Advice Needed: Early Assurance Program vs. Ivy League Medical Schools

[Raj V]

Hi everyone,

I’m posting on behalf of my sister, who is facing a difficult decision, and I’d appreciate your advice. She has a guaranteed acceptance through an Early Assurance Program (EAP) at a well-respected U.S. medical school, which gives her a secure pathway to becoming a doctor. However, her ultimate dream is to attend an Ivy League or top-tier medical school like Harvard, Yale, or Columbia.

Here’s a bit about her:

• Academics: 3.9+ GPA with a double major and a minor.
• Research: Extensive research experience.
• Clinical Experience: EMT, Medical Assistant, volunteering, and shadowing.
• Leadership: Good experience.
• MCAT: Scheduled.

To apply to top-tier schools, she would need to decline her EAP seat, which feels like a huge risk.

We’d love to hear from those who’ve been in similar situations:

1. How do you balance the security of an EAP against the potential opportunities at top-tier schools?
2. Is the risk of declining an EAP worth the chance to attend an Ivy League medical school?
3. Any advice or insights from personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your guidance!

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[Goro]

Always go for the sure thing.

There is no guarantee that she will fetch an MCAT competitive enough to get into a really top school.

Even if she went to Drexel, her salary as an attending will be identical to someone who went to Harvard or Yale.

 

[Hollow Knight]

She very well may bomb her MCAT exam. Take the easy win.

The ivies aren’t worth it anyway unless you’re dead set on academics

 

[pazzer2]

The ivy league pedigree is not as important in medicine as in other fields. But it does help a little if she intends to go into academia or some areas of research. It doesn't help as much as you think it does.

I would go for the guaranteed degree program. Takes a lot of stress off. Work hard and she will end up in the same place as an ivy league educated MD.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Save that dream for residency applications.

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[Med Ed]

This would be like giving up a seven figure inheritance to fight in the UFC. While we would all love to stand bloodied and victorious in the octagon, the trade just doesn't make sense.

A fair number of people who are hellbent on these top-echelon schools are using ambition to mask family/cultural pressure and intrinsic issues with their sense of self worth. We obviously don't know your sister but it's something to consider.

 

[Raj V]

I truly appreciate the insights and advice shared here. Your input has been very helpful as we navigate this decision.

Happy New Year to everyone!

 

[soapapple]

I truly appreciate the insights and advice shared here. Your input has been very helpful as we navigate this decision.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Why don't you folks wait to take a decision till she gets her MCAT score? As her ECs look strong, if she gets 524+ (I know I am giving a high number), she may try to pursue her dreams. Otherwise, she has a back up and save the dream for residency.