<p>Hi everyone! As I start making a decision, I was wondering if some of you could please advise me on which program I should choose and why. My choice is coming down to Penn State, Drexel, and VCU as of now. If I choose the better program, I would be giving up a full tuition scholarship at Drexel. Is there a big difference between the quality of the three programs? Any help is greatly appreciated as well as any pros/cons! :D</p>
<p>PSU/Jeff 6/7 Year BS/MD- I'm not sure if I want to give up a summer, so I'm leaning towards the 7 year option. Is anyone planning on not giving up their first summer to do the 7 yr. program from the start? 30 on MCAT and 3.5 GPA required.</p>
<p>Drexel/Drexel 7 Year BS/MD- Offered a full tuition undergrad scholarship. 32 on MCAT and 3.5 GPA required.</p>
<p>VCU's 8 Year GMED Program- Offered some scholarship money. How does Drexel/Drexel compare to VCU GMED? 26 on MCAT and 3.5 GPA required.</p>
<p>I would absolutely choose Penn State program, even despite the financials. I interviewed for both programs and the PSU/Jefferson program was the clear winner for me. Penn State and Jefferson Medical College are both much better institutions at which you’ll get a higher quality of education. Plus, the kids in the PSU/Jefferson program seemed to really enjoy themselves and raved highly about the program. The Drexel/Drexel program didn’t even have students who were currently in the program talk about their experiences. </p>
<p>And as for the 6 or 7 year option, it seems like the vast majority of PSU/Jefferson students choose to do the 6 year option. Most of the students in the program recommended going for the first summer and deciding later whether you wanted to decelerate, rather than not going the first summer and being forced to do the 7 year option regardless. Plus, you save an extra year of tuition :)</p>
<p>@2bdoc96 Thank you so much for your advice! I was also leaning towards Penn State for many of the same reasons. The kids in the program were very enthusiastic and PSU and Jeff are the better schools, but it’s hard to give up the full scholarship! On my interview day for Drexel, they did have some tour guides who were in the med program, but they just weren’t as excited to be talking about the program. I am also still waiting to hear back from the Pitt GA Med program, so if I am accepted there, I would most likely go there (though I am somewhat hesitant about being able to maintain the high GPA requirement of 3.75). Also, that’s a great point you make about the 6 vs 7 year option. </p>
<p>In the end, it’s going to come down to cost vs. quality education, and finding a good balance. Thanks again :)</p>
<p>Wondering when would you take MCAT in 6 year BS MD program? Starting from 2015 new MCAT will kick in, that will require additional courses in Psychology and Sociology. Looks like you have to take new MCAT in spring of 2nd year and score 30?</p>
<p>@Roentgen thanks for your opinion! I appreciate it! I’m also leaning towards PSU. @yesdee I believe you’re right! I’m guessing we would have to take the MCAT at the end of second year. Are you also considering the PSU/Jeff program?</p>
<p>Most people take MCAT in the summer after the first year (so I guess second summer). It is my understanding that the new MCAT will kick in by then.</p>
<p>New MCAT starting from Spring 2015 will test on Bio, chem, orgo, physics, biochem, psychology, and sociology. Preparing for these subjects in one year along with regular school load and scoring 30 seems very daunting to me. What you guys think? </p>
<p>Hats off to you guys. You guys must be genius. 30 on MCAT is approx 78 percentile … meaning, 78% of applicants could not score 30 after 3/4+ years in undergraduate and higher course. 78 percentile also include repeat attempt. </p>
<p>Just speaking for myself…if its going to be my LIFE’s WORK, I am all for putting my all into the process and I believe that if I study my *ss off, which I feel obligated to do, I will do well. As a patient, I would rather see a physician who got a 36/39 and worked to learn all the material…but I am a bit NUTS…I also know that some students can/will work hard and get a 30 and I DO respect their efforts also. A personal choice, I guess.</p>