Summing up the whole process

Pre-Med & Medical School Multiple Degree Programs
1

<p>Hi everyone!</p>

<p>I am currently a junior, and unfortunately I haven't been stalking college forums for very long, so I guess I'm sort of a newbie :) I know that I want to do something in medicine, and until about a year ago, I thought the traditional pre-med route was my only way in. I found out about these programs, and I like the freedom the guaranteed medical school spot gives. I plan on at least minoring in English, and of course I'm really excited about the electives colleges have to offer (which I may not have a chance to take advantage of if I'm slaving away at my desk for the MCAT).</p>

<p>Even though I know that these programs would be awesome, I kind of don't know where to start. From what I know:</p>

<p>-I complete the common app
-I complete a supplement for every school I apply to
-I complete an additional supplement for each school that has a combined program that I would like to apply to
-I click send and cross my fingers!
-I wait to hear back from the schools
-I interview at the schools that offer one to me
-I wait for letters to fill up my mailbox</p>

<p>Does that sound about right? I've never actually talked face-to-face with a person who applied to one of these programs about the process. Also, what are the dates? I know usually the combined programs have an earlier deadline than regular decision. Can anyone give me a rough timeline?</p>

2

<p>Did you choose the programs that you want to apply? Do you have enough stats to apply to them? Also, you cannot apply to some programs without invitation. Every program is different, you need to create your list and look for procedure/requirements on websites.</p>

3

<p>I’m sure I’ll be applying to the programs in the northeast. What are some general requirements? And which programs are invitation-only?</p>

4

<p>^Get your list and research each individually. There are no general requirement, except they are for graduating High School kids only, cannot apply later. One more “general” rule - you need very high stats, higher than for Ivy’s to enter most of combined bs/md programs. </p>

<p>Do not kid yourself, without 'slaving away", you still will be out. You still have to maintain high GPA and some of them require MCAT. Some others are accelerated with definite 'slaving away" because of cramped schedule and no flexibility. No general information, each is very different. Yet others restrict choice of major.</p>

5

<p>MiamiDAP is presenting one side of the picture. I’ve just finished my first year in the Brown PLME program, and though I work hard, I wouldn’t say I’ve been “slaving away” my time. I would say that I’ve been studying, enjoying myself, and learning a lot.</p>

<p>Really, what you need to think about is what you’re looking for in a BS/MD program. Some programs are accelerated, while others aren’t. Some restrict you a lot more than others.</p>

<p>Just to give a shout-out to my awesome program, the Brown PLME is in a nutshell four years at Brown + 4 years at Brown’s med school, without med school applications or MCATs. We get awesome advising, but aren’t restricted at all (I’m majoring in music, for example). You get the benefits of a BS/MD program at a top-name university that’s also known for having the “happiest students.”</p>

<p>Feel free to contact me with any more questions about PLME.</p>

6

<p>And not all accelerated programs force you to ‘slave away’ either. Of course, I’m sure it varies from program to program. I’m at the BU program and my requirement were a 3.2 and a 28 MCAT (although now its a 30 MCAT). Regardless, those both are still relatively low and most everyone had GPAs that were significantly higher. That’s not to say people didn’t work hard, but we are fortunate enough to have it a lot, lot easier than traditional pre-med. I did research and such on the side, but you really have freedom to explore whatever you want to do for ECs – or not do – which feels great. You aren’t worried about how one activity or another will look on your med school app.</p>

<p>Also, I would argue, that even though the program is accelerated with 3 years undergrad, most students have MORE room to explore other courses than traditional pre-meds. Our “major” is Medical Science, which is basically 9 semesters of science courses (3 bio, 2 orgo, 2 gen chem, 2 physics). Other than that, we are actually required to minor in something non-science. Many students just decide to do a major in something else (for example, in Psychology, English, Political Science, Anthropology – just to name a few). We can skip out on Math, which most pre-meds have to take, if we have AP credit, which is great too. That all being said, if you are interested in doing more intensive science courses, you definitely have that option too, and I know students who chose to pursue upper level science classes. </p>

<p>And accelerating is not only about the time and the money. You can absolutely do 4 years of undergrad instead of 3 if you want to, its really up to you, though not that many people choose the 4 year option. You can also just extend the program to 8 years and add an MPH or an MBA to your degree. Which is a prettty nice deal if you are interested in any of those.</p>

<p>During your third year, there are no requirements whatsoever so many students take little to no science courses, go study abroad, etc. So it is pretty chill.</p>

<p>Anyways, just my two cents. Good luck with the whole application process!</p>