I want to go into a seven year med program

<p>i was here in America till my 8th grade year then i went abroad (worst decision made in my life!). i came back here to finish the rest of my highschool year but the thing in im in all regular classes right now (no honors no AP) but if i really want to get into this 7 year program with any type of scholarship (mostly top 50 college) i feel like not being in any AP classes this year and not being good at sports is a problem to that. i am currently a sophomore and feel like can get some AP classes (the most 2 or 3) next year when im a junior and continue them throughout my senior year. i will also do a lot of clubs (which might cover up for the sports) and try to get leadership in one club and also go for volunteering during the summer in a hospital (i feel like that will look good on the resume). i need to know if that is enough to get into the program or if i need to do more work pls help me out im really stressed out about this. all i know is that i neeeeed to get into a 7 year med program with any type of scholarship in one of the top 50 colleges in USA.</p>

<p>I don’t know a lot about 7 year med programs, but I know Drexel University has a good one. It is perfectly fine if you don’t end up taking a lot of AP classes, but what’s important is that you do well in the classes you have. Some schools don’t offer a lot of AP classes, and considering your situation it’d be understandable if you can only fit 2 or 3 AP classes in for the rest of your high school career. Not everyone is good at sports, but it’s good to participate in something. People tend to say that colleges prefer that you don’t juggle tons of clubs, but rather focus on one or two to hopefully get some leadership and get really involved. Just something to keep in mind. I say participate as much as you can, but make sure you don’t spread yourself too thin. Finally, research these programs to make sure that’s what you really want. 7-year programs take dedication. Also read up on what they’re looking for, like in regards to applications and standardized testing. Remember that colleges like to look at everything; the grades, the activities, the essays, and the person. Lastly, calm down and realize that you still have time. It’s great that you’re so set on this, but there’s no need to stress yourself out about it just yet. Just do the best you can.</p>

<p>You may WANT to get to get into a 7 year BS/MD program, but no one “needs” to. </p>

<p>Without a hook those programs are the hardest to get accepted to, so to be competitive, you need to have the highest GPA, toughest curriculum, and very high test scores. </p>

<p>Schools select students whose stats are so high that they’re confident that the student would do well on the MCAT anyway.</p>

<p>As to “scholarships”…those are more rare at top schools because all students are top students. Their aid (for the 3 years) is mostly need-based.</p>

<p>There are dozens of 7-year med programs. Most are not at “top 50 colleges.” So, you should probably start by deciding which you want more - the prestige or the 7-year medical degree.</p>

<p>Then, moving on to your next requirement: scholarship. Not a problem - if your stat’s are high enough to qualify you for a 7-year med program, they should also be high enough to qualify you for merit scholarships at many of the colleges that offer such programs.</p>

<p>Just be aware that the merit award you get at College X isn’t going to do you a darned bit of good once you move into the med school part of the program - you’ll be paying that yourself. And it won’t be cheap. So, sure, you might be able to get free tuition or even a free ride for undergrad . . . but the $70k+/year cost of attendance for four years of med school will more than make up for it!</p>

<p>Oh, and about your plan of volunteering during the summer because it will “look good” on your resume . . . well, good luck with that. From what I know of med school admissions, doing things because they “look good” generally doesn’t fly. The med school admissions officers, believe it or not, are generally smart enough to see right through the applicants who don’t actually have a passion for the activities they pursue. If you have the luxury of not just having to get a job during the summer, focus on what you’re interested in, and what you have a talent for. In other words, do what YOU want to do, and not what you think a future admissions officer wants you to do.</p>