Hi everyone! I’m currently a student in the 7-year Penn Jeff program and I’d just like to offer some advice I wished I had gotten when I was applying for those of you who are interested in BSMD and parents too.
First off, I’d like to say that BSMD programs are amazing opportunities for sure, and the guarantee takes the stress of applying to medical school off your back. However, being in a BSMD program comes with stresses of its own that I think every applicant should consider. Having second thoughts about your choice of path isn’t out of the norm for college students, and as BSMD students, we’re not immune to those feelings either. However, because of the guaranteed admission to medical school and other benefits of the program, the thought of switching becomes that much scarier. I think it’s important to keep in mind that while you might be almost 100% sure you want to be a doctor now (as I did in high school), those feelings can change as you enter college and are exposed to so much. And because of that, it is so so important that you love the undergrad you’re going to and that you and your family/support understand that being in a BSMD program shouldn’t keep you from moving on to something else that’ll make you happier if you do end up changing your mind.
Also in the case of prestige, in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t really matter at all. Even if it’s an accelerated BSMD program and you’re only going to be at the school for 2/3 years, visit the school! No matter the rank. I think that a lot of people are scared of being stuck in a lower-tier school if they leave the program while in their undergrad, and I used to think that too. But as long as the school you are at is a good fit for you, it won’t matter that it’s not in the top schools on the US News college ranking. You could say that Penn State is not a “top tier” school, but I honestly love it here and wouldn’t have it any other way. Some of my closest friends and some of the smartest people I’ve met were outside of the program too. So some places not being in the top 10 don’t matter at all because you’ll be able to find likeminded people and lifelong friends anywhere you go.
Lastly I want to say that even if being a doctor is your dream and you don’t get interviews or get accepted into a BSMD program, it sucks to be rejected, but you 100% can be happy as a regular ol’ college student!! BSMD admissions is competitive and sometimes it’s a total crapshoot, so be loud and proud if you get into your dream program, but don’t beat yourself up for not. Best of luck to anyone applying, and I’d be happy to give some tips!