<p>Hey guys...
I know I want to be a doctor, and I understand now that there are accelerated ways to do this. Can anyone give a quick explanation as to how these programs work, and how much time is saved in terms of the entire process from high school to practicing physician etc?</p>
<p>well as you might know the traditional is to do 4 yrs undergrad, then apply to the medical school and take MCATs. it's pretty much like applying to college again from high school. (too much!!)
there are the 6 and 7 year accelerated programs where you apply directly from high school. if you're accepted, you go through the full 6 or 7 years, and no MCATs! the 7 year program will save you 1 yr, and the 6 yr program saves you 2 yrs.
then there are the gauranteed 8 year programs, where you apply and if you get in, you're pretty much gauranteed admission into the medical school from the 4 yrs of undergrad. you have to take the MCATs, but you just have to get a minimal score, and it's not that much stress that you do HAVE to do your best on it or anything. i believe Washington U. in stl has this type of program
of course, this is just a basic overview. i'm sure other people can add some more detail to this.</p>
<p>Thanks a ton otacon88, that puts things into perspective. Anybody else's 2 cents (or dollars) would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Actually, there are quite a few 7-year BS/MD programs out there that require MCATs, including UMiami and Drexel (Drexel, Lehigh, Villanova).</p>