I really want to become a neurologist. While I’m not as sure as my peers who are applying for direct entry and have known they wanted this since sixth grade, I’ve been very passionate about pursuing this career.I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon. My parents are recommending I apply to some direct entry medical school programs. I definitely see why, and I definitely will.
- However, not all of these schools offer a neuroscience major which is very important to me and a dealbreaker. Some offer neurobiology, but it is not something I’m equally passionate about as neuroscience.
- Some of the really good schools for neuroscience (a lot of which don’t have direct entry), have lots of research opportunities and are wonderful in several ways, but do not provide the same level of guarantees for medical school.
I like the feeling of security that direct entry medical programs provide, but I also feel like I wouldn’t enjoy or get as much out of them as some other schools that don’t offer direct entry. Any opinions that will provide insight on the situation are welcome. Thank you.
Read the last 5-6 pages of this thread where the raging discussion on direct entry vs regular route is going on.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/multiple-degree-programs/2081864-thread-for-bsmd-applicants-2019.html#latest
Which year are you in HS now?
In life we don’t get everything, but some people succeed in whatever they are passionate and find ways to reach their goal. Also need to go 1 step at a time. First complete HS, then UG , then MD and then Neuro residency. It is a loooong way to go.
@GoldenRock It’s definitely a long way to go… I’m a junior in high school, and that’s what I’ve been thinking. Maybe I’m being too idealistic because very few are blessed enough to get everything they want in life. That thread is providing a lot of valuable insight, I really appreciate it. Thank you!
A college major of neuroscience will not help you at all in becoming a neurologist. This should not be a factor whatsoever in determining which route you go.
You are a junior in high school. You have a LONG way to go before even being considered for a neurology residency…which you will need to become a…neurologist.
I’ll let someone else give you the statistics…
@WayOutWestMom ?
@GreenPoison It’s not a matter of whether or not it’ll help me. It’s something I am interested in. I don’t think it will hurt me in taking Neuroscience over biology; do you disagree?
@thumper1 I understand that, however, if I am applying for direct entry it’s something I would like to start considering now to prepare exams etc. since a lot of direct programs require me to apply to in Nov.
@kokopta
Whether you are applying for direct entry BS/MD or regular UG, you need to apply coming fall. Submission dates may be early for BS/MD. But you should take your SAT and/or ACT this summer, preferably before school starts.
Not many schools will offer Neuroscience major. But you can do any major and still do many courses related to Neuroscience. Major is typically 35 to 50 credits only in any school. But you can take whatever courses you like to focus.
Neuroscience is almost always a harder major than Biology- the upper level courses can be extremely difficult. Either way, in most programs, any science major is allowed- plus, most big programs (like Penn State, BU, RPI) already have science departments that have neuroscience majors
@kokopta Temple University has a BSMD (8 yr) program and you can major in B.S(Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular Biology) for 8 yr option. This requires 2 semester of research in senior year. You can also do a BSMD (7 yr) with a B.A(Biology). DD is in 8 yr BSMD program with a major in B.S(Neuroscience).
My daughter is a Neuroscience major at Notre Dame. It’s tough, but she’s having a great time.
@GoldenRock Thank you for the first part, I have begun to prepare accordingly. Secondly, I think that Neuroscience is a fairly common major these days. Perhaps it is not as prominent as Psychology or Business, but I still think it is fairly common.
@GreenPoison That’s good to know, I greatly appreciate that information. Thank you! I understand it is hard but it’s something I want to study, nonetheless.
@grtd2010 Thank you!!!
@COSpgsparent I wish her the best of luck in her studies!