<p>My son is planning on attending Ole Miss. He is a junior this year and has a 3.5 GPA unweighted. His current ACT is 25, but that was before he started studying and practicing. His goal is to get it to at least a 30, but hopefully a 32. His last practice test he scored a 29. </p>
<p>By the end of this year he will have 5 honors classes behind him. I suggested taking 3 more next year along with 2 AP classes and then apply to the Honors College if he gets his ACT up, but he said "no way". 1. He wants to take it "easy" his senior year (only needs Eng and Econ/Govt to graduate) and 2. He doesnt want the stress of the honors college in college.</p>
<p>His long term goals are medical school so I know this would be the best route (if he were able to get in) but he said he doesnt want or need the pressure. I understand that being 16 (just turned 16 in Sept) that he is young and doesnt see the importance in each choice he makes for his future at this age, not every child is that way, but my son is. So do I insist the he take the courses I know will better his chances in college or just accept the 5 honors classes he has taken and let him do it his way? </p>
<p>Do I push him to apply to the honors college or let him enroll as a regular student and not even give it a shot? I know he might not be accepted and if his ACT score doesnt go up to at least a 30 its not even an issue, but I was wondering what other parents and students think I should do. </p>
<p>Right now I plan to compromise with him. We talked a couple more honors courses and 1 AP class. Honestly, I do not think that will be enough. Any input and feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>Please don’t be offended by this. But your son doesn’t seem to be showing the drive and work ethic seen by kids who want to go onto med school. Do you have any idea what that path is like? Spending four years as an undergrad stressing to keep your GPA at a 4.0. Studying all the time. Preparing for the MCAT’s. Then IF you gain admittance to a med school spending four years trying to keep up with the smartest and most motivated students in your class. Then stressing over residency match day…it’s never-ending stress! Then the residency is a ridiculous amount of hours for years. All this while your trying to repay med school loans.</p>
<p>I do not take it the wrong way at all!! I have told my husband this numerous times and mentioned it to my son as well. When I tell him how hard it will be and how much studying, time and work is involved he picks up his pace and does what I tell him to do but honestly when push comes to shove I do not believe he has the drive or ambition to make it through medical school. He is so smart but so very lazy lol Math and science are his strong points and come very easy to him. I have mentioned engineering and other fields other than medical school. But I would still like for him to push himself harder to reach his potential, medical school or not!</p>
<p>This will take care of itself. Lots of kids are “pre-med” until organic chemistry! Lol</p>
<p>BTW, my sophomore son loves Ole Miss. We told him the only way he can attend is if he is eligible for the large automatic scholarship and gets accepted to the HC. So he knows right now he has to have at least a 32 ACT.</p>
<p>Your son might want to take a look at this:
[SMBHC</a> and Medicine | honors.olemiss.edu](<a href=“http://www.honors.olemiss.edu/smbhc-and-medicine]SMBHC”>http://www.honors.olemiss.edu/smbhc-and-medicine) </p>
<p>I agree with Bigdaddy. The road to med school is long, hard and competitive. I think this special initiative by the Honors College for pre-med students would be something not to consider very seriously. Preparing for medical school begins the first day of college.</p>
<p>Bigdaddy - I told my son the same thing. He must get a 32 and get a good scholarship as well. I dont think I will make the HC a stipulation though, it would definitely be a bonus but not a deal breaker. If he doesnt get a significant scholarship it’s off to JCJC for the first 2 years! He has been studying hard and taking timed practice tests every weekend, so he knows I am not playing! 
</p>
<p>Thank you for the link seekingknowledge! I will pass it along to my son!</p>