College Selection

Hi everyone. After two disappointing days of rejections and waitlists, I have finally narrowed down my options. I got accepted to Georgetown, WashU, and Vanderbilt. I was also accepted to UCF’s BMS program which is a direct 8 year med program. I also have the option of Umiami’s HPM program which is not direct but does offer a lot of advising for pre-health professions. If I went to UCF it would be free with a spot in med school (if I met all the guidelines). If I went to Miami it would be around 10k a year (i got the singer scholarship+others). If I went to Georgetown, WashU, or Vandy, it would be full cost at all these schools. Does anyone have any idea what I should do. I hate to be that person but my pride is so low as of right now. Penn and Duke were my dreams but I got waitlisted at Penn and rejected from Duke. I’ve been so stressed about the situation for the past 2 days and I have a pit in my stomach. Also I am 1000% sure I want to be a doctor.
What do you thing I should choose?

oh ALSO, money is not a huge deal for me… my parents are willing to make it work but I don’t know if it is worth it for premed + if Im not totally in love with the school.

I personally would take the assured med school slot.

Do you believe that you will be capable of achieving the requirements of Burnett to claim the spot in med school? Will the scholarship follow through to med school? Would UCF and UM offer alternative pathways for you if you choose to not enter med school? If so, I would only consider UCF and UM as they offer the best chance for you to enter med school and are the lowest cost.

Are you nuts? Assured medical school is unheard of anywhere else! Take it!

There are about 50 BS/MD programs of 7 or 8 yrs in length in the US. Nothing is guaranteed unless you meet the program requirement. In the Burnett Program, you must not only complete the honors program requirements but also the honors in the major program requirements. You must complete and defend your thesis, have a GPA of 3.75 and meet the schools score on MCAT as well as pass through numerous interview and faculty evaluations. It is quite rigorous.

Yes. That is why I am nervous about choosing this program because if I didn’t meet the requirements I would be stuck at UCF med school. Do you think Miami or georgetown would be better?

You have to visit the schools, look at their other programs. See where you would be happy and successful in another program or major if you choose not to follow through with medicine. You have to decide if you could reconcile the “what if” factor if you decide to attend somewhere else and not attempt the med school route. University of Miami’s program is new and appears to be more holistic in nature with intense advising. I think they offer a more diverse path with more options. Please try to visit both programs. Congratulations on your your acceptances!

I would stop being so hard on yourself. Dream schools are for losers. YOU are the prize.

I’d pick WUSTL for premed if your parents are comfortable paying. Good premed, private school grade inflation, etc. Vandy or Georgetown are probably fine too if you like them better. Visit the schools and fall in love with one of them.