Biomedical Engineering

<p>Are there any Biomedical Engineering majors on CC? if so, do you like the program? are you fulfilling pre-med requirements?</p>

<p>Hey, I'm in the SEAS and I'm thinking of applying to BME. It's capped again this year, prolly at 60. It's a pretty good major. It's versatile and has many paths after graduation. However, I've heard it's a really hard major. Even one of the main professors said it was hard. Some of the beginning level classes are taught at the graduate level. Fulfilling the premed req's aren't really hard with BME. It's only a few extra classes. Also, I think a lot of people in BME are doing premed so that's good too. Most of them have gotten into good schools.</p>

<p>thanks a lot, do you have to apply to BME after first year?</p>

<p>You apply in second semester and get the results in June/July. I think it's mainly based on grades and gpa.</p>

<p>I'm a first year in College right now, and I've never considered being a BME major until recently...if I do decide to be a BME major, is it too late?</p>

<p>I'm just a first year so I'm somewhat in the same boat as others. Well you might have to take a few courses in the summer or overload next sem, but if you are serious I think you can do it. But be sure that you want to do it first.</p>

<p>Just wondering as I am deciding what school to be in what are your reasons for wanting to do BME? Are you premed also?</p>

<p>S is a current BME major. He loves the subject matter. Applications for it will be during next semester. If you are not in SEAS today, see your advisor. Should be possible to pull off, but without the intro engineering classes it might be tougher competition with the SEAS applicants. A large majority of apps are accepted (at least in past years), so it seems possible.</p>

<p>Advantages: Fascinating, fast growing field. Long term job prospects.</p>

<p>Disadvantages: It is hard, though I doubt it is much harder than other engineering fields. Current popularity of major nationwide is outstripping job growth in the short run. In the long run it should be fine, but know that a decent job will probably require a Masters. Even then, biotech firms are in cash trouble these days, so the short term is a little dicey.</p>

<p>As for pre med, I would generally advise you NOT to do engineering if you are serious about pre med. While the knowledge would certainly make you a better doctor, it is also likely to push down your GPA. Past stats indicate SEAS GPA is about 0.1 lower than A&S. The first screen among med school applicants is pretty formulaic, and there is little room to "adjust" for degree of difficulty across schools and majors. Bottom line is if you do not feel you can't sustain a 3.75 in SEAS, and you REALLY want med school, I would think again.</p>

<p>is a 3.75 GPA generally the GPA med schools are looking for? im talking a standard med school, not harvard</p>

<p>They're looking for above 3.5. They might allow a few below that, but to increase your chances you should be above that. GPA is another major factor for me for choosing BME at UVa.</p>

<p>There is, of course, no magic GPA to get in. I am working off of the admission stats published by the AMA. You can find them here:</p>

<p>AAMC:</a> FACTS Table 17: MCAT Scores and GPAs for Applicants and Matriculants to U.S. Medical Schools</p>

<p>As you can see, the average GPA of MATRICULANTS has been rising steadily, and was 3.65 in 2007. By the time you get there, 3.7 is realistic. And that is the median. People with much lower GPAs will get in, but in terms of a goal, I think 3.7 and higher is where you want to be.</p>

<p>I am current BME undergrad at UVA... the cap is at 60 and you apply your first year, second semester. (If you don't get in or decide after your first year you want to BME they have applications again for the spots that open up from people who drop the major.) It's mainly based on your gpa and also your SAT scores... I would say more than 50% of BMEs are premeds, all the courses you are required to take for BME and eschool cover the premed requirement except Orgo, which you have to take on top of all your BME courses</p>

<p>Keep in mind that if you attend UVA and enter the BmE program, you're going to be in a program "attached" to a top-notch hospital. This means great resources and research/volunteer opportunities.</p>

<p>An excellent point shoe, and something that does not get picked up in the US News rankings. Shoe put the word "attached" in quotes for a reason; it is literally attached and BME students pretty much have the run of the entire facility. It is something that is hard to find, in that most major med schools are somewhat removed from the undergrad campus.</p>

<p>thats a very good point. definately helpful too</p>