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Meggykewpie,
I was checking USnews 2005 listing. The great schools you are mentioning brown, rohester, case, usc and nothwestern are definitely are in top 50 schools in U.S. But I did not see RPI( Albany medical college ) in that list. I saw 2004 listing also. I believe it is not in first 67 schools also.

By Duperme (Duperme) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 12:07 pm: Edit

Yeah!! I got into USC's med program after being rejected from Case Western, Univ of Miami, and Boston U. In your face Boston! If any of you also got into USC, please tell me.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 12:17 pm: Edit

My son just got into Stony Brook. Tell me about the program please?

By Ribbit (Ribbit) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 02:33 pm: Edit

when do miami decisions come?

By Luda (Luda) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 04:13 pm: Edit

Bap, the RPI/AMC program is good because of the research exposure. At a lot of the other programs, once you're in medical school, you're not really special. But, in the RPI/AMC program, you pick a project for medical school that you start before. You get a head start on medical school, getting to know people before even the first day of school. BS/MD Students are consistently at the top of their class and get their residency pick. Thats the reason for such high demand for program acceptance.

By Vivek86 (Vivek86) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 04:14 pm: Edit

I got into Sophie Davis!

By Bap (Bap) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 07:12 pm: Edit

Nyugrad,
From what I understand Stony brook is a good medical school(it was 54 on USnews list in 2004 research category. it was also in thirties in primary care categroy ). They take only 5 to 6 students every year from over 100 applicants. when did you have your interview & how did they let you know( by mail or by phone )

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 08:44 pm: Edit

I think Miami decisions come next week Ribbit. I'm waitin' for that and UMKC.

By Focus007 (Focus007) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 09:39 pm: Edit

anyone hear from gw? lady said decisions were mailed out friday.....its been a week

By Meggykewpie (Meggykewpie) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 10:17 pm: Edit

Anyone hear from brown? my two friends got rejected

By Illeatyourshoe (Illeatyourshoe) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 11:01 pm: Edit

So, what your trying to tell me luda is that i have a chacne of getting in if i get into the interview phase, but whats to say i even get that far? Will they look at my transcript and deicde to give me an interview or simply toss mine in the garbage

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 11:31 pm: Edit

REJECTED FROM BROWN....YEAHHH!!! Still waiting on UMKC and Miami...hoping Miami will pull through. Hoping real real hard.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 01:30 am: Edit

Bap, you're missing one of the big points of bs/md programs. You're focusing on the USnews rankings too much. The point of the best bs/md programs is to give a conditional acceptance to medical school. Most of these students are ivy-material, over-qualified for the undergrad and even med. school sometimes in the bs/md program. But, because of the high-caliber students, the bs/md people do really well in medical school, get high step scores, get competitive residency slots benefitting not only the schools, but also themselves. They enter medical school with near ease and all they have to do is concentrate on doing well. This is why programs like Miami, Rochester, Case, RPI/AMC are so competitive. Miami is an okay medical school, but the program is excellent. One student in it is a Rhodes scholar. One past student in the RPI/AMC program was selected to be a part of the olympic soccer team training camp, but rejected it for the bs/md program.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 10:02 am: Edit

please tell me more about Stony Brook program vs. going to an ivy league school.

By Sjparent (Sjparent) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 11:21 am: Edit

My daughter got in to the USC BA/MD program with a Presidential Scholarship for 4 years @ $14k/year. She also got accepted by the UCLA Scholars' Program with a Regents Scholarship @ ~$5k/year .
Now she is a bit confused. She was told by some that USC med pgm is not ranked that high. Any words of wisdom?
She is waitlisted at Stanford and Harvard :-(( which rather broke her heart. She is very keen on going to med school but she is not at all sure if she should take the USC offer and feel "safe" or "roll the dice" elsewhere.

By Psedrish_Md (Psedrish_Md) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 01:11 pm: Edit

Words of wisdom: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. USC produces many fine doctors; no doubt your daughter will be one of them.

By Sjparent (Sjparent) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 03:35 pm: Edit

Psedrish,

Thanks . In terms of reputaion USC or UCLA ? That is if one were to discount the med part of the admission. I met two kids while we visited USC who started with Bac/MD and then garduated with some other major. If that happens then the rating/reputaion of the institution matters.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 03:39 pm: Edit

That's what I'm afraid of with Stony Brook.

By Wobudong (Wobudong) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 04:20 pm: Edit

If she really wants to practice medicine, this is a no brainer. Harvard rarely has to go to its waitlist. (The waitlist is Harvard's way of telling you that you are Harvard-qualified, even though they didn't offer you admission.) Don't know how many Stanford takes from the waitlist, but probably very few. Actually, the few students who turn down offers from Harvard and Stanford are often the students who are accepted to the BA/BS/MD programs like USC's. In fact, if you survey all of the students in the USC program you are likely to find several who were offered admission to HYPS.

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 11:25 pm: Edit

Who's still waitin'?...UMKC and Miami still pending for me. C'mon you guys. And if you're not waitin'...have you made a decision yet? Let's have some conversation hear peeps.

By Excelsior (Excelsior) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 10:19 am: Edit

Hi! Right now, I'm deliberating between Rochester REMS, Brown PLME, and Stony Brook Scholars for medicine. Stony is free, PLME is meeting the expected family contribution (EFC), and REMS exceeds the EFC by seven thousand. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks!!! :o)

By Bluegirly (Bluegirly) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 09:08 pm: Edit

Hey Excelsior,

Could you post ur stats?

Thanks.

By Haan (Haan) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 11:09 pm: Edit

Tennisplaya518: Right now, I'm probably going to go to the Union College/AMC program unless i get off the GW BA/MD waitlist. I know its a long shot but all i can do is just hope i get off the waitlist.

By Tennisplaya518 (Tennisplaya518) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 12:27 am: Edit

hey Haan haan, do u have aim? maybe we can chat! ...bout.... college? lol

By Haan (Haan) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 12:29 am: Edit

hey tennisplaya - my aol sn is in my profile

By Floppydisk2 (Floppydisk2) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 01:51 am: Edit

to all of those who say it doesnt matter where you go to med school:

YOU ARE, in my humble opinion, WRONG

going to a better med school does matter when it comes time for residency matching. granted, going to a better med school may not guarantee a better medical education, it will help you land your residency-- where you will get the most training anyway.

for example, if two applicants had equal board scores and stats, etc and both wanted to do residency at a certain place, most residency program directors choose the candidate that came from the better med school. some residency programs don't even interview students if they dont go to upper tier med schools.

my advice, try to go to the program that has the best ranked med school.

By Sjparent (Sjparent) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 02:34 pm: Edit

Floppydisk2,

With that in mind, how do you rate the USC med school. I saw it was ranked 32 in the Medschool ranking.

By Tennisplaya518 (Tennisplaya518) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 03:36 pm: Edit

yo! is anyone else thinking of going to union/amc or lehigh/drexel?

By Floppydisk2 (Floppydisk2) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 03:48 pm: Edit

hi sjparent,

USC and all of the other california med schools are consistently ranked very highly. getting into california med schools is truly an accomplishment, and if you have that chance i would take it.

also consider top combined med programs: like northwestern, baylor, cwru, brown, jefferson, boston .

By Doctort (Doctort) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 08:29 pm: Edit

Floppydisk2, what you say is not necessarily true. When residency matching comes, board scores and experience/letters of recommendation from the department carry the most weight. Equal boards scores and stats is not something that is likely. If you work hard at any medical school and do well, your chances will not be limited. Every single program mentioned here is good enough for even the most competitive residencies such as neurosurgery and derm. The interview for residencies are based on your scores not the school you went to. Look around the neurosurgery residents at places like Brigham and Women's Hospital affiliated with Harvard Med. and other programs and you will find medical schools from all over represented.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 08:32 pm: Edit

I would definitely look at the schools in a bs/md program. But what is overlooked and should be emphasized is the type of curriculum designed in the bs/md program, the cost, distance from home if that is an issue, the type of undergrad school, etc. Going to the bs/md program with the highest ranking is kind of pointless. If you get into a bs/md program, who cares what rank the schools are. All the programs mentioned are established programs that are competitive and must be graduating some outstanding physicians if the program is in such high demand.

By Bharath2007 (Bharath2007) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 09:03 pm: Edit

I do believe that while it is possible to obtain a residency in ophthalmology for example from most medical schools, getting one at Bascom Palmer for example is almost impossible from a lower tier med school. If all medical schools were the same for residency placement, why do the brightest students congregate to the medical schools ranked 1-10? It is no coincidence that going to a highly reputable medical school confers some advantage in the residency match process.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 09:04 pm: Edit

well put and agreed. The only problem is that the student must be sure that medicine is what they want. If the undergrad school is not a match if they change their major, it may be a problem.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 09:07 pm: Edit

Agreed with Doctort, NOT with Bharath. I know for a fact that a Bascom Palmer residency is not impossible from a lower tier med school. In fact, just the reverse may be true. It depends on the student.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 09:47 pm: Edit

Bharath, you're right that overall students from the top medical schools have a better match list in comparison to the other medical schools. But, thats not the argument here. Students from the BS/MD programs are specifically selected because they are the best high school students. In program such as University of Miami, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Physician-Scientist Program, Boston University, Rochester, although the medical schools are not the best, the bs/md students are the best in their medical school and DO get their choice residency. The point of the program is to keep the student on a focus to enter the medical profession and make that road much, much less painful. BS/MD students in these programs get in and do extremely well. There are numerous examples throughout this forum of outstanding graduates of some of the programs. What I'm saying is that don't worry too much about obtaining residencies. As long as you keep your head up and not slack of too much, you'll do well in your medical school coming out of a bs/md program. You were accepted from a line of high-quality students so you are capable of doing well.

By Soccergrl31 (Soccergrl31) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 11:03 pm: Edit

Right now I'm debating over Union/AMC and Drexel's program. I'm leaning towards Drexel only because the medical schools look similar and Drexel is closer to home and I like the city environment of Philly better as opposed to Albany. Does anyone have any advice or input in this decision?

And also, maybe Doctort, you would know this. Drexel's medical school is huge compared to many others. How does this affect residencies or any other aspects of medical school?

By Haan (Haan) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 10:17 am: Edit

Guys, I have a tough decision to make and it is between Cornell and the Union/AMC med program. The medical school guarantee is great but the undergrad is also difficult to say no to.

By Drfunk (Drfunk) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 01:26 pm: Edit

Anyone else here matriculating into the GWU 7-year program? If so, where are you from? Northern Virginia here.

Also, regarding what was said about medical school, it doesnt matter where you go--it really doesnt. As long as you have a high rank, good boards, and you aren't applying to a super competitive field (i.e. derm) you can go anywhere you want.

By Progs4all (Progs4all) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 02:46 pm: Edit

I am just thankful to have the opportunity to go to a program. I got into RPI/AMC program, and waitlisted at some undergrad colleges that I expected to get into....college admissions is mostly political. I just thank God for an opportunity to succeed, thus I will take what I have. If you want to become a doctor go the program route, you won't regret it. Unless your number one priority is prestige then consider the top undergrad institution. If you are going into private practice do you think your patients care where you went to med school. All that matters is that you are a good doctor, and it's the person that makes that happen not the medical school.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 04:40 pm: Edit

Progs4all, what you say is true. But, I'm going even further and saying that even if you want to do research or a competitive resdiency, it is most definitely possible coming out of any US medical school. It's the individual's goals and ability to work hard that makes the difference. If you are competitive and study, you'll do well in medical school, whichever one, and you'll be the doctor you want to be. Soccergirl, is money important. Both programs are good. If Drexel is closer and you like it, take it. Again, about residency, Albany from what I've heard seems to have a better matchlist but if you do well at Drexel, you won't have a problem. Haan, Cornell is a very tough undergrad school and there is not much inflation or anything there. Pre-med there is extremely tough. I don't think it's worth taking over a program like Union/AMC. I know students in that program who have turned down schools like Cornell, Columbia, etc. Drfunk, I agree with your sentiments totally. Progs4all, the RPI/AMC program is one of the very best because of it's research focus. What undergrad schools were you waitlisted at? It's surprising because the program students, esp at bs/md programs like RPI, Case, Rochester, BU, etc usually turn down a bunch of top undergrad schools. Your interview must have been good.

By Focus007 (Focus007) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 06:57 pm: Edit

hey doctort, i applied to many programs, but unfortunately got admission only into drexel's program? how is drexel med and is it reliable? i heard the tenet system (which it is part of) almost went bankrupt last year...

By Luda (Luda) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 07:41 pm: Edit

Focus007, def. take the RPI/AMC program. It's much better than the Drexel program. What do your stats look like if you don't mind me asking?

By Soccergrl31 (Soccergrl31) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 09:11 pm: Edit

Luda....what would say between the Union/AMC program vs. the Drexel/Drexel program...but I don't only mean blabalahah about the schools, I'm talking about the social and oppurtunities aspect too....thanks

By Illeatyourshoe (Illeatyourshoe) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 10:44 pm: Edit

how important is class rank and gpa, thats my main concern. If stupid colleges didnt put so much damn emphasis on that i would have a much higher chance because my classes are hard, but nooooooo...

By Komal (Komal) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 11:13 pm: Edit

hey everyone im in a lucky yet frustrating and confusing position. I was accepted into the Northwestern HPME, Brown PLME, Boston BA/MD and George Washington U BA/MD and i cant decide where i should go. I'm leaning towards NW and GWU because they are 7 years and GWU is giving me alot of money..wheras NW is giving me nada. Any info you may have about any of these programs would def help me. Does anyone know the rankings of each of their medical schools? thanks

By Soccergrl31 (Soccergrl31) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 11:57 pm: Edit

From the US News & World Report for 2005 the Medical school rankings are...

(research/primary care)

Northwestern- 20/65
Brown-43/20
Boston-43/?
GWU- 68/?

goodluck with your decision! let me tell you, you're in such a lucky position! you can't go wrong with any of these schools

By Luda (Luda) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:21 am: Edit

Soccergirl is right Komal, take the program giving you the most money. Think about this way: A NW M.D. does not get more money than a GW M.D. There's not THAT much variation in salary for a particular field of medicine. But, coming out of GW, you have much, much less debts to pay so you keep what you earn. All the schools mentioned are good. Soccergrl, also, from what I know, Union has a pretty good social life. I know people that go there and they have fun. Lots of parties, area is alright, Albany's is pretty good though. Union also has a D1 hockey team so those games will be fun. Illeatyourshoe, class rank/gpa are very important for the programs. Those and SAT scores serve as cut offs for the interviews. Minimums for the competitive programs (NW, Brown, BU, GWU, Miami, RPI, Rochester, Case, Union, USC) are usually something around 1400 and averages vary from mid-upper 1400's to lower 1500's. Most if not all students are in the top 5 or 10% of their hs class.

By Bobd (Bobd) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 07:15 am: Edit

Anybody accepting RPI/AMC?

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 09:17 am: Edit

Just wondering for all of you bs/md acceptees, what regular undergraduate schools did you get into and which one are you planning to choose at this point (bs/md program vs. 4-yr undergrad)?

By Drfunk (Drfunk) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:41 pm: Edit

komal, what kinda money is GW giving you? Are you talking about the merit scholarship or is there also financial aid involved?

I ask because im still waiting on my financial aid package and want to get a feel for what GW is giving out to BA/MD kids.

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 04:57 pm: Edit

Anyone here waiting on Miami and UMKC? I am. Miami is apparently supposed to be mailing it's out next week and UMKC this week.

By Komal (Komal) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 05:19 pm: Edit

thanks everyone, yah all i received was the merit scholarship, gwu is giving out 15,000 each to all Ba/Md studetns for 7 years, an u can qualify for another 4,000 after 60 credits. But with my family ocntribution and this award im pretty much payin very little in teh end..and gwu offers more schoalrships once there...whears NW and Brown are giving me no money and have no merit awards, so i will have to pay alot. I just can't decide if i want to go to NW or GWU because NW has traditionaly placed above gwu med

By Drfunk (Drfunk) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

So money v. prestige has reached an impasse? The next step is to visit both and find out which one you like the best.

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 01:00 am: Edit

I got into UMKC!!!! YEAHHHH!!! 6 YEARS BABY!!!! That's all I had to say. I'm done. Where's everyone else going?

By Solario144 (Solario144) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 01:42 am: Edit

Luda,
I need your input to decide my suumer programm this year. I am a Junior. My stats:GPA 4.4, Class R 2/460, PSAT 227 (80M), Sat1 1560 (780M,780V,10th gr),1380(780M,600V, 8th gr), SatIIC(800), APCal AB 5, AMC12+AIME INDEX: 100.5+2 (9th gr), 126.5+7(10th gr),USABO Semifinalist this yr, APCourses this year- AP Cal BC, AP Physics, AP Biology, AP US History. Summer School: CTY-JHU Genetics (2002), Stanford University Math Camp (2003). EC - Local VA Hospital, Math Coaching at Middle School, Youth Orchestra (Violin), Debate, Capt of the Scholar Bowl Team, Capt of Math Team. I would like to join Brown PLME (ED), or RPI/Union or NW HPME, or Rochester REM. I have the opprtunity to work as an "intern" this summer in the VA Hospital (pharmacy Dept) where I am volunteering now, Or go to a great math program of Ross Young at Ohio State U or PROMY at Boston U.
Which one would increase my chances next year? Since Brown PLME is my ED, does it help to get into their summer program?

By Luda (Luda) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 03:29 am: Edit

Hey Solario. Going to Brown's summer program may not give you more of a boost in comparison to other programs for Brown admission. It really depends on which summer program provides the most experience/education. You have great scores and past summer experiences so go with the program where you honestly think you'll have the most fun. You're applying to all of the extremely competitive bs/md programs. But, give it a shot, you have a better than average chance with your background. You seem to have a very strong math/science background so for the RPI, NW, and BU program this will help alot. Rochester and Brown are a little more liberal in their admission so don't know. So, again, take the one that sounds like you'll learn alot and enjoy it and where you have interest. Just because you want to do a bs/md program doesn't mean you have to do the VA Hospital. You've already volunteered there so you have medical experience.

By Sjparent (Sjparent) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 11:02 am: Edit

Between UCSD and USC which combined med program is better? When I say better, which one presents better opportunity if you decide to leave the program and go for the med school years in one of the other top med schools (after the undergrad years).

By Dr_Slc (Dr_Slc) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 01:43 pm: Edit

anyone get the UCSD email yet?

By Enzom (Enzom) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:44 am: Edit

I was unaware of 8 year programs. That obviously makes more sense IMHO. I simply saw too many very young people who entered these 6 year programs and did not really do well due to lack of experience. The poster who is applying to Howard indicated that theirs is a 6 year program. Your program sounds a lot more sensible.

By Tania (Tania) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 06:08 pm: Edit

anyone hear from umdnj?

By Soccergrl31 (Soccergrl31) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 08:00 pm: Edit

I did....rejected!

By Lemmethink (Lemmethink) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 04:21 am: Edit

What advanced pre med programs are out there? i know there's a six/seven year at boston univ and penn univ. any others?

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 05:41 pm: Edit

The best six/seven year programs in addition to BU and PSU are RPI Physician-Scientist Program (7 years), University of Miami 6-yrs, NW 7-yrs

By Bap (Bap) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 08:54 pm: Edit

six year penn/JMC( cost about 300K ) verses TCNJ/NJMS 7 year program( option to do 8th year, free undergraduate and student is not bound to NJMS. Please give your honest opinion.

By Takingiteasy (Takingiteasy) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 09:49 pm: Edit

TCNJ/NJMS in my opinion. One year is not gonna make the difference especially since you can apply to a different med school later. I think the 6 year programs are designed more to try and recruit ppl who would want to go to a better school.

By Bap (Bap) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 09:56 pm: Edit

is it possible to be accepted to med school after three years only (such as TCNJ 7 year program)?

By Bravaee (Bravaee) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:10 pm: Edit

I'm planning to go to UIC GPPA (8 year program)next year. What do you guys know about it? How is it relative to the other combined programs out there? Anyone going there next year? Maybe we can get in touch.

By Takingiteasy (Takingiteasy) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:11 pm: Edit

Depends, you have to see your specific program. If you do all of the pre-med stuff and have high mcat/gpa some schools will consider you before you get ur degree. But actually if the school does not make it convenient to leave then penn/jmc may be better cuz it has a better med school.

By Hodawg (Hodawg) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:21 pm: Edit

Guys, I need major help in deciding this. Should I go to the 6 yr bs/med program at penn state/jefferson medical college or should i go to Stanford? If i go to stanford, i have to reapply for medical school all over again in four years. I guess the main question is, is Jefferson Medical College a good enough medical college that I shouldn't pass it up?

By Krpatel (Krpatel) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:32 pm: Edit

I was actually thinking about it at TCNJ, not at Penn State. But if i finish my degree in three years, will medical school consider me the same as a traditional applicant? I would apply during my last year at TCNJ like a traditional person, except my last year would be my third.

By Krpatel (Krpatel) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:40 pm: Edit

For all those wondering, bap is my father.

By Solario144 (Solario144) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 11:24 pm: Edit

Luda, thanks a lot. I will probably got to Ross Young. Solario

By Princess_Banana (Princess_Banana) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 12:23 am: Edit

Hey does anybody know anything about a dual MD/MBA program? My friend swears it exists, and I do not want to dispute him too badly because I am trying really hard to convince him to major in business instead of med.

But I just can't believe there would really be a graduate program that combines the two. Of course I could be completely wrong. Anybody know anything?

By Ndhawk (Ndhawk) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 01:20 am: Edit

A good amount of schools offer it. To learn of the specific ones you'd have to go to their website and look at the special programs. It's usually a 5-year program and consists of doing a year at a business school affiliated with the med school in some way in the third year. I know for sure that northwestern, jefferson med in philly, and drexel med in philly, all have them. I'm quite sure a fairly large number have them though. Med isn't a major, btw, you can major in anything and go into med.

By Ndhawk (Ndhawk) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 01:28 am: Edit

so Drexel 7-year BA/MD they're giving me like almost full-tuition versus Emory undergrad full-tuition scholarship, I'd be a scholar or in the honors college at both places. Money isn't really an issue, I'm thinking Drexel because itd relieve alot of stress in the undergrad, the stats I have to maintain are 3.45 and MCAT of 9's across(27) or if one score is lower then 9, a 30

anyways, let me know if you have any comments or opinions or anything that might help me decide

By Sjparent (Sjparent) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 02:51 am: Edit

I will try this again, between USC and UCSD which one has a better BA/MD program? Which one is ranked higher.

By Bignit551212 (Bignit551212) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 12:55 pm: Edit

krpatel
from what I've been hearing around, and other 6-7 year med student, you really won't be considered any differently. They say that age doesn't matter, as long as you are mature enough, and you have enough credintials to be accepted into med school. I think 7-8 year programs are def a better option than 6 years, due to the binding med school situation. I wouldn't worry about the "consideration" that you'll be a second class applicant, it should be the same. by the way....where all did u get accepted/rejected if u don't mind me asking?

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 04:58 pm: Edit

Krpatel...weren't you the one who applied to like 30 BA/MD programs? Did you get in anywhere? I only applied to 7, and i got 2 interviews. On my decisions, i'm 1/1, I got into UMKC. I'm still waiting for Miami, and those decisions come back next week apparently. NDhawk, go for Drexel, it's a good school, especially if you wanna do engineering in your undergrad. I think you could fufill the requirements for the BA/MD. Plus it's free. I really want to go to Miami, because UMKC is mad expensive since i'm outta state. Overall, Miami is just a better school with more opportunities and a better program. It's more strict on AP credit though.

By Progs4all (Progs4all) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 07:21 pm: Edit

Princess_banana there is a dual 8 year MD/MBA/BS program at Union College/Albany Medical College. It is designed to produce future physicians that are leaders in their communities. It is pretty good, I met some kids who applied to it while at interview in Albany for RPI prog.

By Bignit551212 (Bignit551212) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 08:13 pm: Edit

hey guys...i need a couple opinions...here goes

I got into both VCU's 8 year program, and UMKC's 6 year program. VCU is costing very little, since i got a presidential scholarship. UMKC on the other hand is costing me over 45K a year. But, i finish 2 years earlier. VCU has a good engineering school, and i'm doing Bio med eng there. So..i'm kinda stuck on my decision wise...let me know wat you guys think on both schools. wat is my best choice?

By Bap (Bap) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 09:21 pm: Edit

bignit551212,
VCU is clearly a better medical school than UMKC. UMKC is most expensive for out of state students(atleast $350K as of now) in the country. VCU program actully allows you to apply other medical schools and still can keep a spot in MCV( medical college of virgina ). you can save atleast $200K easily.

By Blindfury86 (Blindfury86) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 10:17 pm: Edit

I don't know if anyone has any information on Howard's 6-yr B.S./ MD program...but if you do some input would be helpful. Thanks!

By Focus007 (Focus007) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 10:34 pm: Edit

yes krpatel, i met u in several interviews if u remember...where did u get in?

By Bignit551212 (Bignit551212) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 11:28 pm: Edit

thank you bap....i really appreciate the comments...i was thinking the same thing. the money is a big issue....and vcu is better. thanks and hopefully i'll make the right decision!

By Redwyn (Redwyn) on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 02:31 pm: Edit

Which would you pick. Stony Brook 8 year program or Columbia engineering? I ultimately want to go to Stony Brook medical school but I'm concerned about missing out on a great undergrad experience.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 03:42 pm: Edit

Redwyn, you have admission to the medical school you want to go to! Columbia engineering is not even that great and it will be tough. You can get a good engineering experience at many schools. People do not understand the difficult of pre-med as senior in hs and thats why many even debate between bs/md programs and undergrad/ivies. It is a pain to build a resume, keep up grades, take MCATs which is a very tough exam that takes much preparation.

By Melodious04 (Melodious04) on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 05:51 pm: Edit

Blindfury: I have a little pamphelet on Howard's 6year program, and I also know an undergrad that was considering it. I don't know if it would be helpful though. Just email me about it.

Also...

I have to choose between NEOUCOM and UMKC... any suggestions? I also got into Vanderbilt and Wash U engineering and Northwestern Art/Sci, but I would rather NOT go the traditional route.

Please don't ignore my post this time! I really really appreciate your advice!

By Freudboy (Freudboy) on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 07:37 pm: Edit

Stanford Pre-med vs.
Northwestern HPME vs.
USC B/MD (+14000/yr)

I applied to a couple of B/MD programs kind of on a whim, since I am only ~75% sure I want to go to medical school. I nearly convinced myself after visiting NU and USC that I would attend one of these schools. Yet after I finally visited Stanford, I absolutely loved it and now I am leaning heavily towards the school. I am pretty sure I would have a happier undergraduate experience at Stanford, even though its pre-med program is tough. Now I am worried that if I do attend, I would be making a big mistake by turning down a combined med program. Does anyone know how difficult it is to get into a med school as good as NU out of stanford pre-med? How much more stressful would it be?

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 09:34 pm: Edit

If you're only 75% you want to do medicine, go to Stanford. In the end if you want to do medicine, yes admission will be difficult. You'll need a high GPA, MCAT, research/volunteering experience, prof recs, need to write essays, a few thousand dollars on application/interview travelling expenses. If you're 100%, you'll get a great undergrad experience so don't worry about that and take USC w/ the money.

By Madameinsanity (Madameinsanity) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 12:45 am: Edit

So how hard is it getting into medical school normally? As a high school senior, I am as close to 100% positive that I want to go into medicine as I can be.

I did get into an 8yr (BA or BS/MD) program at University of Illinois at Chicago (only available to IL residents). At the same time, I also got into Brown, Michigan (with scholarship), and Case Western (with a nicer scholarship).. but that's just undergrad.

Should I spend 8yrs at a school where I don't know much about its reputation, or spend 4 yrs at a name school and try my admissions luck later? (Haven't visited Brown, but I do like the other 3 just fine..)

Feel free to email me. Thanks!

By Nishah12345 (Nishah12345) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 03:38 am: Edit

ok...
USC bac/MD vs. Miami's BS/MD

usc is 8 years..miami is 6-7.

usc requires 27 mcats, miami lets you fail it

undergrad at usc is more intellectual than miami

any bit of advice will help.
thanks, nisha

By Freudboy (Freudboy) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 04:34 am: Edit

Is 75% sure too low a percentage to go into a B/MD program? I guess what I'm tryin to say is, Is it not worth sacrificing undergrad at Stanford if there is a 25% chance that I will drop out of a B/Md program anyway? I thought that being 75% sure of wanting to go into med school was pretty good for a high school student, especially when 50% of pre-meds eventually do not end up applying to a med school in the end.
If I do end up choosing a combined program, is NU's HPME worth paying $50,000 more for than USC?

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 01:46 pm: Edit

eh...i applied to Miami...I'd go there over anything if I got in...so far i'm set with UMKC, but it's hella expensive. Miami is sooo dreamy, I personally think it's better than anything I could have applied to. I just wish and hope that I get in. UMKC isn't very good comparatively I think, but it's six years. As I said, it's not very pleasing because it's sooo expensive and it doesn't give scholarships. I don't know anything about NEOUCOM, so I can't help you there Melodious. As for your question Nisha, it depends on what you want out of your education. I haven't visited USC, but both of Miami's campuses, Medical school and undergrad, are amazingly nice. Both are obviously very good football schools, so the social factor is present in both. Nice weather in both. Both apparently give undergrad scholarships. About the MCATs, 27 isn't a very high score, so it won't be that hard to get. Do you want to spend 8 years in school? Personally, I'd take six or seven years. About Intellectuality, I really don't mind Miami, but if it's your belief that USC is more intellectual, that's great. Bottom line is, it comes down to your decision. Look at the pros and cons of both and make a decision. Obviously apply to both.

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 01:47 pm: Edit

wait...are you a senior...or a junior...you found out about miami already?

By Andydad (Andydad) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 01:49 pm: Edit

Anyone has received email notification from UCSD regarding its ba/md medical scholar interview? The date was supposed to be April 7th.

By Annavpan (Annavpan) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 02:39 pm: Edit

I have to choose any one from bs/md programs

Boston
CASE
Villanova(Drexel)
Drexel(Drexel)
Siena(Albany)

Any suggestions? Any reply will be Appreciated.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 02:51 pm: Edit

The Drexel program are alright, but I wouldn't go for it w/ these choices. The Siena/AMC program is ok, it would be a different story if it were RPI/AMC, but Siena doesn't have that much to offer. BU and Case are good as well. BU is 7-yr, but you have to take the MCAT whereas at Case, it's 8-years and no MCAT to my knowledge.

By Qwy (Qwy) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 07:01 pm: Edit

I'm wondering if anyone could give me advice on the following choices for eventually becoming a doctor. I would REALLY appreciate some feedback because I am soooo totally confused as to what would be the best route. Here are my options:

Case Western Univ. (PPSP med program with 22k, not binding, but guaranteed position)
Harvard, just Harvard, with financial aid

I was looking forward to going to Harvard for the past 4 years of high school, but is that a practical/good choice if I eventually want to become a doctor?

Thanks A MILLION

By Iluvian (Iluvian) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 07:20 pm: Edit

I'm in sort of the same situation...
I can go to CASE PPSP with 22K
OR
Wash U (no med prog) almost a full ride
OR
USC (no med prog) full ride

OUCHIE...any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By Qwy (Qwy) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 07:51 pm: Edit

Iluvian, GO TO CASE! May I ask you what day you interviewed? the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round?

By Qwy (Qwy) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 07:58 pm: Edit

so it seems like everyone is asking a lot of the same questions: "should I go to combined bs/md program or prestige undergrad"
Seriously, this is really hard decision!!
WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE POST SOME ADVICE, instead of just asking questions.

By Annavpan (Annavpan) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 09:16 pm: Edit

Thanks Doctort. As you mentioned, it is becoming either BU or CASE to me. I decieded the bs/md program route, but still confused between BU and CASE.
Last week I attended CASE for the sample day. Coming week I am attending the BU for the second time to meet with the Medical College students and faculties.

I hope I make informed decision within this week.
Thanks for the replies.

By Psedrish_Md (Psedrish_Md) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 10:05 pm: Edit

QWY: All those discussions are in the archives.

By Bullseye11 (Bullseye11) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 10:45 pm: Edit

Is UMKC worth paying the out of state costs? I really like Miami. I'm debating whether or not I should go there for undergrad and take the risk of applying the traditional route. Miami has a program where you can get into Med school after your second year if you have good grades and SAT scores. I didn't get into HPME at Miami or anywhere I really do want to go . I got rejected from virtually everywhere. I don't know about UMKC, it doesn't seem right for me, especially with the money factor. What do you guys think? A lot of you lucky guys have REAL choices, where as i'm stuck with crap. I really am in need of help, at least I think so.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 11:26 pm: Edit

Bullseye, you're not stuck in crap. You have a good bs/md program. The programs where you can get into med. school after second year w/ good grades are extremely difficult since so many people apply and usually at most a few get in. I know BU and RPI have this, but usually 1 at most get in...and thats not even every year. You'll need a very, very high GPA. If the money is too much, go to a good undergrad school and take your chances.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 11:30 pm: Edit

Qwy, Psedrish has said that when you have medical school in your palm, take it. You have the Case program, why wouldn't you take that. You're debating over Harvard, big deal. You go to Harvard and what...you want to get into a better medical school? As it has been stated over and over again, it won't matter in the long run and for residency selection where you went to medical school. USMLE, grades, and recs carry the most weight. Case has a good program, you're getting money, I don't understand why you wouldn't want to take it. Students that apply to bs/md programs are usually pretty mature and understand the fact that prestige doesn't really matter in the medical field. An M.D. from X school is the same M.D. from Y medical school, it's the same degree. I had a similar decision to make and I chose the bs/md route after much dilemma like you're going through (prestige vs. guaranteed med. school).

By Ribbit (Ribbit) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 11:42 pm: Edit

Is Lehigh/Drexel worth going to over a top 5 undergrad?

Isn't Drexel in the bottom quarter of med schools?

By Doctort (Doctort) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 11:52 pm: Edit

Yes, Drexel is in the bottom quarter of med school...so what? Two students graduating from the program wrote a book called 'the high school doctor' or something like that. They chose it over Yale or some other ivy. It's medical school and if you do well, you're fine. You can be a good doctor from any med. school. But, if prestige is important to you and if you think it'll matter, then take the undergrad and your chances. Lehigh's the safe bet and you'll be done in 7 years.

By Dreadpirate (Dreadpirate) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 11:53 pm: Edit

Case Western med school turns down plenty of Harvard grads. Ivy degrees impress other Ivy grads. Common sense impresses everyone else. If you go to Case, in four years you will have a great education, admission to a top twenty med school, and no debt.

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 01:18 am: Edit

You said ivy degrees impress other ivy grads...don't how much this applies in the medical field. Unlike business and law, school prestige has very little factor in how much you earn/where you work.

By Sailorgirl1985 (Sailorgirl1985) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 02:04 am: Edit

Got into Case PPSP most likely going. I'd love to talk to anyone else whose going.
Ashley

By Wannabedoc (Wannabedoc) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 08:15 am: Edit

case sent out it's notices already?
i thought they weren't comign out until the 12th.
I'M NOT AT HOME!!

By Wuzan05 (Wuzan05) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 11:06 am: Edit

hey everyone. i was just wondering whether you guys can help me decide on which med program I should go to. I got into a lot of great undergrad schools, but I think the program route is best for me. I have to decide between:

-psu/jefferson 6 year program (no financial aid, i start skool june 30 yuck!! and 27 MCAT requirement)

-UMDNJ 7 year program (full ride at TCNJ, Rutgers, Drew...still waiting for financial aid from BU) MCAT doesn't count and I'm a nj resident

-U Miami 6 year program ( full tuition scholarship, MCATs don't count and best of all MIAMI!!!...need I say more?)However I don't know if this program starts in the summer like the psu prgram..someone lemme know

Well heres what i have to pick from. Any advice would be appreciated. thnx

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 11:54 am: Edit

i think u miami and psu has the best rep out of the 3. If you care about money and location GOTO MIAMI...but if you care more about prestige and success i thihnk i'd do psu

By Luda (Luda) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 12:26 pm: Edit

Simple....either UMDNJ or UMiami. I would choose UMDNJ because of the proximity to home. They are all good programs so nothing to worry about there.

By Ndhawk (Ndhawk) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 02:19 pm: Edit

I dont think you have to give up summers for UMiami, it ends up being hard to fulfill all the requirements in two years though. At penn state I think they go ahead and set the schedule of classes you take for the two years and two summers so it is manageable. I know a guy who went to UMiami that was miserable and ended up deferring his med school matriculation for a year just to ease up the stress and go abroad for a bit.

By Qwy (Qwy) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 02:42 pm: Edit

Psedrish_Md and Doctort, thank you very much for responding.
I think I'm pretty decided to go the program route. Besides, Case allows me to finish undergrad in 3 years (it's really flexible), so...shall I say....forget harvard, i'm going to CASE!

To Ashley: what day did you interview? I might have seen you there. I interviewed at the 3rd round, on monday, and I stayed over night on Sunday in Tyler Hall.

After I checked the admission rate at the Top 25 med schools (and Case being one of them , I was really surprised that the average admission rate is about 5-7%!! THat's amazing!

By Bharath2007 (Bharath2007) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 08:51 pm: Edit

Qwy- The admission rate for the PPSP program at Case is even lower at 3%. I think you will like it here as much as I do.

By Mr_Sanguine (Mr_Sanguine) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 10:32 pm: Edit

Do you guys know where I can find more info about the Case program? I've checked CWRU website, but there isn't alot on the PPSP there.

And besides that, is it possible to apply ED to the PPSP, or do they only allow RD apps?

Thanks a bunch!

By Wuzan05 (Wuzan05) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 10:56 pm: Edit

does anyone know how many students usually end up matriculating at U miami's 6 year program?

By Dr_Slc (Dr_Slc) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 11:48 pm: Edit

maybe or maybe not a more unique situation (w/ specifics)

I only gained admission to one combined BS/MD program: Boston University's Accelerated Medical Program

Requirements:
3.2 overall undergraduate GPA
28 MCAT

Other considerations:
Stanford University
California Institute of Technology

These three schools are my finalists.
I totally understand the "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush", which is why I applied to combined programs.

The thing I'm considering now, though, is your status/reputation coming out of BU. Also, since program participants must take the MCAT (albeit get a relatively low score that wouldn't get you into med school nowadays anyway), is it worth forsaking Stanford or Caltech?

Thanks so much

By Qwy (Qwy) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 12:58 am: Edit

Dr Slc,
I think you should forsake Stanford and Caltech. I decided to forsake Harvard for Case's program, so I TOTALLY understand you!!
Also, I am forsaking Caltech's Axline Scholarship (full tuition + $5000 research stipend this summer)! I did not apply to Stanford.
When a Caltech alum called me, I asked her about med school. She said that if you TRULY want to be a doctor, then Caltech might not be the best choice...and then she jokingly said that she should not be saying this to a prospective student, lol.

If money is not an issue for you, go to BU. You can go on google and check out for yourself how competitive med school is. In fact, I was not convinced myself until I asked around and did some research into it. If I'm forsaking Harvard, MIT, and 3 full rides to other schools, then believe me, I did some SERIOUS consideration.

By Supratwinturbo (Supratwinturbo) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 02:47 am: Edit

Anybody else headed to the UIC GPPA program?

I'm picking it over Harvard, so I hope I'm making the right decision.

BTW, you've all been accepted to some amazing places, CONGRATS everybody!

By Wannabedoc (Wannabedoc) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:29 am: Edit

Supratwinturbo, that is my dilemma exactly!!
hearing you say that has made me a lean a bit more towards uic

I got into:
straight meds: iit/cms(half tuition), uic gppa(probably full ride),umkc, and case ppsp (w/22 g's a year)
undergrad: Yale, NU, WashU, USC(full ride) and w/l harvard

i've narrowed it down to uic gppa, case ppsp, and yale.

my parents really want me to do uic for financial reasons. but i really like case. i'm leaning more towards uic at this point.
may i ask why exactly you're choosing uic or how you made that choice?

and for people in case, is there anyway i can get more merit scholarships? i get no-need based but i do need it(other sib in med school).

By Wannabedoc (Wannabedoc) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:32 am: Edit

Supratwinturbo, where are you from?

By Sailorgirl1985 (Sailorgirl1985) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 03:14 pm: Edit

Qwy-I was there monday too. Are you going for sure? I am, I'm going to send in the deposit and my info to national merit this afternoon or tomorrow. If you're not sure who I am I'm a caucasian female with brown hair. I stayed with my mom at a hotel at the Cleveland Clinic as I had stayed on campus before.
Mr. Sanguine- There's no ED for PPSP but you can submit your app EA and hear back earlier about general admission. If you're a strong PPSP candidate you'll most likely be admitted to Case and then wouldn't have to do safety school apps.
Wannabedoc-What merit scholarship do you currently have? If you only have the 17k like me you can reapply for the 22k/year scholarship as a sophomore i believe. I believe Case will reevaluate your financial need based info once a semester if something changes. I'm in a similar position with a brother close behind, not enough money to pay for it straight out but too much to qualify for need based aid. Best of luck

By Rebelnchic (Rebelnchic) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 05:08 pm: Edit

Hey all of you!
I got into Miami Med! You don't know how much this means to me, I was so depressed from my previous outcomes! I'm glad to hear all of you have some amazing choices...you will all be so happy and we are all so fortunate!
Anyway, if anyone else is attending Miami...I would love to talk to you...feel free to e-mail me or im me (it's the same screenname as I have on here)
And once again congrats to everyone!

By Bravaee (Bravaee) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 07:41 pm: Edit

Wannabedoc and Supratwinturbo,

I'm headed to UIC GPPA. For me the decision came down to having a guaranteed program at a reasonable price and not too far from home. I'm from Danville, IL...about 2 hours south of chicago.
Hey wannabedoc,
How are you so confident that you got a full ride to UIC? Were you at that honors college scholarship competition? If so, what color group were you? And do you know when we hear decisions from that?

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 07:54 pm: Edit

Congratulations Rebelnshic, Miami is an excellent program. Bravaee, congrats on UIC. These are all good programs, seems everyone on the board is getting into the programs.

By Wannabedoc (Wannabedoc) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 09:02 pm: Edit

Bravaee,

I didn't mean for that to come out arrogant or presumptuous. I read it over and hit myself. I know people at UIC, and most gppa medicine kids are full ride scholarship students. my interview went quite well. my interviewer gave me very suggestive praises. but you're right, it's not in the bag. from my sources, if you're in gpppa medicine, your chances are real good for full tuition, half is basically guaranteed. so it's good for us. thankfully, the in-state rate is quite good even if we don't get it.

my minds wavering b/w uic and case every minute. but it's most practical for uic. i'm glad to hear others are choosing it as well.
did you send in your site card for uic? you should do that asap to get your first choice. my mother (a gppa gungho-momma) overnighted it, and prioritied a copy. ...chances are i'll be with you at uic.

By Wannabedoc (Wannabedoc) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 09:03 pm: Edit

i was in purple

By Qwy (Qwy) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:47 pm: Edit

sailorgirl,
It's so awesome that you're going to case :-)
I can think of two caucasian girls with brown hair there on monday, so you might have to clarify a little further for me to picture you. I'm an asian girl with short hair and wears glasses.

What schools are you turning down for case? I still can't bring myself to reject what previously was my 1st choice school for a long time.

If I remember correctly, there was this one girl there on monday (caucasian with brown hair) who got accepted to hpme, plme, and princeton. I believe case was her first choice as well. (was this you?)

By Bignit551212 (Bignit551212) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 12:03 am: Edit

wannabedoc....case is def a better program than uic...what are ur reasons for that over case?

By Wannabedoc (Wannabedoc) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 09:21 am: Edit

my reasons are mostly financial and practical.

i have a bro doing hpme and all the money went to him. also, i have an older sis that'll be in med school soon. uic is quite affordable, and still has standing in chicago. many students who have been accepted to go to bigger name medical schools choose uic for its affordability. besides, it all depends on your board scores and evaluations. though it would be nice to have a better name, you'll learn the same things and you have to do your own work. though i think i'll be trying to go to nu med, gppa still has standing.

still case is case. where are you going?

By Doctort (Doctort) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 11:46 am: Edit

Wannabedoc, you are def. being practical and realistically, going to one med. school over the other will not make much of a difference. As long as you do well on the boards and in medical school, you can get the top residencies. Take the cheaper route when you have the option.

By Gigiart (Gigiart) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 12:03 pm: Edit

Right now I'm a Junior in High School and I have a couple questions that I'm hoping that someone here can answer or direct me to a site that can answer them.
I definitely want to go into genetics research. Would it be better to apply to a 6/7 year BS/MD program like the one at U of Miami (I live in FL) and instead of doing a residency go directly into a PHd program in research (Harvard!!). Bypassing the need to do 4 years of undergraduate, MCATS for admission into med school because of guaranteed admit into med school as a freshman in college. BTW I have the stats for this option.

Or is it better for those of us wanting strictly research to go to a traditional 3/4 year undergraduate and major in cell/mol Bio then apply to one of the PHD/MD
programs? This route seems longer, even more competitive unless I'm missing something.
Thanks

By Qwy (Qwy) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 12:10 pm: Edit

Gigiart, what are your stats?

By Gigiart (Gigiart) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 12:57 pm: Edit

SATS - 1520
taking 6 SAT II's may/june 2004
GPA - weighted 5.5666 (something like that)
top 10%
by the time I'm finished I will have taken 12 AP's
400 plus hours special olympics
national level figure skater
VP of 2 clubs
Have worked (for $$$) for 2 years at same place and worked my way up to office position
other clubs, etc

The only glitch is that my family will most likely relocate back to LA after I graduate from HS and I'm not sure I want to be over 3000 miles away. So again I'm wondering which is the best way to approach this...BS/MD then PHD or BS MD/PHD
I don't see myself as a doctor, it's not something I've wanted to be since childhood like alot of posters here. But then up until 3 years ago I thought I was going to the Olympics( : So I guess anything is possible. Very interested in genetics and working with Dr Watson at Cold Harbor
Labs ( :

Edit to say : not Asian

By Sailorgirl1985 (Sailorgirl1985) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 02:30 pm: Edit

Qwy/Wannabeadoc-that wasn't me, I didn't apply to HPME, Princeton or PLME. I had on a Black suit with a light blue shirt, grey coat. My email is in my profile if you want to contact me more. I'm turning down Rochester and Carnegie Mellon for Case. For financial and personal reasons I didn't apply to any of the Ivy's. Good luck to both you, I look forward to meeting you (again) in the fall. Where are you guys from, I'm trying to remember who you were.

By Qwy (Qwy) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 10:20 pm: Edit

Sailorgirl,
OOO, I know who you are!
In fact, I sat very near you at lunch that day. (If my memory is not failing me, I believe I was the 3rd person to your left, the girl to my right had gotten into Duke). I remember you saying that you also applied to Rochester. Well, I have short brownish-black hair and wear glasses. I also sat at the table with Ms. DeVore afterwards, you were there as well.

It looks like I'm pretty much sure that I'm going to Case

By Pete321 (Pete321) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 10:57 pm: Edit

I was accepted into the Medical Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis but can't decide whether to go there or Stanford. I will need to take the MCAT and score a 36 at WU so I am wondering if this is worth time and effort. I will appreciate any opinion.

By Bignit551212 (Bignit551212) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 11:09 pm: Edit

wannabedoc...i got into UMKC 6 year med and VCU 8 year med also wit good undergrad schools...but i'm going combined track. I havn't decided for sure b/w umkc or vcu..but i'm leaning towards vcu because I can get the undergrad experience and i got a lot of scholarship money from them.

By Bharath2007 (Bharath2007) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 01:41 am: Edit

heyyy guys, anyone who is coming to Case, let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them for you. I am in that program thing too.

By Sjparent (Sjparent) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 11:14 am: Edit

My S got invitation to interview for the BA/MD program at UCSD. Anyone else here got the same and going for it this Saturday? Also, how does it compare to the USC Mac/MD program. USNews ranks UCSD much higher in both research and primary care. For name recognition and status which one rates higher?

By Qwy (Qwy) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 12:23 pm: Edit

Bharath2007, what is the residency match rate at Case? Also, how do you like your classes?

By Sailorgirl1985 (Sailorgirl1985) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 06:51 pm: Edit

Qwy- I can almost picture what you look like!

By Bharath2007 (Bharath2007) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 10:29 pm: Edit

Qwy- Good question, the match this year was really good there were 8 ophthalmology matches! An article about this years match can be found here: http://cerebrum.cwru.edu/newsrelease/MatchDay.htm
My classes are phenomenal. I am an Anthropology major, but the department is very strong in Medical anthropology so there are many medical classes that are directly applicable. Like next semester I am taking ANTH 205 called "Tell me where it hurts" which discusses the patient/doctor relationship and miscommunication problems that occur.
Any other questions?

By Djpatel85 (Djpatel85) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 11:07 pm: Edit

hey guys i got into umkc md program...anyone else get in? my aim screen name is djpatel85. I'm still not sure whether to go to UCLA or UMKC program...any ideas...i'm sure i want to do med..just that UMKC doesn't really offer that much of a social life and it is really expensive. Any kind of input will help. Thank you

By Medmom (Medmom) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 07:01 pm: Edit

I'm a graduate of CWRU PPSP (many years ago). My fellow PPSP in med had multiple admissions to top Ivy League schools, and chose to attend Case just for that program. It really is a very nice program - you are allowed to major in anything you want (I did piano), and the minimum GPA and MCAT to qualify for admission is not very high. It took all the pressure away, and I enjoyed my 4 years there. You're also free to change your mind and go elsewhere after 4 years - one of the PPSP's in my class went on to Harvard Med, another changed careers altogether and went to Harvard Law. (Neither were in the top ten of my graduating class). CWRU medical school is very different from other medical schools, and a very nice one - it has a very humanistic approach to medical education and the first two years is very laid back. Last two years (clinical) do get very competitive because of the people who want to get into competitive residencies. My best friends went to Bascom Palmer and Cleveland Clinic Derm residencies, some of the most competitive in the nation. (And they were both PPSP rejects, not even in the top 10% of our med school class). Me? I chose Family Practice because I really liked it. Not prestigious, least money of any specialty, but I really enjoy my job.

By Bexin_It (Bexin_It) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 07:16 pm: Edit

hey. i got into med programs programs at nyu, northwestern, rpi, union, siena, bu, gw, psu, rutgers... i think that's it.

but i really want to go to bu's program... especially bc of their low requirements and because i just got that gut feeling every time i went to bu or bu med school. my parents really want me to go to nyu... bc they say nyu is a great place to get lots of opportunity... but i really hate new york city... i go there at least 2ce a week and every time i go its like pulling my teeth. even going clubbing there or just chillen with some of my friends from nyc... it takes a great deal for me to really enjoy it.

i'm sending in my letter for nyu tomorrow, tho. I just can't get my parents to understand that i hate nyc. what do u guys think?

OH and is there anyone here who got into the nyu program? or who's going to the nyu program??

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:06 pm: Edit

question from a high school kid: i saw a post somewhere up there about summer programs........what do you think it looks like to adcomm? do they consider it simply a camp for rich ppl or do they actually appreciate them? i'm being flooded with SO MANY apps for them, but i keep feeling i should focus on strengthening my existing credentials this summer..... i dunno. let me know. thanks.

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:07 pm: Edit

also, i keep hearing from loads of ppl that rpi's program is great b/c of its strong research opps. please explain. this is obviously something worth knowing in the interview.....

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:11 pm: Edit

final post for the evening: how many programs did you people apply to total? did you apply to other schools beside programs (may sound like a stupit question but hey)? what programs did you apply to?

also: how good of a program is sienna? my cousin is in the program, but she keeps tellin me its a school for rich catholics who just fool around 24-7. i know bexin-it was accepted to sienna. is it a good program to go to?

By Doctort (Doctort) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:51 pm: Edit

The Siena program is alright. The much more competitive programs are Union/AMC 8-yr BS/MBA/MD program and even tougher to get into is the RPI/AMC 7-yr Physician-Scientist BS/MD program. The average scores for the RPI program are upper 1400's and around 20 enroll out of a few hundred applicants (400-500). Graduate success rate in terms of bs/md program students' residency matching is excellent and the curriculum is very good.

By Qwy (Qwy) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:59 pm: Edit

medmom,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING!!!
Your experiences at Case gave me great encouragement and your posting made me feel like I'm making the right decision for myself

The min. GPA and MCAT requirements might have changed since you were there. Now, we are required to reach 3.6 GPA and 33 MCAT (if we choose to take the MCAT). Nevertheless, I don't think they are not too high requirements.

By Starsy677 (Starsy677) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 09:09 pm: Edit

Hey, I am so glad that I found this site. I have like 2 weeks left to decide where to go and I can't do it. I am giving up Cornell and Brandeis as Undergrads for the med programs. I am deciding between Sophie Davis, Lehigh/Drexel Med School, Rochester REMS, RPI/AMC and Brooklyn College/Downstate. My first choice was REMS but it is 8 hours away and I think that's too far from home for me. Which program should I choose?

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 09:43 pm: Edit

please rank the following programs:

rems
gw
nyu
lehigh
villanova
rpi
psu
umkc
brown
howard
sienna
drexel

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:28 pm: Edit

STARSY---CHOOSE REMS!!!! in my opinion, better than your others. way better. i'm from rochester--awesome place, awesome program. excellent in every manner and my own top pick.

By Starsy677 (Starsy677) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 10:46 pm: Edit

Papucutta--this may seem ridiculous, but doesn't the extremely cold weather 8 months out of the year bother you?

By Luda (Luda) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 01:48 am: Edit

Starsy677, if REMS is too far away, don't go. Since all of the mentioned bs/md programs are good, take the one close to home if thats your preference and which gives you money. Lehigh I'm not too fond of because there is nothing special about it. Sophie Davis has some binding agreement that you have to practice in an underrepresented area after med. school. Both RPI and Brooklyn are good. RPI is more prestigious because of the research emphasis and graduates like BWH of HMS president, etc. It's also 7-years so you save some money and get a great education at RPI.

By Luda (Luda) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 01:54 am: Edit

Papacutta, the RPI program is good because you are automatically put on a track for a MD with Distinction in Research (DR) or a Ph.D. You start research junior year at RPI and continue. No summers in the 7-yr program except when you do research for just half of the summer after your final year at RPI. No MCATs and a 3.4 min GPA. You take a bunch of biomedical research classes, get a solid foundation in sciences at RPI and have time for all kinds of humanities. The graduates have done really well at AMC and have done well in residency/professionally as is seen by where alot of them work now.

Ranking the programs you listed (this is what most people would do-not counting in-state, money, and all that):
Brown
REMS and NYU
RPI and PSU
GW
Lehigh
Drexel
Villanova
UMKC
Howard

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:37 am: Edit

what about Stony Brook 8 year program? I heard they only chose 5-6 students. What else do you know about it?

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

hey starsy--listen to luda--he's the wiser of the two posters. i'm just a little biased i guess-btw, about the cold weather--it's actually quite bearable--good snow plowing. The summers, however, are extremely hot (in a pleasant way). i dunno-i've heard so many good things about Rems--whatever, just listen to luda nd u can't go wrong.

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 08:59 pm: Edit

so rpi is not ba/md. it's md/phd.......correct? or do u get ba/PhD/AND MD???

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 09:01 pm: Edit

i am not trying to offend anyone by this question. if u feel i lack tact in posing this question, please accept my apologies. i know howard is a predominantly african-american school. does their program get and accept applicants who are african-american or do they accept others?

By Pri147 (Pri147) on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 11:40 pm: Edit

How many of you guys here got accepted to the Union program and got the presidential scholarship?

By Luda (Luda) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 02:43 am: Edit

Hey Papacutta, I'm not that wise or anything, just telling people what I've learned. RPI is BS/MD with DR, but you can make it BS/MD/PhD if you so choose to. the PhD is not guaranteed though, but I just think that a Distinction in Research is a definite plus in residency matching, etc. It shows that you have not only a good clinical training, but exceptional research experience which is important for future physicians. Also, I don't really know much about Howard, except that it's a predom. african-american school.

By Tennisplaya518 (Tennisplaya518) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 03:18 pm: Edit

yo! what are your opinions on the lehigh program and union program? like, in all aspects. (socially, academically, etc.)

By Hahaha (Hahaha) on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 08:59 pm: Edit

Hello everybody,
The WashU program says that you must maintain a 3.8 and get a 36 on the MCAT. Is this a very arduous task, or is it not too hard?
Thanks,
Hahaha

By Wuzan05 (Wuzan05) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 12:26 pm: Edit

hey anyone planning to go to tcnj/umdnj program? if u are, email me or im me... same sn as above. id love to hear from u!!!

By Dan1986 (Dan1986) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 01:37 pm: Edit

has anyone gotten into brown plme? if so, could you drop ure stats, extracurriculars, etc.? thanks.

By Starsy677 (Starsy677) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:02 pm: Edit

has anyone heard about the lehigh/drexel program? I have heard that lehigh has a lot of distractions. Has anyone heard the same thing?

By Margaritadot (Margaritadot) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:14 pm: Edit

Hi I'm choosing between Yale pre-med and the BacMD program at USC. I've heard that the Yale pre-med experience is really stressful and that Yalies are really intense/competitive. Is it worth having the security/less stress of a guaranteed med school spot rather than go to Yale? No matter where I go, I'm still going to try to apply to top tier med schools. How much harder will I have to work at Yale to be at the top of the class and get into a great med school? Thanks!

By Coincolectr (Coincolectr) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:56 pm: Edit

I am currently a High School Junior. I took the March SAT and got a 1360 (690 Verbal, 670 Math). Would you recomment taking it again? I am hoping to attend an accelerated or combined program. I have taken two SATII's - Chem 720 and Bio 700. I will probably do math and writing this year. Do you have any recommendations? Should I take the SATI again? I have a 96 GPA in all honors and AP classes. Will this get me in? How to my "stats" rate? Please help me out! Thanks so much!

By Coincolectr (Coincolectr) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:59 pm: Edit

Also, I got a 29 on the ACT. I didn't prepare at all for it. Is it worth working on? Or should I not even bother. Should I just send a 29?

By Floppydisk2 (Floppydisk2) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 11:13 pm: Edit

Margaritadot,

I would pick USC Bac/MD. You have the luxury of having a guaranteed medical school seat at a great medical school. Also, it's not binding; therefore, you can apply out after four years.

P.S. LA is way better than New Haven.

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 06:49 am: Edit

coincolectr I would MOST CERTAINLY take it again. Most accl prog has req of an sat score hovering around 1450 such as NYU, HPME, BROWN give or take a few points. If you want to be competitive certainly I would strive for >1500. YOu have the whole summer and take it again in october. Best of luck!

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 06:51 am: Edit

"HAHAHA"......it certainly is very arduous therefore not many people choose to do it. It also has one of the highest attrition rates of any combines program. Sure its to WUSTL med but is it worth it??? Considering programs like HPME or PLME or RPI/AMC those are a few very good ones.

By Qwy (Qwy) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:09 am: Edit

coincolectr, I would take it again too, Case Western's program has avg score of upper 1400's.

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:40 am: Edit

i hardly find anything sub-1400 to be gmed or accl prog fit or rather any really competitive college fit either. sure it';d probably suffice for in state state schools or so so schools but if youre interested in med....JACK IT UP :-)

By Megitsune (Megitsune) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 12:54 pm: Edit

Hey everyone

I saw people commenting on the Wash U 8 year Med Program and the PSU/Jefferson program. Let me first say that I was accepted into both programs, and both programs are really really good.

The reason that I chose Jefferson was because of the uncertainties in the Wash U 8 year program. Granted, admission into the Wash U program was an honor, because it was ultra ultra competitive (8000 people narrowed into ~14 finalists, then narrowed into 5) and because Wash U and Wash U Med School are top-rated universities (Wash U Med School is number 2 in the nation and is also infamously hard to get into). Also, you get to experience a lot in medicine (ie. morbidity and mortality meetings, working with patients, practically guaranteed research experience with world-renowned doctors).

However, the program was just started recently (the students accepted in my year last year were the essentially the guinea pig students), which does not offer you a lot of support. Second, you still have to go through the whole med school process all over again--application, interviews, etc--even though you're accepted. And who knows? Maybe they'll decide they don't want to take you at all.

Also, I was going to go into bioengineering at Wash U, and getting a 3.8 average is tough. Actually, maintaining a 3.8 average is tough at any school, much less top schools like Wash U. I talked to a student while I was down there, and she said the average GPA for bioengineering students at Wash U was around 3.3, and that was considered really really good. Yikes. It might be easier if you're doing an arts and science major like bio, but that's still tough to say.

Second, MCATS aren't as easy as you might think. 38 is a really really good score. The max score you can get is a 45. You'll have to work really hard to get that kind of grade. MCATS include physics, chemistry, biology (the toughest section, since most of it isn't knowledge, but understanding and extracting information from laboratory passages), organic chemistry (a subject that I personally find hard and confusing), writing, and reading comprehension (which is hard only because everyone does so well on it; make a few mistakes and your score drops dramatically).

So basically, Wash U is a great program (one that I really had a tough time rejecting), but one that is very difficult and does not support the students. It's almost the same as going through the usual route of university and medical school, except that you're sort of guaranteed acceptance. If you get accepted to this, and no other med programs, and you know you definitely want to be a doctor, by all means accept. It's got so many great opportunities. Just remember that you probably won't have much free time.

Now, time for some PSU/Jefferson advertising. This is my first year, and I have to say that I haven't regretted coming here. Yes, PSU and Jefferson, while first-tier schools, aren't exactly Wash U or Princeton or UPenn. But this program is solid and well established, and the 35 years worth of students who have gone through the program have done equally well as other students from other medical school. In fact, a survey of the students over the last 35 years have shown that none of them have regretted coming to the Penn State/ Jefferson program.

80% of Jefferson's students get into their top 3 residency programs. Many people worry that PSU and Jefferson aren't "good" schools, and that might affect their careers as doctors. But:

1) when you are a doctor, hardly any patients will ask you where you got your degree. All doctors are treated equal (unless you get sued a lot, of course)
2) my parents' friends are doctors on the West Coast, and they know about Jefferson and believe it to be a great medical school. My pediatrician knows about the program and thinks it's a great program. So basically Jefferson and the program has a great reputation. In fact, people who have graduated from the program (known as Progs) are well-known and respected in the medical community.

This is the rankings of accelerated medical school programs in the U.S.:
1. Rice University
2. Brown University
3. Penn State University
4. University of Rochester
5. Case Western Reserve University
6. Northwestern University
7. Lehigh University
8. Boston University
9. University of Wisconsin
10. New York University
11. University of California - Riverside
12. Villanova University
13. College of New Jersey
14. University of Michigan
15. University of Miami

Note that Penn State is ranked number 3, above Boston and UMDNJ, above Northwestern, UC Riverside, NYU, and Rochester. This is a really good program.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that PSU is an easy jock school and that there are no opportunities there. There are very tough classes and challenging teachers (organic chemistry with Maslak, for example). There are easy classes too, which you can use to balance out hard ones. As a Prog who needs to squeeze 4 years worth of classes into two, you'll probably be placed in many upper-level classes with very smart students from PSU's Schreyers Honors College, and these classes are equivalent to Ivy-League level classes and competition. Another plus is that for us, our grades for the harder 400 level classes are shifted up one letter grade to encourage enrollment in those classes (ie. B turns into an A, C turns into a B)

If you're interested in research, Penn State is also the way to go. PSU gets lots of government funding, and there are so many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved. I'm currently working in a lab studying the Perk gene and its applications in diabetes, osteoporosis, and other pathologies. It was very easy for me to find research opportunities. And since PSU has so many departments, there will always be some professors working in the area you're interested in.
Also, PSU helps their students. They reward you for your hard work in high school. You only need to maintain a 3.5 GPA (which is still difficult, but fairly easy as long as you do some work.) You only need a 27 on the MCAT. You don't need to go through the application process again. You only spend 2 years at Penn State (basically like a half-scholarship), and most people are finished with their requirements by fall semester of the second year. You can use spring semester of the second year to go to other universities, like Harvard or Princeton or Oxford, to study or do research, or go to NIH or other institutions to do research, or go abroad to study other languages. There are so many options for you to choose.

Progs also get to register for classes earlier, and our advisor helps pull some strings when it comes to classes, housing, and other things.
Bottom line: in the program at Penn State, we work hard, but we have plenty of time to play hard; we can take it easy, we can go abroad or experience Ivy-league schools if we want to, we're guaranteed med school acceptance.

Jefferson itself is a great medical school. It's 48 in the nation for research, 50 for primary care, and it's in Philadelphia, home to a plethora of hospitals and medical schools. The top rated children's hospital in the nation is in Philadelphia, and who can forget the University of Pennsylvania Hospital? There is so much you can learn in Philadelphia. Opportunities in medical research and education are boundless, and Jefferson is affiliated to many of the other hospitals and schools.

For those who are deciding between the Ivy League and programs such as the Penn State program, let me reassure you. I was accepted into UPenn, but ended up choosing Penn State. If you really want to be a doctor, a bird in hand is better than two in the bush. You're guaranteed acceptance into med school. Many people in Ivy Leagues are equally, if not more, smart, hardworking, and diligent as you are. And most also want to get to medical school. You'll be competing for grades, recommendations, MCAT scores for the next for years.

It is also rumored that some schools only give recommendations to students with ~4.0s in order to maintain a high percentage of students accepted to top medical schools. And do you really want to go through an even more intense application process again in four years? Also, it's getting harder and harder for people to get into medical school. Competition is stiffer each year. If money is the matter, remember that you're saving money by going to an accelerated medical program (at least 1 or 2 years worth of tuition and room and board). Finally, remember that where you go to medical school doesn't count. Wherever you go, get good grades in med school, and you're practically set.

In the end, any way you go about it, you'll end up becoming a doctor. Where you go to medical school doesn't really matter in the end. It's where you go for residency, since that's where you'll learn your skills as a doctor.

If you have any more questions, feel free to post them here. And apply/come to the Penn State/Jefferson program. No one has ever regretted it. ;)

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:07 pm: Edit

Those rankings are over six years old and are extremely outdated. Michigan no longer has a program. Lehigh and Villanova, and College of New Jersey are definitely not as good as they ranked. Also, the site was made by Lehigh/Drexel program students so is biased. Programs that deserve to be in that list include RPI's program and USC's program. These two are excellent bs/md programs and very, very competitive.

By Qwy (Qwy) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:14 pm: Edit

Where did you get these rankings?
I think Case Western's program is better than Brown's, psu's, and Rochester's. Case Western's med school ranks MUCH higher than any of those three. It also gives out ALOT of money. It is not binding. It is doable in 7 years. The undergrad school is also excellent. Case's program is absolutely AWESOME

By Qwy (Qwy) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:17 pm: Edit

Gangsta, I totally agree with you, the above rankings are WAY off.

By Bap (Bap) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:29 pm: Edit

Megitsune,
PSU/Jefferson is definitely a great program. The average SAT scores for students who got admitted for fall 2004 program is 1530( that is in junior year). RPI/Albany admitted students' averages are in mid 1400s.( to be exact 1445 for fall 2003 ). The only bad side of the program is cost of attendence at PSU for out of state students(for two years with two summers about $74K and no scholarships or grants at all). This is only reason half of the admitted students( out of state ) do not go to PSU.

By Lisasimpson (Lisasimpson) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 08:56 pm: Edit

megitsune:

hey, wow that was a great seller for the psu/jefferson program. i'm a junior who's VERY interested in the psu/jefferson program, but i cant find any info on how to apply anywhere!! i know a bunch of people who're applying, and there're rumors that the applications have to be in by june, but nobody knows anything for sure. could you please refer me to a website or something with this information on it? or do you remember how you applied? thanks

By Madameinsanity (Madameinsanity) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 09:05 pm: Edit

Hey GPPA ppl

Well, I'm one, too, so email me.. we might as well know ppl before we go.

I hear that there were only 35 accepts this yr..

Froshie Honors College scholarships are out..

love,
MadameInsanity

By Megitsune (Megitsune) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 10:07 pm: Edit

Hey

For those interested in the PSU/Jefferson program, here's where you find application information:

http://www.science.psu.edu/academic/PremedMed.html

As far as the rankings go, they may be outdated. But nonetheless, the Penn State/Jefferson remains a top-ranked, one of the longest running programs with a great support system. Besides, it's one of the few 6 year accelerated programs in the United States, which is basically giving you a half-scholarship. Both schools have great reputations, and not just for football and sports and parties. Seriously.

And where else are people this happy that they'll advertise like crazy for their programs? ;)

Plus you don't have to come to PSU for two out of the six semesters if you don't want to (the second summer and the second spring!). That saves money too!

If you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me: trupana@hotmail.com

By Alianwaar4 (Alianwaar4) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 11:04 pm: Edit

so who all is going to union/amc?

By Hahaha (Hahaha) on Monday, April 19, 2004 - 11:57 pm: Edit

So are there any real benefits to going to a med school like WashU vs. a still really good one like USC if you actually want to practice medicine?

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 08:10 am: Edit

What schools did/will all of you turn down in order to attend a 6,7,or 8 year med program? I think it would make a lot of kids feel better when they see that they are all saddled with the same difficult (though wonderful) choices.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 08:13 am: Edit

Regarding above list-Stony Brook's program is regarded very highly. It is missing from the list presumably because it is younger than the list.

By Megitsune (Megitsune) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 01:17 pm: Edit

Yeah, sorry, the list is a bit outdated. ^_^;;;

And really, rankings aren't everything. Every medical program in the country is competitive and outstanding.

By the way, here's the more updated website for the PSU/Jefferson program:

http://www.science.psu.edu/premed/6yrpremedprogram.html

And about the Wash U program: If you got into that, I would choose that over some of the other 7 year medical programs. It's really an excellent excellent program, and I was really upset that I had to give it up. However, it also depends on money and how much effort you want to put into your work. The Wash U program will be a struggle, but in the end, you'll have tons of experience, a great campus, and education at one of the best-of-the-best universities and medical schools in the nation.

Even if you're not in the Wash U program, it's still really really good to go to that medical school. It's the second best med school in the nation, after Harvard, and it's got so many opportunities and facilities.

However, if you want to save some money and some time and some work, then I would go to USC. It's still a great school, a competitive program, and you'll still be a doctor in the end, but you don't have to work quite as hard and you'll have an extra year to do things and start on your career while other people will still be in med school.

If you're sure you want to be a doctor, I'd choose the accelerated med program rather than taking the regular route. Remember, if you choose the regular route, you'll have to go through an even more vicious admissions process all over again in 4 years, and you might not make the cut.

Plus, the earlier you get to medical school, the lower the prices will be. ;)

By Whq (Whq) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 02:06 pm: Edit

Nyuqrad,
This is a good question --What schools did/will all of you turn down in order to attend a 6,7 or 8 year med program? I want ask same question for my D -- she has a hard time to turn down Harvard for Case PPSP

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 02:07 pm: Edit

Megitsune is right-admissions to medical school is predicted to be brutal in 4 years. The foreign medical schools are already starting to reopen.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 02:14 pm: Edit

Whq, I would guess that most if not all 6,7,8 year med school acceptees got into an Ivy or very strong school. The competition is stiff for these programs. We are also having a hard time deciding, but like I told my son, what will happen in 4 years if you don't get in? It will only get more and more difficult. Not only are you competing against the class of 2004, but any other class that reapplies and also second career adults. What will happen if you get in but it is in a place where you would not want to live for 4 years (for any reason at all.)Will you always walk around saying that you could have been a doctor and gave it away?

By Luda (Luda) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 02:54 pm: Edit

Yes, for bs/md programs like NW, CWRU, Brown, Case, Rochester, RPI, Miami, USC, NYU, PSU, BU, almost all I would definitely say of the acceptees got into at least one ivy or top 20 undergraduate school. These students are at the top of the high school class and for the most part, have solid scores.

By Alianwaar4 (Alianwaar4) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 04:54 pm: Edit

whq and nyugrad im going through a tough decision right now too debating between harvard and union/amc...i know i want to be a doctor in CLINICAL medicine rather than academics or research, so im leaning towards the med program, but its not easy and choosing the "right" place is always on my mind, UGH!

By Psedrish_Md (Psedrish_Md) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 05:43 pm: Edit

Well.....let me reverse myself: A bird in the hand is usually worth two in the bush, but I wouldn't pass up a Harvard undergrad experience.

By Dr_Slc (Dr_Slc) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 06:17 pm: Edit

Psedrish_MD, how about Stanford vs. BU BS/MD?

By Madameinsanity (Madameinsanity) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 09:05 pm: Edit

I'm attending an 8 yr prgm at UIC. I have turned down Brown (reg), UMich, Case Western (reg), and Univ of IL (Urbana).

By Ribbit (Ribbit) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 10:24 pm: Edit

MIT, Duke, or Lehigh/Drexel??

By Qwy (Qwy) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 10:25 pm: Edit

alianwaar4, I'm having a REALLY hard time turning down harvard too. psedrish_MD, would it be worth it to go to harvard undergrad just b/c it's harvard? Would you do the same if it were princeton or yale?

By Dr_Slc (Dr_Slc) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 10:29 pm: Edit

Qwy, I thought you made your decision in favor of Case, right?

By Ndhawk (Ndhawk) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 11:31 pm: Edit

Whq, I turned down a full scholarship at Emory for Drexel/Drexel 7 yr BS/MD.

By Bexin_It (Bexin_It) on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - 11:57 pm: Edit

Alien: I met someone from siena who turned down harvard for siena's program, which i think is similar to union's program. This person spent his whole senior year abroad. and the summer before. Why? because he could. because he didn't have to take mcats or apply or go on interviews all over the place or make himself look good for medical schools.

I mean, i know some people who enjoy doing work, and enjoy keeping themselves busy. Or who want to pursue a really competitive field of medicine, which in that case a better medical school would be beneficial. But a graduate from a US med school gets into usually their 1st choice residency.

If you are willing to spend 4 years of college trying to look good for a medical school, studying for mcats, competing against thousands of other applicants, studying your butt off for a super gpa, flying all over the coutnry for interviews, applying to medical schools (the average med school applicant applies to 20 schools), and paying for all the application fees, go ahead. You'll have your prestigious undergraduate college, your harvard connections, and maybe a better medical school, maybe not.

but if you wanna skip all of the above, and spend your time pursuing other interests, or doing things that you want to do rather than what you have to do, then i say Union/AMC is the way to go. And besides, i bet you got the presidential scholarship at Union, if not more. SAVE MONEY!

of course, you should look into living in albany for 8 years, compared to 4 years of cambridge. if you hate albany, that's a different deal.

By Pinkfreud (Pinkfreud) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 01:29 am: Edit

I'm not too sure I want to go into medicine. My main reasons for wanting to go into medicine are simply that I find biology interesting and the field has good financial stability. I enjoyed volunteering in the hospital, although I don't know if I want to work as hard as a doctor. I have interests in other academic areas, although they are not as strong as my interest in medicine.
Should I give up a good undergraduate institution such as Yale for a full ride at undergrad USC and guaranteed admission into their med school? I am at best 75% sure I want to pursue something in medicine. Thanks for your advice

By Alianwaar4 (Alianwaar4) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 03:25 am: Edit

Qwy- i love you because i know we're both in the same boat and it is by no means easy..these past few days have been absolute hell with people telling me im crazy for not going to harvard because "its harvard!" and the whole undergrad experience they claim i will be missing out...but the matter of fact is, for someone like me who wants to do clinical medicine it does not matter where i went to undergrad and for residencies performance on usmles is gonna make the difference...i figure if im really harvard worthy i should just perform that much better at union/amc and place into a residency that i want to go to...after talking to so many people and pulling my hair out, ive realized that we would have this decision if we werent meant to be doctors, these sort of difficult decisions are not simply a part of life but something that really puts us to the test for our passion for medicine...i dreamt of medicine and being a doctor before i dreamt of harvard, im flattered by harvard but medicine is my true calling in life and so i think im going to take union amc, if you want to chat im me on aim alianwaar4

bexin it- youre awesome, everything you mentioned si exactly why i want to go to a straight med, for people who know they want to study medicine, i cannot imagine why to turn down a med program, frankly the whole missing out on the undergrad expereincei s a bunch of BS because at union i can get the expereince, the peace of mind and the chance to learn about medicine as a part of my life rather than a chess game where im planning my next move to checkmate an admission to a med school

you guys rock!

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 08:25 am: Edit

Seriously considering turning down Columbia, Cornell (presidential scholar),and Duke for 8 year program in Stony Brook.

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 09:13 am: Edit

I'm turning down UVA rodman, WM, Uroch, and NYU for VCU gmed

By Bignit551212 (Bignit551212) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 06:29 pm: Edit

umm well since everyone is else doing it....
turning down northwestern, washu, and many others for straight med.
deciding b/w UMKC 6 years or VCU 8 years.
leaning towards VCU

By Ribbit (Ribbit) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 06:40 pm: Edit

Would it be worth turning down MIT or Duke for Lehigh/Drexel?

thanks. I'm unsure because nobody is saying too many good things about the lehigh/drexel program.

By Dreadpirate (Dreadpirate) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 09:53 pm: Edit

QWY: IMHO at least three programs have the combination of outstanding undergrad and med school opportunites to justify passing up HYP: Rice/Baylor, Case Western, and Northwestern. The med schools are all integrated into major referral centers and offer unlimited research and clinical opportunities. The colleges place a heavy emphasis on undergraduate teaching, and the requirements for med school entrance are very reasonable, so you can spend your time learning something that matters to you instead of jumping through hoops. If you decide to go to Case, you will be giving up an identifiable trademark. But you will find that most of your classmates also passed up the chance to be Blue Devils, Cardinal, Bulldogs, Tigers and, yes, even Crimson.

By Freudboy (Freudboy) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 11:40 pm: Edit

Is there really a big difference between combined med programs? I thought they were mostly the same. I mean, if I end up turning down Stanford, I am thinking about choosing USC B/MD over Northwestern. Would this make my decision less justifiable?

By Sjparent (Sjparent) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 11:53 pm: Edit

My D has one more day to decide between USC Bac/MD and UCSD BA/MD.Any suggestions ?

By Dp1o (Dp1o) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 07:50 am: Edit

Hey guys, what do you think is a better program: Siena/AMC or Lehigh/Drexel? Lehigh's is seven-year w/ MCATs and Siena's is eight-year w/o MCATs, but with an emphasis on service. Lehigh is a much better undergrad than Siena but then again, undergrad really doesn't matter. What's the better medical school? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

By Komal (Komal) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 05:23 pm: Edit

Hey everyone, I'm trying to decide between Northwestern's HPME program and Brown's PLME program. Could someone please list some pros and cons about each program. Which program is considered better and which medical school has better residency match results? Please help i have to decide and i have no idea!

By Floppydisk2 (Floppydisk2) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 06:40 pm: Edit

Dreadpirate,
You should definitely include USC and other California programs in your list of schools to pass up Yale, Princeton, and Stanford for a medical program, if you are certain you want to do medicine.
Getting into a California medical school through the regular route is extremely difficult (either for in-state or out-of-state applicants) That is the reason why many Californians, whose first choices were in California, end up on the East Coast. All of California's medical schools are highly regarded and ranked.
It is easier to penetrate the East, the Northeast, the South, and the Midwest than it is to penetrate the West for medical schools if you are out-of-state. Even if you're a California resident, it still is hard to grab a seat in medical school. Therefore,these combined programs in California are truly amazing options for residents as well as non-residents.

Freudboy:
With your choices, you can't go wrong with either USC or Northwestern. Both are of the same caliber. If you like USC, and they are offering you a scholarship, definitely consider it. In the end, it is up for you to decide.

By Midwestproduct (Midwestproduct) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 06:54 pm: Edit

Komal-

Come to PLME! I was just at ADOCH and Brown is the most amazing place in the entire world. Not to mention the program is above and beyond anything you could desire. Trust me, Brown and the PLME are truly fantastic. I hope to see you in Providence next year.

By Missmoy (Missmoy) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 07:47 pm: Edit

Everyone,

MIT ($0) v. USC's Bac/MD ($full ride) v. Northwestern's HPME ($0)

I'm having a very difficult time choosing among those three even though i've narrowed it down to usc and mit (due to finances). After visiting MIT, i immediately fell in love with the campus, the people, the endless opportunities, etc. I felt a connection with teh student body there that i didn't quite experience at usc (however, this can also be due to the fact that i haven't stayed at usc for an extended period of time) I know for sure i want to enter the medical field and i know i want to end up in la in the future. this seems to point the road to usc, but i've been getting responses from many people that going to mit will provide me with more opportunities to perhaps even get into better medical schools than usc's. I am really confused right now and would like some really needed advice. Thanks!

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 08:54 am: Edit

The decision is of course yours, but medical school admissions will only continue to get more difficult, rivaling the admission rate in the 70s when the first wave of baby boomers went through. Foreign medical schools were filled to the brim. Now the second wave is here, and the applicants are more competitive than ever.The foreign medical schools are beginning to reopen. In my experience, the 6,7,8 year students are the cream of the crop throughout med school and when seeking out residencies. It doesn't matter where they went. Remember, when looking for med school and residencies, the admission committee does not care if you play the bassoon or play varsity football. It's all about grades,grades, grades, MCATs, volunteer work and dedication. The process is much more difficult than applying to college. The 6,7,8 year students have already demonstrated themselves, perhaps turing down elite colleges to attain their goal and maintaining the GPA and MCAT scores.
However, if the MIT experience is hard to turn down, it may be a good test of how much you really want to be a doctor. It is not an easy road, and if you do decide, you will be tested in that decision every day. Good luck!!

By Doctort (Doctort) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 11:34 am: Edit

NYUgrad, I agree completely with you. BS/MD program students are the best high school students, they do well in college, medical school, and they obtain competitive residencies. Even at medical school with people going to less competitive fields, you can see bs/md students getting the neurosurgery residencies and other specialties at top hospitals. It's so much less stress and the undergraduate experience can be obtained anywhere. Pre-med at places like Cornell, JHU, Duke, etc is very tough. You won't have much time with so much school work, summers will be full with volunteering/research, and there really will not be alot of time to have fun for most people. And, second and third years will only get harder with more competitive classes, MCATs rolling in, and more apprehension. The pool of pre-meds will steadily decrease till only the best make it at the end and there is absolutely no guarantee it could be you because all the pre-meds will be exactly like you.

By Qwy (Qwy) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 04:52 pm: Edit

Doctort, is it really as tough as you make it sound?

And to others on this board: where have you all decided to go?..seeing that we have to make a decision by May 1st.

By Djpatel85 (Djpatel85) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 07:38 pm: Edit

i made it to the umkc 6 year program...i had to reject full ride berkeley and ucla....=( oh well though..i'll try my best to make it to a california residency after 6 years.

By Djpatel85 (Djpatel85) on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 11:21 pm: Edit

where would you guys go between undergrad ucla..and umkc md program 6 years...? give me your input guys..need to make my decision soon

By Doctort (Doctort) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 10:28 am: Edit

I'm not exaggerating Qwy, pre-med is alot of work both in and out of school. Applications are also another gruelling process.

By Sailorgirl1985 (Sailorgirl1985) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 05:44 pm: Edit

Case PPSP
Doctort-I completely agree with you, going to a couple BS/MD's the 2 weekends right before midterms was really tough on studying since both were across the country from me. Imagine doing that for 15 schools, you'd probably ruin tests/grades just from being gone so much, nevermind the cost right before you enter medical school. And nothing is guaranteed, I'd say take the BS/MD program unless you don't think you'll be happy at the school or it's just really not a good fit for you.

By Melodious04 (Melodious04) on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

I'm almost positive about UMKC even though I haven't received the finaid info yet...

unless someone can convince me that NEOUCOM is better by ... um... Wednesday?

By Missmoy (Missmoy) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 05:01 am: Edit

Doctort, are you a grad student? I'd like to know who is providing such great advice.

By Missmoy (Missmoy) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 05:02 am: Edit

doctort, are you a grad student?

By Doctort (Doctort) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 08:41 pm: Edit

Missmoy, thanks for the compliment I guess. No, I'm a freshmen in college who went through this whole process, but I'm a little bit different in that when I was debating between a program and an undergrad, I did ALOT of research. I went to all kinds of sites online to get feedback on this topic, talked to medical students, pre-meds in college, bs/md students, doctors, and other professionals and squeezed out opinions from everyone. I learned so much about medical school admission, and saw lots of people going through with it at a range of colleges from JHU, to Harvard, to state schools. I wanted to make the best decision for me and so I wanted to know everything I could. I'll be happy to answer anyone's questions since I know how difficult the decision-making process is.

By Foshizzle7 (Foshizzle7) on Sunday, April 25, 2004 - 10:32 pm: Edit

Hey everyone....
Alrighty: PSU/Jeff or RPI/Albany? And are they even that good compared to other accelerated programs?
Honest opinions would be greatly appreciated

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 01:37 am: Edit

PSU/Jeff and RPI/Albany are two of the best bs/md programs in the nation and both very tough to gain admission into. PSU/Jeff has some intense competition for acceptance. RPI/AMC has a great success rate in terms of graduates. The program has a very good research emphasis and graduates include Harvard Med. BWH Prez and other notable medical doctors. Both programs are amazing and you really can't go wrong. Which one's giving you more money and which is closer if that matters? I would say they are pretty much equal.

By Tania (Tania) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 09:52 am: Edit

How does Temple Med School compare with AMC and Drexel?

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 10:13 am: Edit

I would recommend the RPI/AMC just because its a 7 yr prog as opposed to a 6. I find if programs are far too accl it takes away too much from the college experience. i mean the psu one start school on 6/30...and you have school for 2 WHOLE yeras. whats the fun in that. you also miss opportunity to do some valuable all summer internships around the world and the travel abroad. the good thing about the RPI is that not only is RPI an excellent school to learn medical technology and stuff but also you get to do a lot of research which is essential for college.

By Foshizzle7 (Foshizzle7) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 10:31 am: Edit

Well, PSU does have a 7-yr. option but everything you mentioned still applies because I would go for the 6-yr. option anyways. I guess I failed to specify that my question about PSU vs. RPI was about reputation (versus each other and other accelerated progs).

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 11:07 am: Edit

oh i see. well jefferson med school i think is a better institution however i think you should put personal gains instead of prestige of school. I think one would be more successful at the RPi./AMC as opposed to the PSU/Jef.

By Lwparent (Lwparent) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 11:40 am: Edit

Doctort-My son got accepted into many colleges - Dartmouth,Brown, Duke, JHU, but has decided for a BA/MD program. He was accepted into NYU/NYU, BU/BU, NU/HPME, USC/Keck. He has 100% tuition to USC, 50% to the others. USC has a track team and NU does not. He is leaning heavily toward USC/Keck. Do you think choosing USC/Keck vs NU/HPME will affect his choices of a competitive residency?

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 12:22 pm: Edit

No

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 12:30 pm: Edit

Let me elucidate-doing well in a combined med program, no matter where, puts you immediately at the top. Many are giving up going to their dream school undergrad for a guaranteed medical education. I would pick the (combined) undergrad school that feels right, and inquire at the associated med school about a copy of the match list (if that is your concern). Many would glady give it to you. Ask how their combined students placed. I'm sure they would be proud to tell you.

By Alianwaar4 (Alianwaar4) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 12:44 pm: Edit

doctort and nyugrad- alot of people talk about rpi/amc being one of the best med programs what about union/amc, is this a good program, can you tell me what you know about its program in terms of what is thought about it and how the graduates do? thanks

By Foshizzle7 (Foshizzle7) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 03:57 pm: Edit

hmm....soljaofortune...

"I think one would be more successful at the RPi./AMC as opposed to the PSU/Jef."

do you mean more successful in terms of residency choice or standing out more than you would at jeff? ...Or am I completely off? LoL

More opinions are welcome!! I need the advice...

By Soccergrl31 (Soccergrl31) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

anyone have an opinion on drexel/drexel vs. union/amc...i'm becoming distraught over the decision....drexel requires mcats, is it worth the stress? union seems in not that great of an area, is that worth chosing philly over?

gosh...some please help me?
is a program even worth over columbia?

By Pri147 (Pri147) on Monday, April 26, 2004 - 10:42 pm: Edit

I picked union over drexel and villanova's program..Think about what you want in life. Are you thinkin about academic, research, or clinical side of medicine? If you just want to be a doctor for clincal experiences, then choose union. Yeah, it's not a great place to be in, but NYC is 2 hours away, not to mention Boston. There are some clubs and bars there and who cares when ur havin fun neway? If you look at Drexel Med and ALbany med's acceptance rates, Drexel accepts 22% whereas Albany med accepts 6% ...Both medical schools are good, so choose stress free or cuttin one year off, that's what it basically boils down to.

By Curiosity (Curiosity) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 02:27 am: Edit

Gangsta,
I was wondering what you've heard about RPI/AMC's program and its prestige--as i've seen in other posts. Just curious, since i'm going through deciding whether to consider RPI/AMC and you're deciding about attending this next year... let me know anything that you've heard about it-- and why it's better than the other programs--- has it gotten more competitive each year to get into?
thanks so much

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 08:36 am: Edit

RPI/Albany is a good program. I know many physicians who graduated there and had little trouble finding great residencies. Don't take my word for it, do a google search and see if you can find their alumni assoc. That will give you a good idea where many of their doctors trained. Back in the late 70s when I visited the med school, I found many Stuyvesant grads and valedictorians in the class (I don't know about now, I haven't been back in a while.)Albany is not so bad, it is the capital of New York, and there are some interesting sites. I have been on some of their medical school picnics and they are held in a beautiful mountain area (I imagine they still are-it's a tradition.) You also have the option of taking some of your rotations elsewhere. Anyway, don't worry about the town where you study, you will be so busy, you will have little free time.

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 08:38 am: Edit

foshizzle to reply...

i think doing ugrad for 3 years means alot more than do ugrad for 2. for one in 6 years...you're 24 doing residency. sure its good but think about the ugrad experience you are missing out. This may be a biased opinion but I want to travel aboard and explore all fields in college. I don't just want to do physics, bio, chem physics bio chem over and over again for all 2 years at psu...and literally 2 years, no summer. At RPI you will also do more research therefore be a more successful doctor i think because there is a reason why certain schools EMPHASIZE research.

I just think that you will have more opportunity to do more at RPI and it'll also be more fun and mmore education then rushing your ugrad.

By Whq (Whq) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:23 am: Edit

Nyuqrad,

My D decided go to Case PPSP instead Harvard. Thank you for your many great advice. May I ask: are you MD?--just curious.

By Gangsta (Gangsta) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:52 am: Edit

NYUgrad is right curiousity and foshizzle7. RPI/AMC is one of the oldest programs so has evolved greatly. It started out as a 6-yr Biomedical program and now it's a 7-yr Physician-Scientist Program. It's getting more and more competitive every year. The research focus helps alot providing a firm foundation in innovative techniques in medical technology. Graduates have done really well. Many go on to do doctorate degrees, one guy did a MBA at Wharton after the 6-yr program and became president of BWH of Harvard Medical. The bs/md program students do the best at Albany and get competitive resdiencies so it works out. They are also very motivated and do well on the board/step exams in medical school. the PSU program is 2 years and is not good because you rush way too much info in that time and it's not fun being in school without any breaks. In the RPI program, you need no MCATs, no summers except you have to do research for half of the summer after third year before entering medical school. People worry about the city of Albany. Yes, it's not NYC, but it's a capital, and in medical school, you'll be in the library or in your room basically 24 hours. There's not really any time to go out every friday night because of the work load and the crunch for time. It'll keep you in focus as well. I think judging from the match list in the past few years at AMC, the bs/md graduate success rate, it's one of the best programs.

By Alianwaar4 (Alianwaar4) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 06:24 pm: Edit

i know ive asked this before, but gangsta and nyugrad, what is thought of union/amc and the grads from this program?

By Curiosity (Curiosity) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 07:15 pm: Edit

Gangsta and soljaofortune-- thanks for the info, i really had no idea the rpi/amc program had such a reputation-- i know it's considered over other programs because of it's 7 year component and lack of mcats-- I hear your chances are pretty good if you get an interview-- they accept alot of the ppl they interview and keep a waiting list

By Krpatel (Krpatel) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 07:17 pm: Edit

Foshizzle7,

Did you go to Prog weekend at PSU? I know some people who did, and they had a great time. Life at Penn State is among the best around. You can find someone with the same interests as you on campus. There's a lot to do, and two years at Penn State beats 4 years anywhere else in terms of college life. And about not being able to study abroad or do anything else, there are many students who choose to study abroad during the second semester of their 2nd year without any penalty. Some of the students this year have gone to the NIH, Cambrigde, and Oxford, as well as just travelling to countries like Australia. Also, at PSU, only the first summer is manditory, but the students say that the summers are the best times of the year, so most do come back for the second summer even though they do not need to in order to fulfill the requirments. Also of importance, the students at PSU are one, big, close group. They all know each other and spend a huge amount of time together. PSU is actually the oldest program in the nation (actually, there is debate whether the PSU or Hopkins program, now discontinued, is oldest. They were both founded within a four month period of each other in 1963). Although 82 credits in a two year period sounds intense, at least 9 of the credits will be done during the summer if you only chose one summer, and I am assuming that you will probably recieve some AP credit, making it not intense at all. Also, Penn State University has the largest number of living alumni (app. 1 out of every 100 graduates is a PSU alumni), creating a huge alumni network, in addition, Jefferson has more alumni than any other medical school. Students in all BS/MD programs are competitive and do well on boards and residency matches, this is also the case at Jeff. In terms of research, Penn State is reknown as a school where research is done. Many of the faculty members are involved in research, and there are even a large number of graduate students doing so as well. If you prefer the city enviromnent, definitely choose PSU/Jefferson as the medical school is located in center city Philadelphia, which is rich in cultural history and will provide excellent clinical training. Jefferson is known as a place to get some of the best clinical training a medical education can provide. Students at Jefferson place very well in general, prog or not. If money is a concern, definitely choose PSU as saving a year will mean an extra year of income, and as a physician or researcher, thats a lot of money that can be used to pay off debt. If you're worried about making the wrong decision, many students currently enrolled in the program at PSU have turned down, Case PPSP, NW HPME, Brown PLME, the UMDNJ programs, Pittsburgh, Rice/Baylor, WUSTL USP, Harvard, Stanford, etc... they can't all be making the wrong decision. Finally, can you e-mail me your screenname (my e-mail is in my profile)? I'd like to chat with you.

By Foshizzle7 (Foshizzle7) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 07:42 pm: Edit

LoL....yes Kris...I was @ Prog weekend and that is the main reason I am choosing PSU. Did you decide where you want to go?

Everyone gave awesome advice and brought up many important points that I wouldn't have considered earlier in this whole process. Without your help, there would definitely be many "what if"s remaining in my mind and possible regrets.

But just to clear up a few things....
You really don't lose out on opportunities by choosing a 6-yr. program. Every student I met at Prog Weekend told us that their best experience at PSU so far was their first summer session. Also, the 2 yrs at PSU do not limit your undergrad experience at all. Many students are done with their requirements by the last semester of their 2nd year and choose to study abroad or conduct research at other institutions.
Like Kris said, the students in the 6-yr. program are literally like a family (who could forget Waffle House...) and, while the program might be very selective, the students in the program were all about helping each other out (maintaining the 3.5, helping each other secure research internships, etc.). I just wanted to put in a good word for PSU for any students considering the program. You WON'T regret it =)

~Sid

By Curiosity (Curiosity) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 07:58 pm: Edit

after reading some older threads-- luda and gangsta, how long have you been in the rpi/amc program? your advice coming from personal experience? thanks

By Wobudong (Wobudong) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:55 pm: Edit

Curiosity: I do not know much about the RPI/Albany program, but I can tell you that the Albany med grads that I have worked with are top shelf clinicians who really seem to enjoy practicing medicine. Maybe it's just something in the water, but they turn out really good docs.

By Doctort (Doctort) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 11:35 pm: Edit

Hey Alianwaar4, the Union/AMC program is also a really good program. It doesn't have that science/research grounding that RPI excels at, but is more geared towards leadership. The program is also competitive and graduates are all over the place. I'm not as familiar with as the RPI/AMC program though...it's a little newer. But, the bs/md students still do really well and you get an MBA which is a plus and it's in a 8-year time frame. It's definitely worth taking over undergrads like JHU and ivies def.

By Bharath2007 (Bharath2007) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 02:15 am: Edit

Krpatel- How do you study abroad at NIH?

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 10:02 am: Edit

To respond to Krpatel's speech on why Psu/Jeff is good (to no disrepect since i met the man himself at the vcu interview and i respect him).

You define the "college experience" as one filled with education, peer bonding, and summers spent studying. In this sense, ofcourse you don't really miss out. But though pre-med and prog students are pretty nerdy, being one myself, I think most would also like to slack and take a little break. SUre it's in philly, but if you're doing 4 years of college in a matter of 2 years, how much time do you really have to enjoy the city, enjoy your "best" years, and enjoy living in general. Personally, I would prefer to study a plethora of subjects, be well versed in history, psychology, engineering, etc. etc. @ psu, all you take for 6 semesters (counting 2 summer sessions), are bio chem calc orgo physics and a slot or 2 for elective courses, that is to say unless you have ap credits. However, it is to my knowledge that most competitive med school such as hopkins, UVA, harvard, etc etc wish to see that premed students took biology and chem and phys at the university level, not just ap. Ofcourse Jefferson is a good med school, its a med school. PSU is also a well respected college, however I can't help but find the quality of life at PSU and the "college experience" to be lacking at certain respects. Also residency at 24?

PSU/JEFF is well respected and I can give you that, but to me, 6 years seems too fast and too concentrated for producing well rounded physicians skilled not only in the art of medicine but also life in general. I wish programs have a success rate such as of how many of these students get 1st choice residencies, and how many pas their boards etc. etc. I'm a big fan of statistics as you can see :-).

By Doctort (Doctort) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 11:33 am: Edit

soljaofortune, I agree with you. Yes, PSU is a pretty good program, but 6-years is not good at all I think. You really don't get to enjoy college and the purpose of the the bs/md program is so that you don't have stress in college and can enjoy. 7-yr programs are fine cause theres no cramming at least for some of the programs like NW, BU, and RPI. But, what can you get out of 2 years. There are no summers, and you enter the professional field so early. You don't save that much money cause you're taking classes for two summer semesters. I personally would not take PSU because it's 6-years unless it's the only alternative. But, if you're choosing between 7-year programs and PSU, I would advise the 7-yr option w/ BU, RPI, NW for ex.

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 12:28 pm: Edit

yes.I often come to college confidential to release my frustrations about the randomness of it all. I used to remain silent on this particular thread, but now that it is close to home with my own son making similar choices, I can understand what you are all going through.


I personally feel that a 6 year program is waaaay too stressful. However, everyone is different, and some people do quite well and enjoy the pace.

By Krpatel (Krpatel) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 04:15 pm: Edit

Well, there is a lot of discussion concerning the pace of six year programs. But, in six year programs, you are not cramming four years of studying into two. You still do two years worth of course work (sometimes, such as at PSU, a little more because of the manditory summer), but 82 credits is not bad at all. After one summer, only about 73 credits need to be taken. With even minimal AP credits (say about five - ten), 73 credits turns into 63-68, which is definitely manageable (about 16 or 17 credits per semester). All in all, cutting a year off the program does not add any more stress to it. About the nerdy comment, I do not think that you could be more incorrect about the students at PSU. Everyone there has amazing stories to tell, as well as life experiences and interests that some of us cannot even comprehend. I spent two nights there, and they are all normal, very cool college students. The college experience is not just studying, and summers spent studying. There are so many opportunities to have a good time at PSU, regardless of what you think is fun. During the weekend, we spent time playing basketball, watching late night tv, listening to music, eating out, just hanging out and all kinds of other stuff all while the students needed to write up a lab report and do other classwork. About non science credits, the curriculum at Penn State has about 25 non-science credits built in, so there is an opportunity to "broaden ones horizons." Believe me, its one of those "you had to be there to see it for yourself" things. Anyone who was at Prog weekend understands exactly what I have written. There is much more to it than this.

Foshizzle7: Although I really enjoyed Prog Weekend and feel very honored to have been chosen by the committee, I will unfortunately not enroll at PSU. I have chosen to go to the TCNJ/UMDNJ 7 year BA/MD program.

Bharath: You don't study abraod at the NIH. I was just pointing out that some of the students enrolled choose to do research at the NIH during their summer semester or study abroad.

By Krpatel (Krpatel) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 04:17 pm: Edit

You can do almost anything you want at PSU

By Takingiteasy (Takingiteasy) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

Being someone been accepted to med programs and having my brother and 3 other cousins get in many different ones around the country, i think krpatel has some point but at the same time i think krpatel is also very biased so it may sound a lot better than it is. It also depends on a matter of opinion, for example my brother went to the usc ba/md program instead of psu cuz he wanted to have a chance to go to a different med school later or go for more selective md/phd programs at the ivys.

By Papucutta (Papucutta) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 10:49 pm: Edit

Does univ. of pittsburg have a prog???? i heard somewhere.........

what does the typical ba/md rejectee's stats look like???

By Mitodnaman (Mitodnaman) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 12:50 am: Edit

KRPatel.

Is there any reason why you chose to go to TCNJ over PSU?

By Djpatel85 (Djpatel85) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 01:23 am: Edit

iono i think you can get the "college experience" anywhere if you really want it.

By Bharath2007 (Bharath2007) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 04:38 am: Edit

Dipatel85- Sooo true, I didn't think I would have fun at all @ Case, but I love it here, It is really what you make of it.

By Wordpad (Wordpad) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 11:45 am: Edit

Dr.Sedrish and others,

I am sorry for posting this message on this thread also. I feel this may be an appropriate thread to post this message.

The final list of combined programs I am considering include: Rice/Baylor, MSU, and PSU/Jefferson.

Some factors I am considering include:

1) Out of all the colleges and medical schools I visited and went in for combined program interviews, I truly liked Rice/Baylor facilities. I also felt Houston is a nice place to live for at least the next 7-8 years.
2) I do not want to take MCAT and apply out to better med. schools.
3) Baylor and Jefferson med. schools do not use Pass/Fail grading system. MSU med. school uses Pass/Fail grading system.
4) It is probably harder to excel in Rice/Baylor program than at MSU and PSU/Jefferson. I would not mind the extra efforts though.
5) Rice/Baylor and MSU programs can be finished in 7 years. PSU/Jefferson can be finished in 6 years.
6) Baylor is a top 20 med. school. MSU and Jefferson are top 50 med. schools.
7) I am a Michigan resident, so MSU would be closer to home.
8) I was a recipient of MSU’s ADS scholarship which pays for full tuition, room and board for up to 4 years of undergrad at MSU. I received 8K scholarship per year for Rice undergrad. I did not receive any scholarship from Penn State. Taking this scholarship information into account, Rice/Baylor program would cost me 75 K more than MSU’s program. PSU/Jefferson program would be the most expensive of my choices and would cost me 50 K more than Rice/Baylor program.


Given the above, I feel Rice/Baylor is a better route for me than MSU and PSU/Jefferson. I must finalize my decision by tomorrow, 4/30. I would greatly appreciate any and all input/advice you may have for/against my three final choices. Thanks.

By Soljaofortune (Soljaofortune) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 01:24 pm: Edit

Definitely Rice/Baylor dude. 7 years is a good amount to do undergrad while not missing out on the undergrad experience. RIce is an excellent ugrad school as well as baylor being an excellent grad school. However apparently houston is one of the WORST cities to live in...though I've never been there and i'm not too big a fan of the south so heh my opinion is biased. However from a purely academic standpoint baylor is the way to go! congrats and good luck

By Nyugrad (Nyugrad) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 02:36 pm: Edit

Rice/Baylor is a solid program.

By Krpatel (Krpatel) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 02:37 pm: Edit

Yeah takingiteasy, thats one of the biggest drawbacks about the PSU/Jefferson program for me, the idea of being locked into Jefferson Medical School. Most of us should get into better medical schools four years later if we continue to do the work we do now as many have pointed out (Although prestige may not matter much for residency selestion or other stuff, I too am drawn by the allure of an "elite" medical education). Although medical school admissions are very difficult, it is not more difficult to get into a medical school than a BA/MD program, its just that we cannot predict what will happen within these next three/four years. I chose TCNJ because of the costs (very cheap, will cost a maximum of about 140K for me if I attend NJMS and probably less), There is a lot of opportunity to do research with pharmaceutical companies and the program students get to do research for NJMS which is unheard of for other undergrads, its a very relaxed program, and I am not bound to NJMS. Also, I have a few friends who are going to TCNJ from my high school, it is less than an hour from some of my family, and as someone pointed out, college is what you make of it. I know that I am the type of person who could enjoy any type of college atmosphere and have a good time there.

papucutta: Pitt does have a BA/MD program. There is a 3.7 GPA requirement, and they recently waived the 32 MCAT requirement. The toughest part about that one is getting in, as they are only looking to accept 5 students.

By Krpatel (Krpatel) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 02:52 pm: Edit

Oh, and the clincher for me to go to TCNJ was the match list. They sent the accepted students a list of the past three classes to have graduated from NJMS from all the undergraduate institutions involved in the UMDNJ 7-year BA/MD program, a total of about twenty to twenty-five students per year. The match list was amazing. There were neurosurg, orhto, optho, orthosurg, path, rad, urol, and all at the most competitive hospitals, such as Pitt, Mass General, UPenn, Hopkins, Baylor, Emory, Mayo, Chicago, NY presbyterian, etc...

By Tania (Tania) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 05:26 pm: Edit

did anyone hear choose rpi/amc?

By Bignit551212 (Bignit551212) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 08:22 pm: Edit

wordpad....
i'm almost sure that rice/baylor is the top combined program in the nation....there is no doubt that rice is the best route...but of course..it mainly depends on ur feel for it and personal opinion. congrats on getting into that tho

By Dreadpirate (Dreadpirate) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 10:36 pm: Edit

wordpad: Rice/Baylor is the creme. The residential college system at Rice is the foundation for a superb undergrad program--as good as you will find anywhere, particularly in the sciences. Baylor is a top shelf med school and the Texas Medical Center offers unlimited opportunities. Notwithstanding its bad PR, Houston really is a very nice city, and Rice is in one of the nicest areas.

By Dan1986 (Dan1986) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 09:41 pm: Edit

I know RPI/AMC has a heavy bias towards research. Of the guaranteed programs, which are more research-oriented and which are geared towards primary care?

Thanks.

By Progs4all (Progs4all) on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 10:16 pm: Edit

Hey doctort...I guess I will cya at RPI next fall. You have done a wonderful job providing such first class advice. Ever thought of being a guidance counselor.