<p>I know it's another one of these threads, but I need your help!</p>
<p>Right now I'm deciding between Cornell University (Tanner Dean Scholar) and the 7-year BA/MD program through Drew University and UMDNJ/New Jersey Medical School.</p>
<p>I'm just worried that I may not enjoy undergrad at Drew, whereas Cornell has a lot more people/activities/opportunities. But I would also have to pay about 30,000 more per year for Cornell and it's tough to give up a guaranteed spot for medical school, especially since I'm sure I want to become a doctor. </p>
<p>I am making the right decision to choose the 7-year program? Any current students in Cornell pre-med or in the 7 year program please share your experiences! Especially about undergraduate at Drewhow are the courses, people, social life etc. I'm nervous, and need some reassurance!</p>
<p>Well, I’m sure you could still get to med school from Cornell, but it pretty much has the reputation as being one of the worst schools for pre-meds b/c it’s so competitive and a lot of people are forced to drop out. I’ve heard of multiple accounts of cornell students w/ 3.8 gpas and 35+ MCAT scores (superb numbers) who did not gain a single medical school admission. These may just be odd cases but the school nonetheless has that sort of reputation. But I do understand your concern about the enjoyment you would have at Drew- i think you would still have a good time. Overall, taking in to consideration that Cornell is very tough for pre-med and that you want to end up in med school either way, Cornell just seems like a waste of 120k. It seems like the 7 year program is a tough but decent choice- what’s important is that you’re actually happy with your decision, and that you visit the schools so you get a sense of what they’re all about and whether you’d be happy there. I sincerely wish you good luck in making this tough decision!</p>
<p>Cornell premed is actually pretty great. Fair grading, excellent MCAT prep, a lot of research opportunities, good advising, structured shadowing programs, hospital volunteering nearby, and lots of activities on campus to pad your resume.</p>
<p>But, if you have to take out 120k in loans to go to Cornell and you’re planning on med school, you pretty much have to go with the combined program. This is a no-brainer. You just can’t take on that level of debt in undergrad if you’re going to be a doctor.</p>
<p>Hmm yeah, I’m going to be visiting both soon (hopefully). But the fact that my family and I would save 120k in the 7 year program and I’d still reach my goal sways it toward the program. I’m just nervous about enjoying it, but I’m sure I’ll work something out like you said breaker746. Thanks for your input everyone !</p>
<p>And I guess it’s subjective about the pre-medicine experience at Cornell, but I do lose the guarantee if I go there which is another big factor.</p>
<p>If anyone has been through one of the NJMS combined programs, esp. through Drew, (or even pre-med in general) let me know what your experiences were at the undergrad or the med school (like about residency matches, activities, etc)! I would appreciate it.</p>
<p>That 120k would pay for 2.5 years of med school.
debt loan is a very important consideration. my dentist knows a doctor who at age 40 still can’t buy a house until he satisfies his school loans.</p>