@artloversplus ,her son’s ACT is not a 29, she listed his scores in post #54, it is a 26. OP, we are not wanting to kill your sons dreams, yet want you to realize at this time, he can’t get into a combined program and are hoping you can guide him to a realistic UG school.
His ACT is a 27, not 26. MANY many many students (obviously not your child I guess) need to take the test more than one time to improve their score! (I am simply assuming he will improve it to at least a 29)
As previously stated we know we need a plan B. Does it hurt to TRY by applying to UMKC? I’m living in a bubble because we would “try” such a thing? Hmmmm. I see no harm in applying if we know we need and have a plan B in place.
No need to actually answer my questions, you’ve made your stance clear.
You’ve said several times that you think that if he puts in the work and has the passion he will be able to become a doctor. At this point, YOU are the one putting in all the work and showing the passion. Yes, he is very busy. When will he not be busy? He should expect to be insanely busy starting right now and for the next 11 to 16 years. You won’t be able to help him.
You are engaged in magical thinking about this process. It’s not magical. There are criteria. And it’s fiercely competitive.
Of course he can “try.” But the outcomes are not random. There are known factors that make an applicant competitive. The posters here are trying to give you real-world advice on the best way your son can get from where he is now to where he wants to be, in med school.
I understand you want to give your son the best chances of success for med school while respecting his wish to attend a Christian college.
A 26 is respectable and is likely to increase. As such he’d be a strong contender at several colleges with excellent academics - but not for BS/MD programs, where 32 is the norm. He can certainly apply but go into it with eyes wide open his odds are very low.
BCOHS is too narrow - yes, med schools say they don’t care what the college is, but to a certain extent. The college has to have decent research, a variety of departments, etc. The assumption is that you’re hesitating between Truman State, Mizzou, and Saint Louis University (or equivalent).
In addition, very small, private colleges that were created recently will not have enough of a track record, very low research, very narrow curricular offerings. You may be willing to give them a chance but what if it’s at your son’s expense?
“Recognized” colleges like Wheaton IL or Hope seem too expensive.
That’s why many posters here are indicating that for your price range your son may have better odds at a public university with active Christian groups. Your state flagship will cover all your bases; UNM (where he qualifies for Amigo scholarship) would be another one. I know your question was about Christian colleges that cost about 15k but you also need these colleges to be good for a pre-med student and none of the colleges you listed, except perhas Harding, would be considered sufficient academically for med schools.
Another aspect you must take into account is that med schools WILL check whether the college teaches creationism. For all small, unknown Christian colleges, they will check the science curriculum and the professors’ publications. Evolution being the bedrock of scientific thinking, candidates have to understand it very well before med school (regardless of religious beliefs) and universities like Oral Roberts that teach “evolution as part of creationism” will be a huge obstacle to overcome.
So, when you call med schools, ask them point blank how they feel about colleges that teach creationism and intelligent design. Then cross out colleges accordingly.
MYOS, our eyes are open. We will pray over things and have a plan B in place. We are mentally prepared that it is a long shot getting in to UMKC. If he doesn’t, it is ok! But there is no harm in trying!
Maybe I will look further into Harding as well. But probably after we get his new ACT score because he would really need a 31 to go there financially.
UNM-Amigo? Thanks for the creationism info to consider/ask about…
So you guys don’t even like William Carey U? They even have a medical school there! So I would think their UG would be very strong! Also, Mississippi College is another one that seems to have a really good pre med… they are both christian colleges and affordable after merit based is applied. Unfortunately they are a farther drive, but if they meet all the criteria I started to look for, it is worth it.
BRANTLY, my son is 17. My husband will be paying for his schooling as of now so why wouldn’t I want to be the one to find a college I feel would be good for his young soul? Then, after I find some good options, we will let him decide from there. After I get things narrowed down, he can look closely online and we will go on tours so “he” can decide. He works hard at all his busyness so I have no problem thinking he will work hard at his college education/future too. I have the time, I am spending the money, I want to be the one to initially pick. Like it, agree with it or not, that is WHY, since you keep asking.
If he doesn’t attend christian, at a minimum he (& me) would prefer at least a more conservative college. (There have been a couple colleges he has had me check like MO State)
OP, have your son work on increasing his reading comprehension. Not only for his ACT score, but reading is a HUGE part of med school. People have described the amount of information coming to them in med school is like drinking from a fire hose.
As far as creationism goes,the only school that I know that it is okay at is Loma Linda. I could be wrong, just going off my kids application search.
FWIW, Christian schools do get students into med school - even creation teaching versions. I used to have my doubts, but I’ve seen it happen. Those I know about IRL have gotten into a state MD school (WVU) and DO schools. I believe Liberty even has a DO school in the works?
As always with my advice, ask where recent grads have gone. If others have made it happen, your guy ought to be able to as well assuming he has similar stats, grades, and ECs.
Be sure to look on the Med forums (on CC or perhaps elsewhere) to see about future residency changes and the expectations of how that will affect DO vs MD (and Caribbean) students.
I agree it takes really high stats and many medical ECs to get BS/MD. I also agree that it’s best if he can improve his reading score, so hopefully that happens.
Creekland,
FWIW?? IRL?? ECs??
Thanks
FWIW = For what it’s worth
IRL = In real life (aka, something I’ve actually seen happen to real people)
ECs = Extra curriculars
I tend to abbreviate a bit… 
Liberty has a Med School, so I would imagine pre med would be good