<p>out of 32 kids in the program, 27 are 6yr and 5 are 7yr. 7 yrs isn't a "wrong" path or anything, its just that those kids prefer to slow down a bit and not come to summers. the pros and cons mostly come down to your summers. cost is a bit cheaper for 6 yrs even with one summer. for 6yr kids, first summer classes are mandatory and second summer ones are optional, even though a lot of kids come back for the 2nd one since its more fun being at psu for the summer. usually, 6 yr kids come in with more AP credit to test out of general classes (i.e. math, general chem). some 7 yrs do also, but they generally retake the classes since they will be there for 3 yrs total. both 6 and 7 yrs can still go abroad and do research, but 7 yrs make it more flexible since they have more time. even so, they still have to take 15 total credits and 8 credits science each semester still.</p>
<p>however, the biggest drawback for 7 yrs is that they won't be with everyone else in med school, which could really suck. also, they're not their for the first summer, so they dont know everyone that well at first. lastly, they dont always take classes at the same time, so when all the 6 yrs are studying for an ochem test together, they usually need to study with less or other people. once again, its a tradeoff.</p>
<p>summer is actually really really relaxed and tons tons of fun. the school is somewhat empty so its easy to get everywhere and lines are short for food. classes are def easier since people who usually failed classes or need help also take them in the summer. you have tons of time for playing sports, watching movies, going to parties, and whatever you want pretty much anytime. at first you'll miss home, but then you'll hardly think about it since the summer goes by so fast also.</p>
<p>as far as matriculation path, its hard to tell. 6 yrs who havent passed by the end of their second year stay a year longer as a 7 yr since in essence its the same thing. having that said, its hard to keep track. but even so, you rarely hear about someone gettign dropped from the program. in the class 2 yrs above us, 1 kid who was in a frat failed out and the 2nd dropped out for other reasons. in the year above us, no one as far as i know has failed out. generally, the vast majority make it through, and if someone doesn't, it either because they don't want to be a doctor or because they're not academically inclined (i.e. getting caught cheating multiple times in multiple classes....that **** is just stupid).</p>
<p>its all up to you though. you can do everything a 7yr can in 6yrs with summers if you choose. you don't really relax more as a 7yr since you still take the same number of science credits, so its hard to tell. but if ur a 6yr, you'll be really close to those in you're year and you'll be with them through med school, which is the biggest reason i chose 6 yrs over 7 yrs.</p>