BS/MD vs. Top School

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello everybody! I have a question for all of you. </p>

<p>A very common debate among students and others alike, is the difference between a state school and a top school (including the Ivies and the Honorary Ivies). My question is a little bit different than this common topic... </p>

<p>Given the choice between a top school and a BS/MD program, which would be better for a student? For more clarification: the choice between a pre-med program at Johns Hopkins versus the BS/MD program at the University of Pittsburgh. As a student who wants to become a doctor, this is a tough decision for me. Any advice, tips, or suggestions would be helpful and appreciated. </p>

<p>Thank you very much!</p>

2

<p>I am assuming this is hypothetical, it is unlikely that you will get into both so it is silly to think about right now. That being said I would pick John Hopkins, I have heard that when you apply for a residency a BS/MD program will not be as highly regarded as applicant who went to college and then applied to medical school while there…</p>

3

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pre-med-topics/1531351-guaranteed-medical-school-vs-school-my-choice.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pre-med-topics/1531351-guaranteed-medical-school-vs-school-my-choice.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Check out the Multiple Degree Program forum and the Premed Topics forum for other discussions (use the Search function before starting a new thread).</p>

4

<p>Heard from who, ArtsyGirl13? I would think it wouldn’t matter, and would be much more reliant on what medical school you went to and how you performed there. Why would residencies care if you shaved one year off your medical education?</p>

<p>I think which would be better depends on the student. Students who don’t test well may perform better at a BS/MD program where they aren’t required to take the MCAT or only have a certain threshold to beat to be guaranteed admission into the program of their choice. Students who aren’t quite ready for the rigor of med school may be better off doing four years at a regular college and applying their senior year or even taking a year or two “off” to do something else before applying.</p>

<p>Just apply for both. The decision will become easier to make once you actually have options. BS/MD programs are very competitive, but in reality they only save you about a year, perhaps two at some 6-year programs. Two years may seem like a long time to you now, but trust me, it’s really nothing.</p>

5

<p>Pittsburgh is an elite medical school as it is (top 20) so I would pick that over Hopkins undergrad but this is one of the rare occasions I would recommend a BS/MD over an elite private school.</p>