advice please

[Charlie]

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I need some advice. Here's my dilemna: I'm pretty sure I can get into a BS/DO, but I don't really like any of the undergrad schools. The other option is to go to a small Christian college and enjoy my undergrad years at a college I'd like to attend. Do the benefits of assured admissions to DO schools outweigh the benefits of an undergraduate college that I chose? Please help!! Thanks!

 

[TP]

In my opinion, i think you should go to undergrad first. Those BS/DO programs are really cut-throat and competitive. I don't want to scare you but a lot of people drop out of the program and then they're screwed. The program is very fast paced and a lot of times you have to take several difficult classes at a time. College was really fun for me. Most importantly it gave me time to mature and it gave me an opportunity to really realize that medicine was my path in life. College is totally different from high school and it totally expands your mind. The experience is definitely worth it. By going to those BS/DO program you won't really be experiencing the college life. You'll be too busy trying to keep up with classes and competing for rank b/c it's so cutthroat. You'll do enough competing in medical school (even though every school says the atmosphere is friendly), for a residency spot, and eventually for a job.
In this case,it's not important how or when you get to your destination as long as you arrive. Sometimes the journey is the greatest part of the adventure.

 

[RC]

your psychological state while learning is the most important factor to succeeding in school. if you are not happy with the undergrad prog./atmosphere of the BS/DO schools, then this environment won't be conducive to learning, on top of those fast pace classes. why rush and specify yourself so early in your education? you never know, you could realized med school isn't for you...then you're your stuck. relax, enjoy your college experience, go to a school you like, and then decide if continuing you education is right for you. this plan worked for me. rene

 

[Matthew]

Go to college...have fun...work hard and you should have no problem with the application/admission process. One learns a lot about oneself while away at school. Good luck!

 

[ReneeWB]

I agree with everyone else who has posted a reply. Don't get in a hurry! Speaking from someone who waited 10 years to return to college and is now hoping to be admitted to a DO program, believe me you have plenty of time. You should really enjoy your undergrad years! By going to a school that you enjoy you will be sure that medical school is really where you want to head. Plus you will be freer to take other classes that will broaden your knowledge base in other subjects. I pursued a degree in biology just because I had more credit hours in that than anything else, but I believe you can be just as successful in getting in to a medical school with any other degree. If I had been younger I would have pursued a psychology or sociology degree -- I loved the classes that I took in these subjects. Follow your interests!

Renee

 

[Charlie]

Thanks for all the advice! I will go the traditional route of undergrad and then med school. All your advice really helped. Thanks again!