6 Year BS/MD... or should I just wait and enjoy college?

[vitaebellaa]

I am almost done with my first semester of my freshman year. I have been doing well in my classes. I was invited by the dean of my school to do a brand new program they are offering for honors students. A 2+1+4 program (2 undergrad, 1 year community service, and four years Med school) The program is brand new and the kinks have been hardly worked out yet.

As of right now, I am going to attempt the program (it is unbinding) and see how it goes. My next semester schedule is a lot of work but it seems manageable. My concern lies with my sophomore year where I will be taking: physics+lab, orgo+lab, cell lab, 2 cell electives, on top of finishing my social science requirement. Throughout this entire process I have worked with quite a few advisors and their general consensus had been that it is that its a lot, a lot of work to finish in just two years. What troubles me is that my GPA will be completely shot my sophomore year, making me unattractive candidate for med schools if I want to leave the program for some reason and apply elsewhere.

I know that is a pretty concise description of my dilemma, but I would really appreciate any comments/suggestions/advice. I am really torn about what I should do, but I feel that I should at least try because it is such an amazing opportunity.

PROS:
- Becoming a doctor a year sooner. I am really anxious about practicing medicine. It is what I have been passionate about for so long, and I know I am "rushing growing up" but I really want this
- Graduating with minimum debt. My scholarship in undergrad (merit scholarship that covers 1/2 tuition) It would also be a financial relief for my parents
- Getting an automatic acceptance to medical school, and a very respectable one at that! It is so competitive to get in anywhere it would be a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders.

CONS:
- I have to switch my major to biological science from psych.
- Maturity. I want to become the best doctor I can be and I think a part of that has to do with your life experiences. Will I be at a disadvantage rushing through undergrad?
- Missing out on college experiences. I have no problem exercising self control when it comes to foregoing going out on weeknights to study/get ahead with my work. I have been good with balancing clubs/school work/friends/ and a sport but I know that cutting undergrad in half will call for a lot of sacrifice.

Like medicine itself, it looks like it is going to take a lot of sacrifice but I do not want to go with the rest of my life thinking I let this opportunity slip away.

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[rockymhs]

I am almost done with my first semester of my freshman year. I have been doing well in my classes. I was invited by the dean of my school to do a brand new program they are offering for honors students. A 2+1+4 BS/MD program (2 undergrad, 1 year community service, and four years Med school) The program is brand new and the kinks have been hardly worked out yet.

As of right now, I am going to attempt the program (it is unbinding) and see how it goes. My next semester schedule is a lot of work but it seems manageable. My concern lies with my sophomore year where I will be taking: physics+lab, orgo+lab, cell lab, 2 cell electives, on top of finishing my social science requirement. Throughout this entire process I have worked with quite a few advisors and their general consensus had been that it is that its a ridiculous amount of work to finish in just two years. The faculty advisors of the program itself even think that it is a lot of work compared to many of the other BS/MD programs, but the administration is unwilling to change the structure of the program. What troubles me is that my GPA will be completely shot my sophomore year, making me unattractive candidate for med schools if I want to leave the program and apply elsewhere.

I know that is a pretty concise description of my dilemma, but I would really appreciate any comments/suggestions/advice. I am really torn about what I should do, but I feel that I should at least try because it is such an amazing opportunity.

PROS:
- Becoming a doctor a year sooner. I am really anxious about practicing medicine. It is what I have been passionate about for so long, and I know I am "rushing growing up" but I really want this
- Graduating with minimum debt. My scholarship in undergrad (merit scholarship that covers 1/2 tuition) It would also be a financial relief for my parents
- Getting an automatic acceptance to medical school! It is so competitive to get in anywhere it would be a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders.

CONS:
- I have to switch my major to biological science from psych. While biology will always be my first love, I fell in love with psychology as well. College was my first introduction to psychology and I really do find it interesting (mainly the clinical stuff) and I cannot help but feel a little sad that I will not have the opportunity to take upper level courses in psych.
- Maturity. I want to become the best doctor I can be and I think a part of that has to do with your life experiences. Will I be at a disadvantage rushing through undergrad?
- Missing out on college experiences. I have no problem exercising self control when it comes to foregoing going out on weeknights to study/get ahead with my work. I have been good with balancing clubs/school work/friends/ and a sport but I know that cutting undergrad in half will call for a lot of sacrifice.

Like medicine itself, it looks like it is going to take a lot of sacrifice but I do not want to go with the rest of my life thinking I let this opportunity slip away.

If I were you, I would take the opportunity right away.

You don't know how hard it is to get into med school, and you are guaranteed to be in it without going through the entire process.

Considering the fact that many qualified students do not get into med schools, the opportunity you are given is a free gift.

Just stick with it all the way, and you will be happy at the end.

 

[Contrarian]

it's an interesting offer. what med school is it? make sure you like the school itself before committing.

 

[schrizto]

I think the school in question is Tulane. I read about this new six year program they have with 1 year mandatory community service. Very good deal IMO.

 

[FloatOn]

I am almost done with my first semester of my freshman year. I have been doing well in my classes. I was invited by the dean of my school to do a brand new program they are offering for honors students. A 2+1+4 BS/MD program (2 undergrad, 1 year community service, and four years Med school) The program is brand new and the kinks have been hardly worked out yet.

This might end up being a real pain. A chem lab I took was completely disorganized and it was one of the most painful experiences in my educational career. I can't imagine the lack of structure associated with an entire program.

As of right now, I am going to attempt the program (it is unbinding) and see how it goes. My next semester schedule is a lot of work but it seems manageable. My concern lies with my sophomore year where I will be taking: physics+lab, orgo+lab, cell lab, 2 cell electives, on top of finishing my social science requirement. Throughout this entire process I have worked with quite a few advisors and their general consensus had been that it is that its a ridiculous amount of work to finish in just two years. The faculty advisors of the program itself even think that it is a lot of work compared to many of the other BS/MD programs, but the administration is unwilling to change the structure of the program. What troubles me is that my GPA will be completely shot my sophomore year, making me unattractive candidate for med schools if I want to leave the program and apply elsewhere.

You don't know that for sure, but yeah you don't want to take that chance either. An unflexible administration is not a good sign. If they don't even listen to the experts, do you think they'll even try to work with the students?

I know that is a pretty concise description of my dilemma, but I would really appreciate any comments/suggestions/advice. I am really torn about what I should do, but I feel that I should at least try because it is such an amazing opportunity.

PROS:
- Becoming a doctor a year sooner. I am really anxious about practicing medicine. It is what I have been passionate about for so long, and I know I am "rushing growing up" but I really want this
- Graduating with minimum debt. My scholarship in undergrad (merit scholarship that covers 1/2 tuition) It would also be a financial relief for my parents
- Getting an automatic acceptance to medical school! It is so competitive to get in anywhere it would be a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders.

One year is not going to make a difference in the long run.

CONS:
- I have to switch my major to biological science from psych. While biology will always be my first love, I fell in love with psychology as well. College was my first introduction to psychology and I really do find it interesting (mainly the clinical stuff) and I cannot help but feel a little sad that I will not have the opportunity to take upper level courses in psych.
- Maturity. I want to become the best doctor I can be and I think a part of that has to do with your life experiences. Will I be at a disadvantage rushing through undergrad?
- Missing out on college experiences. I have no problem exercising self control when it comes to foregoing going out on weeknights to study/get ahead with my work. I have been good with balancing clubs/school work/friends/ and a sport but I know that cutting undergrad in half will call for a lot of sacrifice.

Like medicine itself, it looks like it is going to take a lot of sacrifice but I do not want to go with the rest of my life thinking I let this opportunity slip away.

I have really valued my undergraduate experience and the ability to take a variety of courses outside of my major. I was able to spread my major, minor, and general ed requirements throughout the years. I'm glad I'm able to take classes just because I feel like it, not because I'm required in any way.

If you decide to leave the program halfway through sophomore year, what are the consequences? Can you return to your psych major?

 

[FIREitUP]

i'd do it, but that's me. you have plenty of time to grow up in anatomy lab.

 

[schrizto]

Any word on whether MCAT is required and if there is a minimum GPA to maintain?

http://tulane.edu/som/admissions/special-programs.cfm

TULANE ACCELERATED PHYSICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM (TAP-TP, 6+1)
Tulane offers a 7-year program (TAP-TP, 6+1) that includes an undergraduate and medical education in addition to a mandatory year of public service with AmeriCorps.Tulane has a long history of public and community service, requiring community service in the medical school curriculum for over 20 years.As New Orleans is an underserved community (especially following Hurricane Katrina) and Louisiana a low-income state, the marriage of an educational program and public service is a natural mix for Tulane.
Exceptional high school students will apply to the TAP-TP.Eligible students will be expected to have high levels of academic performance as judged by transcripts, SAT/ACT scores and AP scores. Students will be interviewed by a committee of undergraduate faculty, medical school faculty and administrators. Between 10 and 20 students would be accepted each year.
TAP-TP Students will complete an abbreviated undergraduate curriculum designed around a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology with emphasis on the application of scientific principles for the public good. Undergraduate performance would be a requisite for continuing in the program. TAP-TP Students will have bi-monthly conference style workshops designed to both track the students and develop skills necessary for the practice of medicine. Following completion of 2 years towards the BS degree requirements, students will begin a one-year public service commitment with AmeriCorps. Students will then enter the 4-year medical school curriculum.

 

[schrizto]

I would also add that if the OP really does go to Tulane (just my speculation here) they do have a program called the Creative Premedical Scholars Program. In this case it's an 8 year program, no MCAT, and you'd be able to stick with your major of psychology.

 

[FIREitUP]

if you really like psych so much, why don't you take summer courses at your home institution or read some books? Undergrad is utter BS (unless you really want to party/get drunk), i like the fact that you get to do americorps for a year instead of doing a year of undergrad filler.

 

[FloatOn]

I would also add that if the OP really does go to Tulane (just my speculation here) they do have a program called the Creative Premedical Scholars Program. In this case it's an 8 year program, no MCAT, and you'd be able to stick with your major of psychology.

This sounds like a much better option.

 

[vitaebellaa]

I think the school in question is Tulane. I read about this new six year program they have with 1 year mandatory community service. Very good deal IMO.

Yep. You got me. Tulane's dedication to community service really gave it away

Any word on whether MCAT is required and if there is a minimum GPA to maintain?

TBH, I am not really sure how much I am allowed to disclose. A lot is still up in the air at this point. I will say that there is a minimum GPA to maintain

 

[vitaebellaa]

I would also add that if the OP really does go to Tulane (just my speculation here) they do have a program called the Creative Premedical Scholars Program. In this case it's an 8 year program, no MCAT, and you'd be able to stick with your major of psychology.

Nope. Psychology is considered a science at Tulane (and as it should be at most schools in my opinion.) I find psychology interesting, abnormal psychology in particular (probably because of the clinical aspect) but I can't really picture myself practicing psychology.

 

[vitaebellaa]

You don't know that for sure, but yeah you don't want to take that chance either. An unflexible administration is not a good sign. If they don't even listen to the experts, do you think they'll even try to work with the students?"


No, no. The administration really isn't the problem. I guess I misspoke. What I meant to imply is that the constraints initially outlined by the administration are inflexible. Administration has been pretty helpful/understanding.


If you decide to leave the program halfway through sophomore year, what are the consequences? Can you return to your psych major?"
The program is unbinding but I guess if I were to drop out, the sooner the better. If I were to drop out soph. year I would probably continue with biology and maybe minor in a psychology or something like that


Thank you everyone for their input! I just wanted to hear some opinions but I think as of right now I am going to go for it!

 

[jym626]

LOL, schrizto, lets *guess* where you figured out the school in question was Tulane 😉 (I posted about this program on another college forum).

Question for you, vitaebellaa. Do you currently have the DHS or a different merit scholarship? I had heard, second hand, that they were only going to consider DHS students for acceptance into the Tulane Accelerated Physician Training Program (TAP-IP), but this didn't make sense to me, as if only about 30-40 DHS students are in each freshman class (my s's class has 40, this years freshman class has about 26) and they want to take 10-20 students into the TAP-IP program, that would mean they think about half or more of the DHS students would want to enter this program, which is silly. Do you have the Distinguished Scholars, or Founders scholarship, or another ? Idon't mean to be nosey, I am just trying to have accurate info about the program. Thanks!! (And hi schrizto!)

 

[jym626]

^^ Forgot to add, if the OP decided to pursue the Creative Scholars program, it requires that the student major in a non-science (which is why he brought up that psych is a science). So, to remain a psych major and go for the Creative scholars, he'd (or she'd) have to double major in a non-science and get all the premed requirements in in the first 2 years. Its doable, but a lot to do, along with required core and freshman classes.

 

[link2swim06]

One year is not going to make a difference in the long run.

~200K of earnings difference

 

[halekulani]

if you want to do medicine, take the free acceptance right now.

if it's at tulane, trust me when i say there will be plenty of parties all the time. it's new orleans.

 

[FloatOn]

~200K of earnings difference

I'm more referring to people who realize they don't really want to do medicine until they get to the clinical part of med school but they felt pressured, obligated, or rushed into it. I say take your time, be absolutely certain, and do it right the first time. You can also retire one year later.

 

[Lewist02]

Lots of pros and cons to the offer in my opinion. The program sounds great, however, once you enter the medical field you will not have the opportunities to travel, spend time with family, etc. that you may have if you do not do an accelerated program. I would never have given up the opportunities I have had in college, and during my year off (which I willingly chose to do) just to make an additional $200K. I have had amazing life experiences and have definitely matured and been much more well rounded (and less stressed!). I also had the opportunity to take 18 (including the requirements) science classes which definitely will have helped prepare me for med school. If Tulane has the 4+4 program, in my opinion I would chose that. More wiggle room for opportunities and still the same guaranteed acceptance (i'm assuming?). Don't let it be all about the money...it really doesn't buy happiness. 😉 (and I can definitely understand the stress that comes with debt!)

 

[RogueUnicorn]

money might not buy happiness, but it can definitely buy you out of misery.

 

[schrizto]

LOL, schrizto, lets *guess* where you figured out the school in question was Tulane 😉 (I posted about this program on another college forum).

Actually I learned about it first time in a Chronicle of Higher Education article. 🙂

 

[ronaldo23]

I am almost done with my first semester of my freshman year. I have been doing well in my classes. I was invited by the dean of my school to do a brand new program they are offering for honors students. A 2+1+4 program (2 undergrad, 1 year community service, and four years Med school) The program is brand new and the kinks have been hardly worked out yet.

As of right now, I am going to attempt the program (it is unbinding) and see how it goes. My next semester schedule is a lot of work but it seems manageable. My concern lies with my sophomore year where I will be taking: physics+lab, orgo+lab, cell lab, 2 cell electives, on top of finishing my social science requirement. Throughout this entire process I have worked with quite a few advisors and their general consensus had been that it is that its a lot, a lot of work to finish in just two years. What troubles me is that my GPA will be completely shot my sophomore year, making me unattractive candidate for med schools if I want to leave the program for some reason and apply elsewhere.

I know that is a pretty concise description of my dilemma, but I would really appreciate any comments/suggestions/advice. I am really torn about what I should do, but I feel that I should at least try because it is such an amazing opportunity.

PROS:
- Becoming a doctor a year sooner. I am really anxious about practicing medicine. It is what I have been passionate about for so long, and I know I am "rushing growing up" but I really want this
- Graduating with minimum debt. My scholarship in undergrad (merit scholarship that covers 1/2 tuition) It would also be a financial relief for my parents
- Getting an automatic acceptance to medical school, and a very respectable one at that! It is so competitive to get in anywhere it would be a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders.

CONS:
- I have to switch my major to biological science from psych.
- Maturity. I want to become the best doctor I can be and I think a part of that has to do with your life experiences. Will I be at a disadvantage rushing through undergrad?
- Missing out on college experiences. I have no problem exercising self control when it comes to foregoing going out on weeknights to study/get ahead with my work. I have been good with balancing clubs/school work/friends/ and a sport but I know that cutting undergrad in half will call for a lot of sacrifice.

Like medicine itself, it looks like it is going to take a lot of sacrifice but I do not want to go with the rest of my life thinking I let this opportunity slip away.

Sounds like a GREAT deal. Take the offer and run. What I'm curious is the requirements you need to stay in the program- like if they are saying you need to maintain a 3.5+ to stay in, then it may not be such a good option. Plus Tulane (undergrad and med school) is awesome in every way and super laid-back

 

[jym626]

You pay for the subscription to Chronicles of higher education, schritzo? Or can you acces it from a university account at Pitt?

 

[schrizto]

You pay for the subscription to Chronicles of higher education, schritzo? Or can you acces it from a university account at Pitt?

I was able to access this article: http://chronicle.com/article/Faster-CheaperWillin/5896/

I don't know if it's only viewable with a subscription.

 

[jym626]

Yup- only viewable with a subscription. Can you get access to journal scubscriptions with your student account at Pitt?

 

[bunnity]

^yes.

One of the many reasons I loved Pitt.

 

[schrizto]

Yeah, I've been noticing I've been able to access a lot of journals I wasn't able to before. Magic!

 

[Narmerguy]

I wouldn't go for it. Tulane is one of the most expensive medical schools int he country. If you're concerned with cost, that's not going to save you that much. Secondly, it's only a year. Losing an extra year isn't really that helpful in the grand scheme of your career and though the thing isn't binding, your hands will be tied by your GPA/major changes. I wouldn't go for it but it's still understandably a great opportunity.

Have faith in your ability to do well in college and to have your choice of several schools by your senior year without having to jump for the first school to show you something.

 

[jym626]

Narmerguy-
Actually, if I understand the program, you'd be paid for the year doing volunteer work through Americorps (not sure how much, but I believe there is a monthly stipend with housing). Then there are the first 2 years of med school paid for by the $$$ left from the DHS tuition scholarship (currently at about $40K, and it rises with any tuition increase at TU). So The student would have 2 less years of undergrad to pay for (even with the DHS there are about $12-14K of other meal, housing and other fees) and the first 2 yrs of med schools is paid for with the DHS. And the student has $$ from the Americorps work. So even if TU med is expensive, this brings down the cost considerably.

Schrizto-
I miss the days when I was at a U. and could get access to journals for free from their library system!! Oh well-- the benefits of an academic affiliation. If you had heard of the new program earlier, did you post about it somewhere on this site or on CC? Did I miss it? Looks like that article in Higher Ed (which isn't accessible without a subscritption 🙁 ) describing the plan for the accelerated MD program is from earlier this year, but I believe it was only presented to the current freshmen that are in the honors program this past month.

 

[schrizto]

Schrizto-
I miss the days when I was at a U. and could get access to journals for free from their library system!! Oh well-- the benefits of an academic affiliation. If you had heard of the new program earlier, did you post about it somewhere on this site or on CC? Did I miss it? Looks like that article in Higher Ed (which isn't accessible without a subscritption 🙁 ) describing the plan for the accelerated MD program is from earlier this year, but I believe it was only presented to the current freshmen that are in the honors program this past month.

Read about it but didn't post anything on CC or SDN.

 

[Steeler7588]

I wouldn't do it. I'm not a fan of any programs that are 6 or 7 years, because college is the best time of your life and it would suck to shorten that. I would only go for an 8 year program if a) you would go to that undergrad anyway and b) you can apply out after 4 years without repercussions.