<p>Hello CCers! I'm trying to further build up my college application for the Stony Brook, Sophie Davis, or Brooklyn BS/MD programs and I don't have much time being that I am a rising senior. For medical ECs so far I have 500+ hours of volunteering for Cardiology Research, did a 30 hour recombinant DNA workshop and a 30 hour Genome Science/Biomedical technology workshop in which I was working in a lab (NOT cleaning beakers lol) the whole time (plenty of other ECs not medical/science related). </p>
<p>I was wondering if it is worth the $2,500 to take the 10 wk Brown U Pre-Med online class for high school students called "So you want to be a doctor?". Here's a description:
Attend to virtual patients, present your diagnosis and discuss with Brown University faculty and other student and pre college colleagues
Listen to video interviews with a wide array of specialists to understand what they do, and how they think
Preview the steps to earning your medical degree and medical license & gain experience in an anatomy lab
Here's the link: Pre</a> Med Online Classes for High School Students | Brown University</p>
<p>OR</p>
<p>Should I start shadowing a doctor and get in a few hours over a course of 4 months even though it's so difficult to ask doctors at Stony Brook U. Hospital and my father's own primary care doctor wouldn't let me shadow on Sundays?</p>
<p>Any other suggestions for ECs are welcome, thanks a bunch!!</p>
<p>hi! I’m a rising senior also applying to bs md programs! your research ECs so far are already great. 500 hours is impressive. as for browns program, I personally think it isn’t worth it. first of all, how much can you possibly learn through an online course? I don’t think it even compares to actual shadowing. also, I get the impression that this program is just for wealthy kids whose parents are willing to spend thousands of dollars on these types of programs. when there is no selection process, it usually is not prestigious. I was considering this program too but based on what a friend who already took it told me, it wasn’t worth it. the same holds true for many of the ivy league summer programs that charge 10k, and those national youth leadership forums. i have heard that admissions counselors look on these programs in a similar light so definitely go with shadowing. I currently intern at a doctors office and it is very hands on and overall an invaluable experience. I enjoy this and think I have gotten more out of it than organized volunteering programs such as those at hospitals. so go for it! 
and good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for replying! =) I was also thinking the same - I feel that these expensive programs are overrated, but I always read BS/MD stats that have ECs like summer ivy pgrms & so on. I was only considering it because Brown is pretty prestigious when it comes to medicine, but after reading about your friend’s experience I have changed my mind! I appreciate the info, it helped me save my parents thousands lol. Off to e-mailing some more drs about shadowing (probably the most ANNOYING part of the BS/MD journey haha!).</p>
<p>^
Are you e-mailing random doctors, lol? Or ones that you somewhat know? Ironically enough, I’m having a harder time finding research opportunities than shadowing opportunities. We should switch. :p</p>
<p>do not spend $$, shadowing is better and apply to more bs/md’s if you want to get in.</p>
<p>Shadowing is better especially if you manage to find an exciting doctor to shadow. Think about it. Shadowing is free, and you get REAL exposure.</p>
<p>@theking no I’m trying to contact doctors that my family goes to or one I vaguely know from the department I volunteer at & I would love to switch with you! lol
@MiamiDAP my dad wants me to stay near the city or LI so I can’t apply everywhere. My backup is just going to regular SB.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will try to shadow a doctor as soon as I can =)</p>