Cost and BS/MD

<p>I'm in no way saying that I'm going to get in to one of these programs (applying to three, BU, Brown, and NWU), but I have a question. Say you got into one of these programs, but you were still going to have to pay more than you would like for your undergraduate years (maybe you got a good scholarship at another school, or cheap instate tuition at a state school), would you still go? Is it worth possibly spending the extra money over the first four years to be guaranteed to get into medical school, than going where it's cheap and maybe not getting in? I know that if you can get into one of these programs, you've got a good shot at getting into medical school the normal way, but there's still no guarantee. Now as far as the seven year programs, I would be all over that simply because that's a large chunk of money you don't have to spend, one less year could save thousands of dollars, but what about 8 year programs...</p>

<p>Is it worth it if it's gonna cost you more?</p>

<p>All good points. You and your family need to discuss this now. Then when you have all of your acceptances you will be in a better position to make the best decision for you.</p>

<p>BU is a 7 year program, Brown is an 8 year program, and NWU can be either a 7 or 8 year program, depending on your choice. try looking into the rice/baylor program; although it's an 8 year program, rice has one of the lowest tuitions among private schools (under 30k).</p>

<p>In regards to my DS, I remember asking this question to my boss, an Endocrinologist.</p>

<p>His response was " Take a loan. In my time, when I started medical school, the total cost used to be $20-25,000/year. When I took on the loan, it was a mind boggling sum to me. But when I graduated with an MD, my first job paid me more than $100,000. So, what seemed like a huge sum before med school was not much after I was done".</p>

<p>Having said that, I would also advise you to apply to BS/MD programs within your own state. Your chances of getting a full ride are generally higher in your own state than OOS.</p>

<p>Why not try with Baylor college of medicine? I think they have a BS/MD program with Rice...</p>

<p>First off very good idea with respect to picking prestigious programs, rather than settling for any program. You should apply to the Rice/Baylor program as well since you live in Texas as well as it would be close to home. Another one is Penn State/Jefferson Medical College.</p>

<p>UT San Antonio has one as well, but it's definitely not in the prestigious league.</p>

<p>I would agree with Oreo discuss this with your family now, regarding finances, what to do if you don't get in, your backup schools, etc. so that when letters of rejection/acceptance start coming in, you already have a plan that YOU are comfortable with.</p>

<p>Add up the alternative to the programs which is 4 years of undergrad and 4 years of medical school.</p>

<p>I know for Brown and Northwestern - those are schools worth going to for undergrad AND medical school, I don't know much about BU, to be honest.</p>

<p>Although Rice/Baylor is probably the toughest admit among the programs, it is also by far the best value. The tuition at Rice is substantially lower than the tuition of peer schools, and if you qualify for an interview for Rice/Baylor medical scholars you will have such strong credentials that you have a very good chance to receive one of Rice's generous merit scholarships. If you are a Texas resident (most R/B's from oos become Texas residents before med school) the cost of medical school at Baylor is incredibly low.</p>

<p>Is there a reason that you are interested only these?
My D. is in bs/md at state school. Her whole tution and part of R&B covered by Merit scholarships. In addition, her program is very flexible, allowing her to have normal college experience with 2 minors, sorority, volunteering, job,...etc. She can apply out also if she wants. She had other bs/md opportunities all of which included significant or full tuition + Merit scholarships, but all were at state schools. We did not want her to take loans and hoping to help her financially thru Med. School.</p>

<p>I'm getting out of Texas. I absolutely could not stand to go to Rice. </p>

<p>I picked those because I was already applying to BU, PLME was particularly appealing to me, and I was thinking of applying to Northwestern so HPME just gave me another reason to do so. If I really wanted to I could apply to the one at A&M but I just really wanna get out of Texas and live somewhere else. I've traveled, but never lived anywhere else.</p>

<p>The reason I asked about your list was that you choose expensive schools and that conflicts with your concern for cost. But it sounds like you are not really that concerned with the price tag. The best of luck.</p>