriment to your application in terms of BA/MD programs. That being said, you’re still 5-6 months out from application time, and I would recommend looking to shadow some doctors in that time. That is probably the best use of your time in terms of ECs in the next few months because shadowing really makes for great material for why you are interested in medicine in essays, during the interview, etc. If you get ~100 hours of shadowing in maybe 2 different specialties (talk to doctors you know through family and friends connections/doctors at the hospital you volunteer at), you should be able to get into some top programs. </p>

<p>In terms of where to apply, yeah USC, BU, Rice, NW, Brown, CWRU, and SLU are probably a good place to start. I know personally know people who have gotten full merit scholarships with med program at USC, BU, CWRU, and SLU.</p>

4

<p>Thanks, I’ve started to work on getting some shadowing opportunities. Does anyone else have any suggestions?</p>

5

<p>Ask someone that your family or family friend already know and see if you can shadow them. This is easiest way.
If you don’t know anyone, try the local medical society. They may have one already set up.
Or you can volunteer at the hospital or ER and make connections that way. My daughter volunteered at the local hospital and also worked as an OR tech (anesthesia).
If you have time, shadow several specialties. You have more to talk about on your medical application essay and during medical school interviews.</p>

6

<p>Apply to wide range and see what happen. Nobody can advise on this, it also changes from year to year as total number of spots goes down, some program shrink, some get closed. Interviews at combined programs are usually very short, they are not the same as regular route interviews at Med. Schools. Do not worry too much about interviews, just be yourself, do not pretend, it will be OK.</p>

7

<p>From what you said, you are looking at the very top programs like the Brown PLME and Northwestern HPME for which your chances would not be so great primarily because of your lack of medical experience. If you really want the BS/MD route I would look at less competitive (although still competitive) programs such as the Drexel ones, Boston University 7yr, Penn State/Jefferson 6 year one and RPI/Albany 7 year. But aside from that your application looks great for normal undergrad schools, good luck.</p>

8

<p>Chance is one thing and not applying is another. </p>

<p>There is no reason for you not to aim for the high end programs because you are lacking shadowing experience or anything else. Just apply and see what happens while aiming to improve your application from now until application deadline.</p>

9

<p>Another point to consider. Do not be too dissapointed if you do not get where you want to be. It is harder to get to combined programs than eventually get into Med. Schools with this programs. I know that because of my D’s experience. She was rejected pre-interview from combined program of her #1 choice and did not even apply to another top one. She choose to be at combined program at state school of full tuition Merit scholarship. This state school has been a perfect place for my D. with many opportunities well beyond our expectations. D. took full advantages of most of them and as a result positioned herself to be able apply out of her program. She has been accepted to both Med. Schools that I have mentioned, in top 20. She had very hard time choosing. She is starting in few weeks at the one that was her original #1 choice.</p>

10

<p>OP you have great stats and experiences. USC Bac/MD is definitely an awesome program! There are also HPME, PLME and Rice/Baylor that you should consider (I would apply to those 4 and more since there is no guarantee of acceptance).</p>

<p>USC’s Bac MD is more on the unique end. They want you to have more than pure science ambition. They want you to have other interests as well that you can pursue to make you a better doctor. </p>

<p>And financial aid wise, USC is definitely something you should consider. There are many Presidential and Trustee scholars in Bac MD!</p>

<p>Feel free to PM me about USC Bac MD if you have any further questions.</p>

11

<p>USC Bac/MD also does not prevent you from leaving for another program if you choose. Someone said PLME is requiring people not to apply to other programs under the threat of revoking medical admission.</p>