RPI: AMC med program chances?

<p>I am currently a junior. (I know that this is my second time posting a thread but I finally have an SAT score)
These are my credentials thus far:
UW GPA: 3.9
W GPA: 4.226
(these are my cumulative GPA for fresh. and soph. year)</p>

<p>My weighted GPA should boost to 4.3+ and my unweighted should remain about the same. </p>

<p>SAT I: 2180
Composite (M + CR) :1470 (retaking for a 1500+)
Math: 740 (retaking for a higher score)
Critical Reading: 730 (probably will stay the same)
Writing: 710 (ugh...retaking for a higher)</p>

<p>SAT II's: Chemistry: 780
Math 2: 780
AP tests:
AP Physics B: 5
AP Chemistry: 5
I volunteer at the hospital with over 200+ hours. I also read for the deaf and blind (100+ hours) and I help teach disabled kids to play sports. (50 hrs)</p>

<p>I will be taking more AP classes and SAT II's such as Physics C (Physics with the calculus), AP Biology and AP Calculus BC. Multi-variable Calculus and Linear Algebra and all that good stuff by the time a graduate</p>

<p>I do Cross Country, Winter Track, and JV Volleyball (2 years) (planing on doing Spring track tho).</p>

<p>I participated in New Jersey Science League and placed top 100 in the state. I am also in clubs such as JSA (Junior state of america) and Med- futures</p>

<p>Expected AP scores:
Calc BC: 5
Physics C E &M : 5
Biology: 5
I will also take the Physics Subject test and should get 780-800 cause I am in the AP class.</p>

<p>My school will also be nominating me for the RPI medal.</p>

<p>So I'm pretty sure I can get into the engineering school, however I am now trying to get into the combined med program with AMC. I know this is really competitive. It seems like I have the scores to get into the program, but I lack in research/ ec's. I know you guys are going to suggest shadowing a doctor and doing research programs (at colleges or NIH). But I don't know if I will have the opportunities to pursue doing the activities since they are pretty hard to get a spot in. Do you guys have any other suggestions in how I can boost my application to show I am devoted and motivated?</p>

<p>Thanks,
Theworriedguy</p>

<p>One of the admissions reps I spoke with said that all students who have made it into rpi/amc program have had some sort of research exposure.</p>

<p>They also told us that if you get as far as amc interview but then you are not accepted - you can still be accepted into rpi but it would be to their college of science not their engineering program because ultimately you are a premed student and the required courses are provided by the college of science. She said their (rpi’s) engineering college would be too full by the time you find out if you are admitted or not to the rpi/amc combo. We are still looking into this ourselves.</p>

<p>wow, this was actually a very helpful post. I guess I will not be applying to the combined program then. My ultimate goal is to go to med school, and so an early assurance program would be great. However, if I don’t get into any of these programs, I will be majoring in engineering because I am afraid of doing the pre-med track and not getting into any med schools. What would I do with a degree in biology/chemistry? I realize it is much harder to keep a higher GPA than with a pure science degree, but is it much easier to get a good paying job?</p>

<p>If you have any researchers in your area just approach them asking if you can volunteer in their lab without going through an official summer research program. Any amount of time is worth it. Then go ahead and put your application in. It’s a lot easier to find lab experience than it is to get into med school.</p>

<p>If it’s AMC you are interested in then look at their combined program with Siena or Union -their focus is different and may be a better fit for your experiences.
Don’t know much about those other schools but we really like RPI</p>

<p>I have no idea what is their program is like but Univ of Roch also has a combined program for admission to med school. Bio med is big there and they also have an open curriculum so it may be an option to get your undergrad degree in biomed engineering even if you did not get into their combined program</p>

<p>[University</a> of Rochester : College Admissions](<a href=“http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/CAPs/REMS/]University”>http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/CAPs/REMS/)</p>

<p>@lakemom: thnx for the advice… Yes, I am aware of the U of R combined program. I would apply there, but I know that it is one of the most competitive programs in the country. There is not a very good chance that I will be getting into the program. This school would be at the top of my list if wasn’t so expensive.</p>

<p>I don’t know why someone from the admissions committee is telling you that there are different “schools” within the university and that you can not transfer between them. One of my best friends was a physics major up until Sophomore year and is now a biomedical engineer with me.</p>

<p>While the classes may not match up, you ARE able to switch majors whenever you want to. You’ll have to be at RPI longer, but that just comes out of your pocket.</p>

<p>This. The only difficulty in switching majors is in acquiring the signatures of various people. Just sign up for classes in your intended major during orientation, find the various department heads once the semester starts up, and you’ll be all set academically.</p>