BS/MD or Regular 8 Year track?

[scorpiious]

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Hey everyone, i recently discovered this forum while i was searching up information about medical school and undergraduate studies.

Im a junior in highschool at the moment and im curious, i know that the BS/MD programs are very competitive and hard to get into, but what about the regular 8 year track? I mean its not possible that almost all the doctors in the U.S went through an accelerated program?

Is the 4 year undergrad, 4 year medical school track too difficult? Whats the major reason why everyone competes for the BS/MD programs?

Im currently looking at doing 4 years of undergraduate study at Boston University, and then apply after i take the MCAT, but ive heard numerous opinions from family members. Some say the MCAT is very difficult, others say its very easy, could someone offer some insight?

 

[witness23]

the best part about the traditional route is that you may get to find out all the answers to your questions from experience. i wouldn't trade that opportunity.

i can see ba/md programs have some advantages though. people will make the best out of everything.

i personally think that college should be more than an interlude to medical school. I have matured a lot each year. Again, not saying that you wouldn't if you did BA/MD.

 

[spyderracing32]

The traditional path is only as difficult as you make it. If I could do it all over again, one thing I would not have done is declared my AP credit in bio and chem. Jumping into orgo and upper level bio's as a freshman was difficult as I found (and I think this is common among people here) that university was the first time I actually had to apply myself to a course to get the A. It took me a couple semesters to figure that one out, and as a result my GPA is not where I'd like it to be (although if I ever told anyone outside of this board that I was disappointed with my GPA, I would be castrated on the spot).

The above is not to say that a normal undergrad career is overtly difficult. Its been pretty smooth sailing since freshman year for me, and I have my fun. My best friend is pre-law and graduated in three years for monetary reasons, and that in my opinion is the only legitimate reason to leave undergrad in under 4 years. Don't take that last sentence lightly.

It's not true that all the docs out there are going through accelerated programs. The MCAT is just another standardized test. If you're getting into accelerated programs, you're rocking the ACT, and thus, you're probably pretty good at standardized tests. Sure, there's more to it than test taking skills, but having that in your back pocket is a huge asset. It is true that there is a ton of info to know for the MCAT, and yes it is a difficult test, but it's not anything that can't be tackled with focused, dilligent effort.

In short, go to undergrad and have a great time (you will I promise), take the MCAT, and move on to medical school at the same time as the VAST majority of the rest of your future colleagues.

 

[fishbait63]

I say apply first if you get it, its a extremely good opportunity. Remember there are things to consider ie what GPA or MCAT is required for admission for the med school even with the program, its quite difficult to get in however. Additionally you can can always apply elsewhere if you wanted even after joining the program. Good luck