I was recently notified of my acceptance into Boston Universities 7 Year BS/MD program which was very exciting. I was also admitted to the University of Pittsburgh Honors college earlier in the admissions process. I am pretty sure these two schools are my top choices.
Im having a hard time deciding where to go. BU gave me very good merit considering what they usually award people. Pitt is cheaper per year as I got a very good offer from them. Even though Pitt is cheaper per year, BU ends up being cheaper for my undergrad since the program is accelerated. One less year of tuition brings them to around the same price.
I understand that both programs are very selective, with the BU SMED program being a bit more.
I visited Pitt and loved the people, campus, and Cathy of course. I have been on BU’s campus multiple times. I’m from the suburbs near Boston and grew up visiting the city. I plan on attending medical school one way or another. Im just really not sure what the best choice for me is.
Any insight from people that have attended either schools or similar programs?
Thank you!
I would agree that if you’re sure about the medical path, the BU program is a great opportunity. Some BS/MD programs have such high GPA thresholds to stay in that it almost defeats the purpose - to continue through these programs, you have to do so well that you would’ve gotten into med school anyway! But BU’s threshold is 3.2, which is very reasonable - you should be able to clear that bar without constant anxiety about your grades. (OTOH, you do still have to take the MCAT and score in the top 20%.) The other potential drawback of accelerated programs is the reduced time in undergrad to explore other interests. But BU’s program includes summer coursework in addition to the three regular undergrad years, so you’re not really missing out on much elective time. What you are missing out on is a very stressful med school admissions process, and the obligation to tailor your undergrad activities to that admissions process. I would imagine that you get more time back as a result, than you lose in the acceleration. You did extremely well to secure a spot in this program; if I were you, I’d go for it unless I were unsure about being premed. Congrats on two great choices!
Thank you! your insight is greatly appreciated. Both programs are great but I think I’m leaning more towards BU. The opportunity is unmatched to be done with school after 7 years.