<p>I applied to two of the med programs. Obviously they are great...whether they are 6/7/8 years. The carefree nature you'll have for four years since you know you're in med school should be nice...flexibility of classes etc. But, I have on problem. Would I be foolish, if I were to get in to any one of these programs, to reject the opportunity? If I were to reject it I'd go to the University of Michigan or Columbia (IF I get in...knock on wood). I would still end up going to med school and spending similar amount of 8 years. I guess the college town atmosphere is all I'd be gaining...I don't know why I am having second thoughts on the med program opportunity. How do some of you look at it?</p>
<p>My opinion is that if you get into an Ivy, take that over the medical program. If it's a school like University of Michigan, take the medical program.</p>
<p>well you have to think about the main reason people apply to med programs--so they can relax and have a guarantee into med school. i would pick the med program just because that way my undergrad can be less intense... i wouldn't have to take extra hard classes just to get into a really good medical school. plus, getting into medical school isn't a guarantee at all. also, with the guarantee, you can pursue other interests and have more freedom. so i'd pick the med program</p>
<p>i would say that if you want to pursue a med school like johns hopkins, harvard, yale- then it would be in your best interest to go to an undergrad for four years first.</p>
<p>many people have rejected harvard for the likes of rutgers' bacc/med program</p>
<p>it'd be a hard choice for me between an ivy and a program</p>
<p>i applied to harvard, yale, and got interviews for 4 programs...there is maybe 1 program that i'd pick over harvard or yale....the others, i'll take my chances with the ivy, simply because going there undergrad will help me get into med schools like harvard, yale, jhu, penn, etc</p>
<p>Ehhh why not just pick the school where you feel you'll fit in best at? Honestly now UMich and Columbia are amazing in their own right. Prestige aside - I totally disagree with the whole "if it's IVY then take it" philosophy - just look at it as your undergrad experience here vs there.</p>
<p>I applied to three programs. 2 at schools I wouldn't enjoy the undergrad at and realize now that even if I got an interview or got in, I wouldn't go simply because it isn't where I'd fit in or have fun.</p>
<p>College is about having fun, meeting new people, experiencing so many new things in life, experimenting while still learning. The 6/7 <em>ESPECIALLY 6 year ones like PSU</em> are going to severely limit enrolling in fun classes or classes you're just into. People here are talking about how it's less stress - while that may be true for the MCATs, otherwise it might feel like a lot of work work work. You might not have time to write for the paper or pursue ballroom dance - both things I will definately do wherever I go - so it's something to consider. Sure you might not cut it through regular UGrad and MCATs... but being a doc ain't everything, and also most doctors don't go through these programs. In all honsety, I only care about PLME. But even then I'm not sure if Med's for me and I <3 <3 <3 brown regardless of the PLME decision.</p>
<p>The atmosphere is "all" you'd be gaining? It's a lot. If you - like me - love being surrounded by people and just being social, you might sacrifice a lot by going to a school just for the BS/MD. No offense to anybody but programs at BU, URochester, Drexel, PennState, and Rutgers are just ones I wouldn't go to because the atmosphere environment and culture are such that I'd rather die - slowly and painfully. Plus, so what if UMich ain't an Ivy? It's a great school and you gain an AMAZING and active student body and a sweet sports team. Brrr it's cold though.</p>
<p>To tofu - honestly now, don't go to a school for it helping you get into med school. You might change your mind. And even if you don't, all of those schools you listed - while they have great academic programs - are really different and I hope you don't just decide to go to one because it makes the MD that much easier. Honestly I think that unless you dislike Harvard, taking Rutgers over it is downright silly. If you can get in at Harvard, you can do well in college and do well on the MCATs and go to a decent/good medschool. Be rational now... plus. Atmosphere of boston? OMG. You'd pass that up? It's so diverse and hip and just ALIVE!</p>
<p>If you have any doubts at all, don't do a BS/MD. Do you really want to feel like you were forced into a career by the program? You guys and gals appear to be really narrow-minded and only thinking about med school. Are any of you at all remotely interested in having fun - frequently - in college? Not saying you're lame, just that you're too goal oriented. Chill a bit.</p>
<p>Also... don't think you'll screw up if you take UMich or Columbia... you are in / being considered at super selective programs... you're more than capable of surviving undergrad elsewhere and punishing those MCATs. Don't lose sight of that fact. You'd also be able to have more fun. Hehe, it's funny to see everyone here who's OMGMEDSCHOOLBS/MD talk about having fun in college w/ the less stress when they are just so focused on medschool and don't even sound like they care about fun.</p>
<p>Wow this was long. Sorry!</p>
<p>lol fengshuibundi...i didn't say that i'd take rutgers over harvard...i said that some people have.....</p>
<p>heh, and i think that the first thing that i'd look for is how the college will help me in the future...because that's what it's all about, right? the future. As for the here and the now, the program that i WOULD choose over harvard and yale, funnily enough, would be psu...and i think that the accelerated schedule will make you that much closer to the people that are in it with you! Think about it...20-25 guys/gals know what each other are going through, all have the same focus, same drive, the camaraderie will be strong. As for the harvard/yale part...yeah! i'm all for it, but not just because they're ivies...i just had my harvard interview this morning, and the dude spoke with such passion for the school that it basically matched up to everything you could want in one...</p>
<p>"People here are talking about how it's less stress - while that may be true for the MCATs, otherwise it might feel like a lot of work work work. You might not have time to write for the paper or pursue ballroom dance - both things I will definately do wherever I go - so it's something to consider. </p>
<p>Accelerated programs aren't as accelerated as you think...from what i've heard, you've got plenty of time to do whatever it is you like to do! Fer me, football on the green everyday shouldn't be a problem...and becoming a doctor does mean work work work. Regardless if you do pre-med or through a program, work is a given, it comes with the profession. As to this:</p>
<p>"Sure you might not cut it through regular UGrad and MCATs... but being a doc ain't everything"</p>
<p>It is for me. That's the reason people choose to do these programs in the first place. I wasn't forced into a career because of this program. I am absolutely sure of what I want to be and i can't think of anything else i'd rather be. The people that apply to these programs know they want to be a doctor. It's my choice to put those in need first, do all of this work, sacrifice some of my time at college so that I can get out into the field and do some clinical work and help those in need out. To me, being a doctor IS everything. I'm not in a program yet, and i seriously doubt i'm gonna get into harvard or yale, but if I do, its to become a doctor first. Besides, there are plus sides (well to me) at every college i've applied to, and though they may seem a bit diverse, each has its own unique quirks that will let me have a good time regardless...</p>
<p>heh, its just a different opinion...its true i'm goal oriented, but that doesn't mean that we all won't be having fun when we leave in 6 or so months...lol and dun be sorry for the long post, its refreshing to hear other opinions about this topic, because its a problem, albeit a happy one, that i might just have to consider....</p>
<p>cheers,
That warm, steamy, meat substitute</p>
<p>I was afraid you'd think I said you would but too lazy to go back and edit. Eh... live for the present man... I don't worry too much about anything more than a few months away really. I think it's good to have that core group of 20-25 guys and gals... and that's a very good reason. But... there are other ways to get close to people: frats, sports, just being friends. You're right though, the common thread is a huge help.</p>
<p>And you're right. Regardless of premed or bs/md it's a lot of work and I don't want people to get the impression that doing premed/ugrad isn't hard. Cuz to be ready for the MCATs and medschool you're gonna take some brutal classes. </p>
<p>Well, the doc ain't everything was for the original poster, it's evident you want to be a doctor. </p>
<p>There are plusses to every college I've applied to as well... it's gonna be time to bust out my poster paper and make charts with pretty pictures soon hahaa. Goal oriented is good, but like... sometimes it just seems like people on this subboardthingy are really a tad too forward/goal oriented and not living for the present. </p>
<p>It's hard for me to like accept that you're gonna be having fun when you're saying that you'd pick a school based on helping you become a doctor. I mean sure fun is objective and you might get a kick out of community service and helping others - more power to ya man - but like... will you be able to pursue other interests you might have? Like I agree this program is for people who are dead set on medicine <em>which is sorta scary as a senior...</em> and if you have the slightest interest in another subject... if you flirt with pub policy or econ or law or envscience... the program most likely isn't for you unless you think that you can sate your intellectual fetishes in non-career/major-oriented ways.</p>
<p>You have like a decade between now and when you become an established doctor, Tofu. You already sound like you've got it planned out. That's not really fun... I mean medmedmed for that long in one place/school... you really better love it. I hope you're able to squeeze as much fun out of it as you can!!!! Good luck!</p>
<p>Mmmhm. Tofu can be good at times, but I prefer the real thing :P <em>CHOMP</em></p>
<p>I took Rutgers BA/MD over Yale...
It all depends on what you like. Every decision is a good one. Just be happy with what you do and that decision becomes even better (the grass seems always greener on the other side).
If you want to get into medical school without pre-med worries and such, BA/MD programs are good.
If you want to enjoy the Ivy league undergraduate experience, then do just that.
Just remember, don't regret whatever you do; it makes your situation worse.</p>
<p>I'm not a fan of combined programs. I suppose here is as good a place as any to air my complains comprehensively.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Many of the students here seem desperate to get into programs that would make quite low-level backups towards the end of their undergraduate years.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>
[quote]
Things change over the years. You will change over the years to come. You may find that you love cities. That you dislike traffic. That the love of your life is committed to attending law school in Austin. That you really want to be a part of the theater culture in New York.</p>
<p>And in four years, the medical schools themselves may have changed radically. In (I believe) just three years, Baylor Med has risen from #16 to #10. Penn Med, I believe, has shot into the top ten just recently and is now considered #3. I would find it a shame if you accepted a spot at an institution -- however fine it may be -- that effectively restricted your options, no matter how appealing the guarantee may seem now.</p>
<p>Education matters, especially when it comes to your medical school education. Some schools train you well. Some schools train you superbly. These things are not predictable from the rankings -- and certainly not from rankings three years in advance!</p>
<p>I had a younger brother who was making this decision two years ago. I gave him the same advice I am giving you now: the guarantee is not worth much when you know you're a strong enough candidate that you'll make it anyway. The best preparation you can find to keep open as many options as you can is worth it all.</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>The problem is not that he's officially locked in. The problem is that he could be sacrificing a powerful undergraduate experience for a guarantee which he effectively has anyway. Now, if he happens to prefer Brown undergrad over Harvard and Duke, then certainly the guarantee doesn't cost him anything.</p>
<p>But what if - and I speak semi-hypothetically - Harvard premeds have more choices than Brown premeds have when the time comes to choose a medical school? What if Penn premeds do better in medical school? What if premeds from Duke get better advising?</p>
<p>My point is not that they do - my point is that they could, and the OP should **not **be willing to give these things up simply because he's "guaranteed" to get into a middle-tier medical school.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>
[quote]
[Hypothetically], Baylor's a great place and any Harvard undergrad would be proud to go there -- but what if it happens that this particular kid, say, doesn't like Houston? [Would he have rather gone to
Georgetown, or Emory, or Tufts?] I would say that while Harvard may not have been likely to help the "quality" of his medical school admission, it might have helped preserve some options that might otherwise have been closed.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>"The problem is not that he's officially locked in. The problem is that he could be sacrificing a powerful undergraduate experience for a guarantee which he effectively has anyway. Now, if he happens to prefer Brown undergrad over Harvard and Duke, then certainly the guarantee doesn't cost him anything."</p>
<p>This is big for me. I'm slightly overconfident but I am also sure I'll succeed at medicine if that is ultimately what I want. So that's why I'm not big on my PLME status. I love Brown either way... PLME is just the icing on top of the cake.</p>
<p>It should be like that for anybody applying to a school. Rutgers should be a place you would like regardless of BS/MD status. Same with PSU and Rice. Sure some programs are prestigious. But I didn't apply to them because I honestly didn't think of the environment as being the right fit for me. PLME was natural because of my loving Brown. </p>
<p>BTW: I didn't get interviews for my other 2 BS/MD's; REMS and BostonU, and don't care one bit. Hehe. Whee, I'm glad I didn't apply to Drexel or Rutgers cuz I mighta been forced to go there for the guaranteed MD.</p>
<p>Your career options are far more open with regular undergrad. Your opportunities for fun... travel abroad and internships in other fields also rise. </p>
<p>And now I'm waiting to visit Duke during Duke Up Close to see if it is a fit for me like Brown is. And I'm just giggling with excitement. </p>
<p>I honestly get sad to see people worry about how a college helps with their med school status or whatever... it's too far into the future to worry. You can always transfer to a diff ugrad if you want as well... Just pick based on the four years of undergrad and how much you will get out of it; academically, socially, experiences, memories, emotions, connections. Stats/Ranks shouldn't be an influencing factor.</p>
<p>Great post Bluedevilmike!</p>
<p>This thread really represents the struggle I'm having...even though I haven't been accepted anywhere yet.</p>
<p>I've gotten two medical program interivews (Drexel & Penn State 6/7 year)...and it seems like everyone in my family already thinks this means I'll be heading on the track to become a doctor in 6 years. However, I feel stuck because though Penn State is a nice school, I specifically didn't apply to UC's because I knew public colleges would be too overwhelming for someone like me, whose high school was a small community of 500 students (and PSU's freshman class is 7,000 students). I feel like I'm deceiving myself by throwing all these previous inhibitions out the window for the chance of a guaranteed medical school...but at the same time, maybe a big change like this could turn out alright? But this is not the least of my worries...2 years of undergrad just goes against everything I imagined for college. The thought of having to start college in June, the month after my HS grad, to start making up credits and losing out on the summer I imagined spending with my friends is pretty depressing. </p>
<p>But don't get me wrong...I wouldn't even apply to these programs if I didn't hold them highly despite these drawbacks. I would still have a great time at Penn State, a good school by any measure, I'd have that community of fellow kids as a support system, and I'd lose the stresses of a premed student as I prepared for medical school. </p>
<p>But I know, I know...if I have any regrets about a program, it will only haunt me and I should just go where I feel like I fit in (schools I love like Rice, Duke, or Brown, which I guess would be my equivalent to Harvard/Yale). But I'm worried about the regrets I might have if I choose the regular route. What if I mess up my GPA...or MCAT...or don't have enough EC's. I don't want all that stress leading up to me hating myself for not taking advantage of a guarantee in the medical application process.</p>
<p>Well...I guess I'll have to wait until all my decisions come in before I can truly weigh my options, but in any case, this felt good to get off my chest.</p>
<p>You're being considered for PSU/Drexel BS/MD. You won't screw up. You'll party. Have a blast. Meet awesome people. Do things you regret. But you won't screw up so bad.</p>
<p>And no stress? You're also worried about going to college a month after graduating HS for PSU. Honestly.. I think that sorta schedule, 2 yr undergrad, is a LOT of stress. And yeah... I like a small community. PSU is too huge for me... ahahaa and I applied to the state school here, UMD-CP <em>sorry mike! but I had my duke interview across from the campus today, hehe</em></p>
<p>I think that if you're going against so much of yourself just to guarantee an MD, something's wrong. Yeah you def wanna do medicine.. so ... like there's really nothing wrong with undergrad at Duke Rice Brown... <em>I didn't like Harvard too much so I didn't apply...</em> It appears that you know who you are and what is the best environment for you... so just keep that in mind :)</p>
<p>It doesn't sound like you'll choose PSU 6yr if you'll get it. Holding something highly doesn't mean you would want to go there necessarily anyway.</p>
<p>=) It's okay to have that internal struggle hahaa I sure do.</p>
<p>just for general information, PSU's program gives u the option for 6-year or 7-year...so its not strictly a 6-year program</p>
<p>plus I don't know about everybody else, but I know some people who applied to Med programs, and there is a big chance they could reject them for a full ride to a good private school, due to their financial situation</p>
<p>haha its pretty good to get all of these opinions out in the open...........</p>
<p>fengshui, i hear ya man, but i've got friends at every single place i've applied to, and they've all had a blast...and as for the different classes you might wanna take, most programs just have you take the required prerequisites for med school, and the rest is up to you! Don't think that i'm not gonna be takin' econ or poli sci...i also agree with Darth Raid3r in that, what IF you do screw up w/ the gpa or MCAT's? It's a gigantic sigh of relief if yer in a program not to worry about that too much. That's why everybody's sayin' its less stress, not because there might be less work (the workload is prolly the same or maybe even more) but because you don't have that monkey on yer back. But, I agree with you in that if you can get in these programs, you'll likely be successful elsewhere too, which is why i've applied undergrad to boston college, harvard, yale, duke, northwestern, usc...all places near big cities, w/the exception of yale and maybe duke, but then again, they've got their own big exclusive communities, and not only have great academics, but great people as well...on top of that, like matrixrebloated pointed out, you've got to look at the financial aspect as well. I haven't fully well decided what I wanna do yet, but then, that's the burning issue of this entire thread, right?</p>
<p>btw, i'm vegetarian buddy, so keep munchin on that tofu.</p>
<p>Wow, I'm really glad I started this thread. First off, I'm relieved to know that I am not the only one in this dilemma and I've heard a lot of opinions I have not considered.</p>
<p>fengshuibundi I think you have the wrong perception of me. I know I want to become a doctor. I think what a lot of people on this thread also should have/should consider is maybe not the 6 or 7 year programs IF you have the uneasy sentiments that you have expressed...
I mentioned that I applied to two BS/MD programs. BOTH, in fact, are 8 year programs. I told myself what DarthRaid3r is expressing...so much work crammed into a short amount of time in those 6/7 year programs. IF I get in and choose one of the BS/MD programs (knock on wood) I"m not doing it to "finish faster", "make money quicker." I'm merely doing it for exactly what Pipinghottofu talked about in the last post...about having that huge monkey off your back. I have three close cousins in regular undergrad now. Two are freshmen/sophs and are having the time of their lives and one is a junior. The junior had a great time his first two years while trying. He is a very hard worker. This year, however, the "med school monkey" has overwhelmed him. He constantly says "when is this going to end", "can I take it anymore", "I'm drowned in work"...and add on to all of that the looming monkey of studying relentlessly for MCats.
THAT, is my advantage of the BS/MD program. The dilemma for me is do I take such an opportunity...and go with the idea that one poster mentioned: such a small group of kids always together...a great close-knit environment. OR do I go with fengshuibundi's also attractive option of the full undergrad experience...a vibrant community with tons of diverse kids etc. etc. etc...</p>
<p>All in all, lets keep the varying opinions coming and in the end REMEMBER that we are all fortunate...SO fortunate...to even be considering having these dillemmas. I personally don't see a downside to either option presented on the thread. I see it as one being a "better" option and the other being a "less better" option.</p>
<p>
[quote]
just for general information, PSU's program gives u the option for 6-year or 7-year...so its not strictly a 6-year program
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Sorry...forgot to mention this, but I know about the 7 year option, but looking back on the past years' posts, only about 5 or 6 of the students follow this route. That would mean to extend my undergraduate experience, I'd have to lose out on that community feel of 30 students in the program with me. Though I would be able to keep the summer of my senior year, that would also mean I'd be starting the program after everybody else already became accustomed. </p>
<p>To be honest, like tryingmybest I don't really care about finishing faster so I can save two years before I become a doctor. After all, college years could be the best time of our lives and I don't feel an urgency to venture into the real world. Maybe I made a mistake even applying to an accelerated 6/7 year program, but I felt that PSU was actually a nice option to have because of the quality of the school. Of course, Rice/Baylor, USC, or PLME would be ideal, but they're a little out of my reach, so I guess I'll have to wait a little longer.</p>
<p>i was like most people on this board- desperate to get in a program. Although rice and the usc program were a little out of my league, these were the only programs that i felt more comfortable in. The other six and seven years are faster, but more work. plus there are so many med schools in california so i might as well wait a couple years and reapply. You only have one life so make enjoyable</p>