<p>I have yet another conflict I'd like to hear some input about from my peeps. Well here we go. I want to be a doc and the thing is VCU GMED was appealing to me because of the no MCAT and all...so it was obvious to me that I would go with VCU GMED over UVA (where I wouldnt have a guaranteed spot in a medical school) however, I just learned that as of 2012, VCU reinstated the MCAT in that you are no longer exempted from taking it however the bar is lowered to a 26..which I guess isnt all that bad. But the question is would it be worth it???
to decline acceptance into UVA to pursue VCU GMED which I anyways have to take the MCAT for?..I did apply to some other combined programs such as Union/AMC, Rochester, Drexel, Northwestern, Brown, etc. most of which do exempt the MCAT. </p>
<p>So if i were to get into any of those other programs I would happily go given that I dont have to take the MCAT at all and its just a bit less stress without the hassle. I do not view VCU GMED this way, and I've heard quite a bit of negative input about it. </p>
<p>Can anyone shed some light on this situation?...im thinking I might as well go where I'll be more happy (UVA)--that is, if i do not get into any of the combined programs disregarding the VCU one, and just work really hard through my Bio major and participate in as much medical service as possible (shadowing, volunteering, EMT, etc, etc.) and then work really hard and get a good score on that MCAT and basically become a doc the traditional path at a well known and nicely ranked institution, UVA. But im still not really sure....so please put your thoughts into this.</p>
<p>I’m getting kind of worried, OP, that you keep suggesting that it’s the hard work and stress involved in the MCAT that is putting you off UVA. Med school itself is certainly going to be a whole lot more work and stress than the MCAT. What gives?</p>
<p>Yea I understand your’re perspective but putting yourself in my shoes, so to speak, what would you suggest would be a better option…id like to hear the opinion of someone who has gone through what I have (appling to BSMD v. regular schools)</p>
<p>My very strong suggestion is to wait to see where you are accepted and which are affordable options before you get your knickers in a knot over any of them. When you’ve heard from all you can lay your viable options out and weigh the pros and cons. Do not borrow things to stress over.</p>
<p>well vcu would obviously be a lotttttt cheaper (its a garbarge college)–and id prob get a good ass scholarshipp cuz i have a 2230 SAT and a 4.3 GPA and 14 APs and 800 hours of medical service…so im prty much in UVA or VCU…thing is once i get in VCU GMED and UVA (arguing about my confidence not necessary)…then the thing is to choose which one to attend. Well, UVA offers no merit, simply need-based which idk i will get much of (i filled out a fafsa and my EFC is around 30k) </p>
<p>Thing is im extremely self driven so I’m thinking I can make UVA happen and be a doc…I dont think Ill do very well on the MCAT tho (my biggest fear rite now)…which is y i was contemplaing vCU (only reason)…but I will do what i CAN at UVA and instead of chilling around and wasting my time I will actually be studyin hard, and doing ALOT OF MEDICAL volunteering, shadowing, emt if possible, and anything medically related or community service related in general that i can get my hands on to impress my future medical school.</p>
<p>Im just quite scared of the traditional path…so thats y i wanted some input…but im really self driven and i dont mind staying up to get stellar grades and services hours.</p>
<p>input would be appreciated, thanks yall, you are all beautiful ppl… muahhhhh!</p>
<p>Jeez louise…you’re flippling out over NOTHING. If you do well at VCU and get high grads and pay attention then someone like you can get a 30+ without even studying for the MCAT.</p>
<p>Maybe you should look it to being a Physicians Assistant. Sounds like you don’t want to go to VCU and UVA may be out of reach. Have you looked at ODU or James Madison?</p>
<p>what makes you say that?..i got called for a jefferson Scholar interview.</p>
<p>and its not that I dont like VCU, well yea I kinda dont, but I applied to better combined programs…that exempt MCAT for good, and u get funded research and etc…got some calls for interviews (btw any tips for them interviews…will be GREATLY appreciated guys).</p>
<p>No one is assured an admit to UVa. Your “I’ve got this” attitude is arrogant at the very least. You do realize the the Jefferson Foundation is not connected with UVa admissions in any way, right? There have been students invited to apply that have not been accepted to the university. You may very well be accepted, but there are no guarantees for any student…perfect SATs, Jeff Scholar nominees, NMF, Val’s, you name it, all turned down. </p>
<p>I stand by my original advise, wait until you have acceptances in hand and determine your affordable options. Then you can go through this process of gnashing your teeth. Many students find they are picking from a smaller set of options then they thought, either due to admissions or insufficient merit/FA. Decisions become much easier with only viable options to consider.</p>
<p>BTW, As far as your assessment that VCU is a garbage college, I think you’re vastly misinformed. I know an exceptionally accomplished young woman who just spent two very successful years at UVa. It was her first choice university and she loved her time at the university. She’s just transferred to VCU to finish her education in their dental program. She had many options, a very bright young woman, stellar academics, money no issue. This was her top choice. She has always made very sound, logical, well thought out decisions. She would not sacrifice quality of education. I’m not pushing VCU. I’m saying your opinion is clouded and you would do well to take another unbiased look, to talk to those in the program, why they chose it, what their other options were, etc. I think you’d be very surprised. VCU med is not VCU generic undergrad.</p>