National Academy of Future Physicians; Scam?

Pre-Med & Medical School High School Student Topics
1

I’m currently a sophomore high school student. After taking my PSAT I have acquired 2 letters for “pre-medical” programs. One is from the National Academy of Future Physicains that is being held with/on Cambridge. I was really excited as I saw a few intel science fair winners being speakers. (I was invited to compete in freshmen year and it was a wonderful experience)
Then I saw some…shady wording. They require I minimum of a 3.25 GPA and transcripts to prove it and without them you can of course participate,…but you won’t get your shiny certificate at the end. Seems particularly low GPA minimum if we are going to be listening to “outstanding individuals who have changed the medical field” for 3 days.They seem to be really pushing the whole “academic enrichment” and don’t give a CLEAR answer on their website if colleges/programs are actually interested to see it.

My second letter was for ENVISION’S Advanced Medical & Health Care program with George Mason University. They have noted 2 others at my school had joined previous programs of theirs and being of a excellent addition to the program. I have asked both and they reciprocated that they thought it was ‘good’ or ‘fun’. (Ones in college and the other a sophomore) If I complete the course,pass their stimulation, learn how to use the AED and CPR,I’m able to walk away with a BLS.

1000$ for 3 days
5500$ for 9 days
Both offer live surgeries,etc

Money is not a issue. I am fully capable of paying in full the prices.
I want personal experiences and criticism of the programs. Was it worth it? Did you learn anything? Did it make you have a edge?

I have decent grades/gpa (3.8). I have a decent PSAT score. Nothing super amazing.
Am I just a target because I’m a black female with 2 doctor parents and they want money? Will this matter and make me unique compared to other students? Would it just be better to continue my volunteering at hospitals? My parents want me to go but I’m not going to waste my time if it does not benefit me in the end.

2

@DYANII

You aren’t being targeted because of your ethnicity and your parents’ occupations. These types of programs send out invitation letters to everyone who indicated an interest in biosciences or medicine when they filled out the PSAT paperwork…

National Academy of Future Physicians program is basically a scam.

The Envision Program is legit. But the price they’re charging for what is essentially a BLS/first aid class is outrageous. You can earn the same certification through your local Red Cross or community college for a fraction of the price.

No. Neither pay-to-play program will do anything to enhance your CV for college applications.

Absolutely yes!

3

@WayOutWestMom

My apologies! My wording made it sound like I turned it into a minority/race thing and that was not my intention. I meant was it a program who wanted to target people for diversity as nothing really was amazing about my score and the letter made it seem I was a genius in the making.

Thank you for answering!