<p>OK, I have a MAJOR dilemma. I got into the Drexel/Drexel 7 year BS/MD program in late March and sent in my tuition deposit and everything. Then, about one week ago, I also got into the Union/AMC program off the waiting list. Union/Albany is giving me until this Friday, May 20th to decide! Over the past week I have visited both campuses, Union for the 1st time and Drexel for like the nth (infinity) time. I really liked them both, but for different reasons! First, let me just spell out the requirements of each program for those not in the know.</p>
<p>Drexel:
Must get three 9's on the MCAT or a 30 combined score if you can't get the three 9's. (MOST people I have talked to have said that this isn't that hard, but still requires considerable prep.)<br>
Must maintain a 3.45 overall GPA and a 3.25 sciences GPA with no grade under a C.</p>
<p>Union:
No MCAT requirement (You don't even have to take the test.)
Must maintain a 3.4 overall GPA.</p>
<p>Now, in visiting both campuses I got two very distinct feels, because they are obviously two very different places. Union is in Schenectady, a sleepy suburb of Albany, while Drexel is right in the middle of Philly and has UPenn right there. Union has GRASS, which is a nice sight on a college campus, and a rather small (around 2000-ish) student body that is very personal and dedicated to you. Drexel has like 11500 students and some profs don't even know your name. A lot of Drexel's core classes for a Bio major such as myself are in huge lecture halls with a hundred something people. Union has like no lectures, which is very nice. I am getting money from both colleges, but more from Drexel. However, the cost is playing NO PART in my decision for personal reasons.</p>
<p>Now the major differences:
Drexel is 7 years while Union is 8. Union gives me an MBA or an M.S. (I don't know how useful either degree is going to be once I have my M.D. though) before I begin medical school. However, I have to study for at least two summers at Union and possibly up to four summers to get the extra degree. Drexel just sticks with the B.S. Drexel Honors kids (like me) get a beautiful dorm in East Hall with "suite-style living" and full AC/microwave/kitchen/stove/2 showers/2 toilets/6 kids/BIG personal space. Union has your typical freshman dorm with no AC but gives the option for much nicer rooms sophomore year and up (or I could take the obvious off-campus route). </p>
<p>Basically, I don't know what to do. Both places will get me to medical school, Union with no MCAT but extra work for a possibly useless degree, and Drexel with an MCAT requirement and probably less overall work. I do like to go out and stuff, but am pretty sure I can make do with Albany's circumstances. After all, it's not like I'm going to the middle of Nebraska or something. Thanks to whoever was willing enough to read this whole thing. Once again, I only have until THIS FRIDAY to decide so I need help fast! What should I do oh-great-CC-gods?!</p>