Carnegie Mellon is a super prestigious university and difficult to get into. I have always wanted to become a physician and was keen on getting into a direct program, that did not work out for me the way I planned but I have got into a few BS/DO programs. I have also gotten into Carnegie Mellon, where I would be majoring in Neuroscience and then take the MCAT in four years. I know CMU is not well known for pre-med but I feel that I could get into DO school after four years anyways. Should I go to CMU and try to take the MCAT, or should I take the BS/DO seat where I do not have to take the MCAT and must maintain a 3.5 GPA at a state college??
This feels like a really dumb question, but I’m not sure if I should give up a guaranteed spot to become a doctor.
@confused121 Do you mind sharing what you decided on? I’m pretty much considering the same thing as you (as a rising senior). My top would definitely a BA/MD/MS program (guaranteed medical), but I’m also touring CM tomorrow and will probably apply for either neuroscience or biomedical engineering. My research led me to believe that going to CM would be good in the sense that it would not be as competetive in its college of sciences as Engineering overshadows it, but your insight would definitely be helpful. Thanks in advance!!
I actually did not end up choosing Carnegie Mellon or the BS/DO program as I got into a BS/MD program in a different college. In my opinion if you know you want to become a doctor go for the BS/MD programs if you’ve been accepted into one. I don’t want to spark an entire DO versus MD debate, but if you get into a BS/DO program then go for a higher tier school such as Carnegie Mellon or any other ivy league, which will prepare you well for the MCAT. BS/MD programs are extremely competitive though so don’t be disheartened (I didn’t think I would get into any and consider myself lucky not worthy exactly for even getting in), if you really want to become a doctor and you put in the effort required to do so, you will.
@krisp13 – you mentioned biomedical engineering. be aware that at CMU, BME is only offered as what they call an additional major on top of an primary engineering major. At the end of freshman year you declare a major in one of the 5 traditional engineering discplines they offer. If you want BME you then declare that as an additional major. It means that you dedicate most of the elective choices in the primary major to BME courses and take a few extra courses but have two majors. Not sure how that factors in the MD planning but it’s something to consider. My D is an incoming freshman and will declare either MSE or ChemE as the primary with BME additional. For her this was ideal as she likes the increased focused on primary engineering.