Kean/Drexel 8 yr vs Pittsburgh undergrad

<p>I've been debating the University of Pittsburgh and Kean University's 8 year BS/MD program with Drexel University College of Medicine.</p>

<p>Kean University is a fairly unknown school. I would also end up living at home (not sure whether this is a pro or a con). I would continue with my extracurricular activities that I am involved in now. Tuition and fees would be around 16,000 per year. In this program, I'm pretty sure I would have a generally structured schedule. During my spring semester junior year and fall semester senior year, I would spend time at St. Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, for an internship (for credit). Academically, I would have to maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 3.5 GPA in BCPM courses. I would also have to take the MCATs with a minimum score of 9 on verbal and 10s on physical and biological science sections (or a total score of 31, with no subsection score less than 8) and at least a P on the writing section. At the interview at Kean, it was stated that a Kaplan review class would be paid for by the school (included with the fees I believe). In this program, I would not be allowed to apply to other med schools, but I would have the spot in Drexel (assuming I meet the academic requirements). </p>

<p>If I go to Pitt, I would (most likely) be in their Emergency Medicine program. It's basically an enhanced paramedic degree. I enjoy EMS very much (I am an EMT). I would be able to take the med school pre-requisites, then become a paramedic, and be able to have clinical exposure/experience prior to graduation. I would also live the "typical" college life (dorming/being away from home). Tuition and fees would be around 23,500 per year. I also have a 10,000 scholarship + federal loans. I really like the environment as well.</p>

<p>Sorry for the long post, but can anyone help?</p>

<p>Bump. Anyone have any advice?</p>

<p>if med school guarantee is important to you then choose Kean/Drexel but if you want to try out things in undergrad then go to Pitt. </p>

<p>Pitt is a good school but not that big a name (like the Ivy’s or top LACs or Rice or CMU or JHU) that will open lots of doors for you. But if you think it will make it easy for you to go to Pitt Med School then it might be worth it. </p>

<p>And you can stay in the dorm in Kean too (may be try for a year) to get the college experience</p>