<p>I am in the process of sending application for the scholars program with the intention of getting dual admission to Medical school. However, their requirement for medical school is pretty stringent. You are required to maintain a GPA of 3.8 and do score 36 in MCAT. That is pretty absurd. With that kind of credentials you can almost get into any medical school. What is the plus in getting into the scholars program? Can someone enlighten me? Thanks!</p>
<p>"What is the plus in getting into the scholars program?"</p>
<p>Nothing really, IMO</p>
<p>Isn't it only 7 years rather than 8 total?</p>
<p>It is 8 yr program. Not like HPME at Northwestern where you have to maintain only 3.2 GPA and no need to take MCAT and it is 7 yr program. WUSTL scholors program appears to be worthless on the paper. Perhaps there is something which I dont see.</p>
<p>My son made the same decision. Keep in mind that an A- is a 3.7, so the pressure to maintain a 3.8 will be extraordinary. You are absolutely right that if you can achieve these stats, you can get into very prestigous schools anyway. I would say it is worth it IF you have always made straight As (not A minus) and Wash U is the ONE med school you want to attend.</p>
<p>or if you dont want to deal with the stress of applying to med schools.</p>
<p>They're tough requirements, but they can be exploited. For instance (BDM pointed this out in a similar post awhile ago), an applicant with a 15 15 6 mcat will have difficulty being accepted anywhere. In this program, it's acceptable. The guaranteed admission also allows students to manipulate their schedules in favor of easier classes to meet the GPA requirements. I imagine some opt to take some of the tougher premed requirements like orgo over the summer at a less competitive school--something normally looked upon unfavorably by med schools. You also avoid the interview.</p>
<p>I've heard it is incredibly difficult to be accepted into the scholars program, so good luck.</p>