<p>I've put this on some other threads too, but I want as many opinions as possible.</p>
<p>I applied to UMKC's 6yr med program without even considering Brown or Northwestern's programs because I wasn't really think about accelerated programs at all anyways and I only applied to UMKC's program because my parents told me to and I know some people going there. </p>
<p>Well, I got into Wash U and now have until May 16th to decide between the two programs. So far I have been a very high achieving student and so its very hard for me to accept a program whose average act/sat, gpa, and in general students have done less than me. However, I also see the advantages of going into this program. I simply wouldn't have to work as hard as I would at Wash U, I could skip two years of my undergrad with ap credit, and I enter into a residency early.</p>
<p>On the other hand Wash U allows me to do so much. Furthermore, I have the philosophy that children should do better than their parents. Seeing as how my parents may about 150K a year, I am worried that if I graduate from a low caliber state school med program, I may not be as well regarded by residency programs and hospitals.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice?</p>
<p>Short Answer: Go to Wash U. UMKC is definitely not a program for high achieving students. In my opinion, its a shortcut to a life as a crummy physician.</p>
<p>Long Answer: Go to Wash U, because if you continue to achieve at the level you do, you will go to medical school. UMKC's program unlike some other programs is very restricting. It cuts down your undergrad by 2 years, it gives you no option to apply out, etc. Similarly, the opportunities for research, study abroad, and even general curriculum would be immensely better at Wash U. Don't tie yourself down to a "guaranteed" program when you know that someone with your academic profess can get into med school anyway.</p>
<p>Also, the parents income thing. Umm, achieve to the highest level that you can. In the grand scheme that is life, money is quite irrelevant. Don't go into medicine (or any field for that matter), just because you feel as though you will earn a great deal of money. While the fact that you earn money may be true, the lack of passion will lead to you being stuck in a career you don't like for the rest of your life. Also, you will be doing a disservice to your patients.</p>
<p>P.S. Its very hard for me to recommend Wash U in any circumstance. I'm from a midwestern HS where it is the norm to apply to Wash U. And every year they reject our top tier applicants solely for the sake of increasing yield. Similarly, they do lots of things in the admissions process for the sake of raising their US News rankings. But, don't let this influence you too much, I'm prolly just bitter cause i got WL.</p>
<p>If you can afford Wash U. the learning opportunities are simply much greater.</p>
<p>As far as UMKC being a shortcut to life as a crummy physician...I'm inclined to disagree. If you are a dedicated student you will do very well. Personally familiar with graduates who have gone on to do residencies at notable institutions such as the Mayo Clinic. They are doing extremely well. </p>
<p>One graduate that comes to mind who is now practicing in Las Vegas...was the doctor who operated on Roy Horn of Siegfried and Roy when he was attacked by a tiger.</p>
<p>Sounds like you would enjoy the more varied learning at Wash U.</p>
<p>I believe it was in 2005 that reps from HARVARD made a visit to UMKC. Seems UMKC med students were doing SO WELL in certain areas of testing, HARVARD wanted to understand what the curriculum was offering students that HARVARD was lacking.</p>
<p>As people have said quite well here, yes go to Wash U. UMKC is no where on part of Wash U both when it comes to basic science and clinical education. Not to mention, your tuition will take you much farther at Wash U then at UMKC.</p>
<p>Selena, looking at your post you are definitely wise beyond your years, as it seems like you are one of the few that have thoroughly investigated the program.</p>