Hi everyone, I was recently accepted to a few BS-BA/MD programs and have narrowed it down to Boston University and VCU. I could really use some advice in making this difficult decision.
The requirements to stay in either program are definitely manageable. I am looking to explore new areas during my UG, hence why I like the comfort of knowing I have a guaranteed seat. I am a 110% confident I want to pursue a career in medicine. I don't want to limit myself to any specialty given my young age, so I want to choose the med school/ program at which I am more likely to be more successful. I do want a career in academic/teaching medicine. Thanks!
BU:
Pros:
- Ranked top 30 for med school and 42 for undergrad
- I get a BA in medical sciences and has a liberal arts focus in undergrad
- undergrad coursework for students in program is very rigorous (may prepare me better for challenges in med school?)
- location (its boston!)
- med school has great focus on serving underserved populations
- High step 1 average (236/237)
- Level 1 trauma center and great hospital system
- More likely to match in boston area
- can do research and rotations at Harvard
- Offers a MD/MBA in case I want to do that in the future
- can do international clinical rotations during my fourth year
Cons:
- COST; its about 250k for UG and 380k for med school (assuming no scholarships or aid for med)
- Accelerated to 7 years so have to spend one summer studying (but i guess this can also be a pro in some perspectives because I graduate a bit earlier?)
VCU:
Pros:
- I can apply out to other medical schools while still reserving my seat in the med school
- Significantly cheaper: only 80k for UG. The med school is about the same as boston at 380k.
- I can major in whatever I want.
- 8 years (I guess this could also be a con in some ways)
- I liked the atmosphere of Richmond.
Cons:
- Undergrad is ranked 170 and Med school is ranked 67
- Lower STEP 1 average (230)
- Match list is not as strong as that of BU
- No MD/MBA dual deree offered
- Not as much of a focus on serving underserved communities
- no opportunity to do international clinical rotations
The requirements to stay in either program are definitely manageable. I am looking to explore new areas during my UG, hence why I like the comfort of knowing I have a guaranteed seat. I am a 110% confident I want to pursue a career in medicine. I don't want to limit myself to any specialty given my young age, so I want to choose the med school/ program at which I am more likely to be more successful. I do want a career in academic/teaching medicine. Thanks!
BU:
Pros:
- Ranked top 30 for med school and 42 for undergrad
- I get a BA in medical sciences and has a liberal arts focus in undergrad
- undergrad coursework for students in program is very rigorous (may prepare me better for challenges in med school?)
- location (its boston!)
- med school has great focus on serving underserved populations
- High step 1 average (236/237)
- Level 1 trauma center and great hospital system
- More likely to match in boston area
- can do research and rotations at Harvard
- Offers a MD/MBA in case I want to do that in the future
- can do international clinical rotations during my fourth year
Cons:
- COST; its about 250k for UG and 380k for med school (assuming no scholarships or aid for med)
- Accelerated to 7 years so have to spend one summer studying (but i guess this can also be a pro in some perspectives because I graduate a bit earlier?)
VCU:
Pros:
- I can apply out to other medical schools while still reserving my seat in the med school
- Significantly cheaper: only 80k for UG. The med school is about the same as boston at 380k.
- I can major in whatever I want.
- 8 years (I guess this could also be a con in some ways)
- I liked the atmosphere of Richmond.
Cons:
- Undergrad is ranked 170 and Med school is ranked 67
- Lower STEP 1 average (230)
- Match list is not as strong as that of BU
- No MD/MBA dual deree offered
- Not as much of a focus on serving underserved communities
- no opportunity to do international clinical rotations
