<p>I'm going to be a senior in high school and I've been thinking a lot, for a long time, and hard about how I want to approach pursuing medicine. I've done a lot of research and reading but now I am not sure as to what I should do. Originally I had my heart set on going to a BA/MD Program. But as I've read more and more about them, I'm not so sure anymore. I dreamt of going to Northwestern's or Brown's programs. Truthfully I'd be incredibly happy to attend USC's or BU's program. But I've realized that the acceptance rate to most of these programs are 3-5%, making it 2-3 times hard to get into these programs then it would be to get into harvard undergrad.
Now dont get me wrong I'm a relatively strong applicant (4.0 GPA unweighted, 2210 SAT, Clubs at school, Volunteer at hospital, etc) but nonetheless I feel like I don't have a very good chance of getting into these programs. I've read about the people who do get in and most of do clinic hours in another country, or shadow prestigious doctors, or research at big universities, and unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to do any of these things. Now I dont mean to simply count myself out, but I want to be realistic.
This is where the dilemma comes in. My brother who did better than i did in high school, got into USC's program. Because of this my dad and my entire family really are advising me to take the same 7-8 Med program route. Now of course i'd like to, but now i'm wondering if I should instead simply go the regular 4 years undergrad+4 years of med school. The only thing I dont like about this route is the fact that I have to start this whole "applying to college" rat race all over again.
I am very passionate about medicine, I work very hard and because of this would like to go to a great medical school. I feel like I'd do better if I didn't have to worry about getting into or being rejected by med schools. The assurance from the beginning would be nice. Now I feel like i could get into pretty good college regular undergrad schools (i.e Princeton, John Hopkins, USC, Georgetown, Brown, etc). So my major question is how hard is it really to get into medical school if you go the regular route? If i were to go to lets say Brown's regular undergrad, would I have a good chance of getting into their medical school? My other option is to go to a lower tier BA/MD program. Since I live in NV there are two here, and I feel like those are the only ones that i'd have even an ok chance of getting into. </p>
<p>Can someone help me in this dilemma? I don't know if I should go to a lower tier BA/MD program or go to a better school with the rgular route. This is a bit of a novel so i'd like to thank you if you've made it to the end. thank you</p>
<p>I’m not very experienced but I do know a thing or two about med schools. Getting in to ANY med school, even “unranked” is very good. And unfortunately, even if you do go to a decent college like brown for normal undergrad, the fact that you went to Brown has very little to do with your chances of getting in to a good medical school, or for that matter, any medical school at all. The process, for the regular root, IS extremely competitive. The difference between the MCAT and SAT’s (from a test taker’s point of view) is that the MCAT is actually difficult unlike the SAT’s. The amount of studying required for MCAT is immense, and admissions is similar to getting into undergrad. I would like to point out, however, that your low tier options would still be considered good. As I’ve heard, there are multiple barely recognizable universities and med schools with decent residency match lists and specialties (pediatracs, endocrinology, etc.) that rank close to Johns Hopkins or Harvard. My final recommendation is to go to 7yr if you can, but definitely do a combined BA/MD, even low tier. It takes so much pressure off and you’ll be thankful. Let me know what you decide.</p>
<p>I do not understand your problem, why don’t you apply to both and see what happen? Do you have a problem with that? Most people are doing that. And make sure that you have wide range of combined programs on your list, not just the most selective ones, if getting into any combined program is your goal.</p>
<p>breaker, yeah i see your point. That’s what people around me have been advising me generally speaking, thanks so much for your help. </p>
<p>miami, yeah i know. </p>
<p>I mean at the end of the day I do plan on applying to both and see what schools and/or programs i’m looking at and deciding from there (at that point I may have to post a thread like this again lol). But I guess the reason that I made this is because I was anxious and apprehensive about what would happen in the future. I was just looking for some advice as to what I should eventually the times come, but I guess it would be best to seek that advice once that time comes. haha
But I’m planning on applying to various BA/MD programs as well as undergraduate schools and see what happens. But thank you both for the help.</p>
<p>All combined programs are extremely hard to get into, do not sweat before decision time. Decision might be much easier than it seems at this point. Something like my D did when she did not get into #1 on her list and was very happy to have an option of attending #2 and still being very happy with her choice in her junior year. Just apply and see what happen, do not stress out before time. Relax and good luck!</p>
<p>Are you a Nevada resident??? University of Nevada has a 7 year program for Nevada applicants only. It’s the one where I believe you have the highest chance for admission. If I were you (judging from your posting), I wouldn’t hesitate applying to it. Look into it:
[University</a> of Nevada School of Medicine - Departments and Programs](<a href=“http://www.medicine.nevada.edu/dept/asa/prospective_applicants/programs_bsmd.htm]University”>http://www.medicine.nevada.edu/dept/asa/prospective_applicants/programs_bsmd.htm)
Applying and getting an acceptance does not mean you have to go to Nevada program. If you don’t like it after acceptance, and you feel you have a better option, then don’t go.
Just an FYI, applying to both UNR and UNLV will increase your chances of admission into the program.</p>
<p>I would apply to these guaranteed programs, in addition to applying to top schools and going the traditional 4+4 route.</p>
<p>Yeah! lol it’s funny that you mention that program Jason because I DEFINITELY plan on appplying to that program. I saw it awhile ago and am definitely applying. ANd that’s actually what i’m talking about. Personallly i have lived in Las vegas NV my whole life and I dont want to go to their med school, even if its guranteed admission. So if i’m looking at that option or just another really good and much better school but is not guranteed, i’m not sure aas to what to do. But like I said I’m just going to apply everywhere and see the results and decide then. </p>
<p>But thank you both for your input</p>