I have a POTENTIAL dilemna

[BeBlessedMD]

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I'd rather post this question to people in this forum rather than the allopathic MD applicant forum, because you all would be able to empathize and sympathize more than all the doogie housers in the other. I am on a waitlist for Meharry Medical College but have been accepted into the UCSD post-bacc program. If I was to be eventually accepted into the Meharry then I would have to choose between the post-bacc and Meharry. Heres my issues:
Cons for Meharry
Meharry tuition is 31k a year.
Is an under-rated medical school (so take all the criticisms for being such and I would assume those as a potential graduate).
Would seperate my family and I for 4+ yrs (I'm a cali resident)
I plan on coming back to the west coast for residency and I know most spots are filled by cali med students.
Due to stigmitism MUST be highly ranked in class to be considered for highly competitive residency's where other med schools rankin is not so much of a factor in residency selection
Pros
Start medical school by age 24 therefor graduate by 28 (honestly this seems to be the biggest issue for me)
Places graduates in reputable residency's (again mostly in south and east coast)
Strong family atmoshphere...I know I will be successful
UCSD program Cons
Wont reapply again until age 26....graduate from med school at 30
More student loans (bout 10k per yr for program tution but my tuition is waived at UC's due to my dad being a veteran so I'm not actually sure how much the program will be)
Might end up out of state for med school anyways
No garauntee I'd even be accepted into med school the next time I apply (bout 80% success rate out of this program)
Pros
Much better chance I'd stay in CALI!!!!...have numerous friends who attend UC post baccs and end up at those same schools
UCSD....great school....will make me much more competive for med school in general for much more competitive med schools (win win situation even if i dont end up in cali)
If I did end up at an in state school, tuition would be halfed from meharrys
I believe I'd be much happier to stay West Coatish

Anyhow these are a few thoughts in my head, and TRUST me I have thought about all the scenarios and factors that could arise, these just seem to be the ones that stick out the most. If i could get some constructive feedback and maybe some thoughts on issues you feel are important that I've missed I'd really apreciate it. If your just going to be inconsiderate and petty please continue on with your boring life and disregard this post.

 

[riceman04]

I'd rather post this question to people in this forum rather than the allopathic MD applicant forum, because you all would be able to empathize and sympathize more than all the doogie housers in the other. I am on a waitlist for Meharry Medical College but have been accepted into the UCSD post-bacc program. If I was to be eventually accepted into the Meharry then I would have to choose between the post-bacc and Meharry. Heres my issues:
Cons for Meharry
Meharry tuition is 31k a year.
Is an under-rated medical school (so take all the criticisms for being such and I would assume those as a potential graduate).
Would seperate my family and I for 4+ yrs (I'm a cali resident)
I plan on coming back to the west coast for residency and I know most spots are filled by cali med students.
Due to stigmitism MUST be highly ranked in class to be considered for highly competitive residency's where other med schools rankin is not so much of a factor in residency selection
Pros
Start medical school by age 24 therefor graduate by 28 (honestly this seems to be the biggest issue for me)
Places graduates in reputable residency's (again mostly in south and east coast)
Strong family atmoshphere...I know I will be successful
UCSD program Cons
Wont reapply again until age 26....graduate from med school at 30
More student loans (bout 10k per yr for program tution but my tuition is waived at UC's due to my dad being a veteran so I'm not actually sure how much the program will be)
Might end up out of state for med school anyways
No garauntee I'd even be accepted into med school the next time I apply (bout 80% success rate out of this program)
Pros
Much better chance I'd stay in CALI!!!!...have numerous friends who attend UC post baccs and end up at those same schools
UCSD....great school....will make me much more competive for med school in general for much more competitive med schools (win win situation even if i dont end up in cali)
If I did end up at an in state school, tuition would be halfed from meharrys
I believe I'd be much happier to stay West Coatish

Anyhow these are a few thoughts in my head, and TRUST me I have thought about all the scenarios and factors that could arise, these just seem to be the ones that stick out the most. If i could get some constructive feedback and maybe some thoughts on issues you feel are important that I've missed I'd really apreciate it. If your just going to be inconsiderate and petty please continue on with your boring life and disregard this post.

Wow, what a difficult choice. Honestly, I think I would choose Meharry only because you would be guaranteed entrance into med school (your spot is waiting for you to fill it). Besides that I would definitely go to UCSD.

Yes, I understand your concerns not attending a highly competitive med school (point well taken). However, you must consider that Meharry does have some reputation since it was the very first medical school open for afr. americans (me being one, that is one of the factors influencing me to apply). I have a friend there now and she absolutely enjoys it. She does talk about that enormous amount of studying that she must accomplish everyday (which would be case at any med school in the US). The community is very close knit, which is a definite pro b/c everyone will probably know you by name and recommendations could possibly be even more in depth.

My father is wary of Meharry (he is a USC med school grad) b/c he thinks that b/c of the stigma attached to Meharry, the students have to work ten times harder (but for some reason still do not all perform well on the boards) than your average Joe at any other med school. One of his classmates, who is my godfather, transferred from Meharry to USC b/c he said it was not the right environment for him (and he too is a cali kid, as am I). Of course alot has changed since then, but that may be a testimony to how things may not work out for you if you go down there.

In terms of being away from family: Unless you are responsible for taking care of someone in the family (which, honestly, would be difficult in med school anyway) being close to family should not be that big of an issue. It's time to fly away from that nest. Yes, family = comfort. But keep in mind that could be a both a good and bad thing. As an undergrad, I left Los Angeles and went down to Houston to attend Rice U. I chose it b/c it is a very prestigious school, is cheaper that all of its academic competitors, and it is close to extended family on both sides (plus my sister). I will honestly say that this support system I had down in houston was a great benefit most of the time, but at other times it was kind of a detriment. I say that b/c sometimes I let them distract me from what I should have been doing. My sister lived 5 min away from campus, and she was calling me all the time. So, be careful about that. Plus, it's time to experience stuf for yourself.

In the end though, unless this post bacc program significantly boosts your chances of getting into med school, I would go to Meharry if accepted (you can always transfer). UCSD is a greeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat school and I would love to have the opportunity to go there (but cali med schools are tough to get into, so we will see with that one and all the other dang UC's 🙁 ).

good luck

 

[Law2Doc]

I'd rather post this question to people in this forum rather than the allopathic MD applicant forum, because you all would be able to empathize and sympathize more than all the doogie housers in the other. I am on a waitlist for Meharry Medical College but have been accepted into the UCSD post-bacc program. If I was to be eventually accepted into the Meharry then I would have to choose between the post-bacc and Meharry. Heres my issues:
Cons for Meharry
Meharry tuition is 31k a year.
Is an under-rated medical school (so take all the criticisms for being such and I would assume those as a potential graduate).
Would seperate my family and I for 4+ yrs (I'm a cali resident)
I plan on coming back to the west coast for residency and I know most spots are filled by cali med students.
Due to stigmitism MUST be highly ranked in class to be considered for highly competitive residency's where other med schools rankin is not so much of a factor in residency selection
Pros
Start medical school by age 24 therefor graduate by 28 (honestly this seems to be the biggest issue for me)
Places graduates in reputable residency's (again mostly in south and east coast)
Strong family atmoshphere...I know I will be successful
UCSD program Cons
Wont reapply again until age 26....graduate from med school at 30
More student loans (bout 10k per yr for program tution but my tuition is waived at UC's due to my dad being a veteran so I'm not actually sure how much the program will be)
Might end up out of state for med school anyways
No garauntee I'd even be accepted into med school the next time I apply (bout 80% success rate out of this program)
Pros
Much better chance I'd stay in CALI!!!!...have numerous friends who attend UC post baccs and end up at those same schools
UCSD....great school....will make me much more competive for med school in general for much more competitive med schools (win win situation even if i dont end up in cali)
If I did end up at an in state school, tuition would be halfed from meharrys
I believe I'd be much happier to stay West Coatish

Anyhow these are a few thoughts in my head, and TRUST me I have thought about all the scenarios and factors that could arise, these just seem to be the ones that stick out the most. If i could get some constructive feedback and maybe some thoughts on issues you feel are important that I've missed I'd really apreciate it. If your just going to be inconsiderate and petty please continue on with your boring life and disregard this post.

I can't help you answer this question, but will tell you that you absolutely won't feel any different age-wise at 30 as opposed to 28, so you really shouldn't make that a major factor in your decision process. Lots of people are even just starting med school at that age (or older) these days, and looking back, I promise you that you will feel that those two years were really not such a big deal.

 

[cammy1313]

BeBlessed, you have quite a dilemma on your hands. The only advice I can truly offer is based on my personal choices. I actually spoke with the head of the UC post-bac program and she could not tell me why I hadn't gotten into medical school the first time I applied. She then encouraged me to apply for the post-bac program. I filled out the application and then realized that UCSD's post-bac wasn't the place for me for two reasons. First and foremost, I was a UCSD alum and so had taken most of the post-bac courses (UCSD upper division sciences courses) already as a Biochem major and did well in them. Second reason, I had an acceptance to BU's post-bac program where I'd be taking MS1 courses. I opted for the latter because it was the only way I could prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could succeed in medical school. That said, do you feel that taking additional undergrad coursework would truly strengthen your application?

Also, I understand the huge bonus of UCSD being close to home because I, too, wanted to stay in CA. BUT, you have to put your career first right now. Four years is truly insignifcant in the long run other than being a worthwhile investment in your future. Not to mention that since your family are CA residents and you have lived in CA most of your life, you shouldn't have any difficulty coming back to CA for residency. Residencies aren't like med school. There are more than enough spots for med school grads so if you are willing to accept any residency in CA you will have that opportunity. But if Meharry holds no appeal for you whatsoever then give applying one last shot and make sure you do everything right so that you have no regrets in the end. I got no love from any CA schools when I first applied to med school and I recieved two interviews this time around (resulting in one acceptance and one waitlist). So I guess what I'm trying to say is, go with the decision that will give you the most peace of mind. Whichever options leaves you with no regrets (or the least regrets, I suppose). Hope this helps and g'luck!

 

[Braveheart]

Honestly, it all depends on what u want to do...the biggest question is what specialty do U want to do...if you want to do a high speciality then i would wait for UCSD...but if u just want to do primary care then I would go to meharry...either way u will be a doctor regardless. age shouldn't matter because you are going to practice for the rest of your life (hopefully). so i will decide upon what specialty you are doing. i hope this helps. i am praying to get into a post bacc myself.

 

[SunshineGirl]

Hi. This is only my opinion, but I think you should go to medical school. Sometimes some schools look down upon an applicant that was accepted to medical school and decided not to go. They may think that you will do the same thing to them. I've spoken with many physicians, including top physicians in the country. What matters is not really the name of a medical school. There are certain stigmas, but if you do well on your boards and rotations and complete a rotation at a location you want to be at then it doesn't matter where this school is ranked. Now, to address the postbac, you should only do this if you feel that you can significantly improve your academics and add something more to your extracurricular activities. Be aware that you are risking your chances of getting in the next time around and to a better school. Ask other people like professors, physicians, and other people involved with medical admissions for their advice and opinion as well... I attended the postbac at UCSD and if UCSD is the medical school you want to go to, it will be very difficult. UCSD SOM does not like to take their own postbac students. This is what has happened in the past. Things may be different since they have a new Dean. Good luck in making your decision.

 

[TiggidyTooth]

Honestly, it all depends on what u want to do...the biggest question is what specialty do U want to do...if you want to do a high speciality then i would wait for UCSD...but if u just want to do primary care then I would go to meharry...either way u will be a doctor regardless. age shouldn't matter because you are going to practice for the rest of your life (hopefully). so i will decide upon what specialty you are doing. i hope this helps. i am praying to get into a post bacc myself.

I sincerely doubt that meharry will hold you back from becoming any kind of specialist. It's not like the schools on a rock or in the middle of grenada.

 

[jules0328]

THis is a very tough spot to be in....but....you need to consider a couple of things. First of all, you are 24 now? Is that right? And wont apply again until 26? Well, it all depends on how fast you want complete this doctor thing? No, I am not talking about rushing into things, but, age sometimes is an issue as well as family life.

Personally, I would go to Meharry and start medical school. Yes, you will far from family but, only for 4 years. I would rather start med school sooner than later. Besides, there are no further guarantees after this? Meharry is accepting you with open arms, and you want to go to a Post Bacc Program? This is a hard decision but like the above posters do say, you want to be a doctor and it really doesnt matter what medical school you go to.

I would rather be away from my family sooner than later. Good Luck

 

[junebuguf]

I dont see how this is a difficult choice at all. If Meharry is the only school you can get into, you must be a borderline applicant at best. If you do reapply, you'll have to explain why you chose not to attend a med school when you were previously admitted--thats not going to be a pleasant experience. I think I read this post in the allo board. And like the opinions expressed there, I must stress--not accepting at an allopathic school to pursue post bacc and improve your chances is a VERY VERY VERY BAD IDEA!

Besides, med school is only four years that go by in a NY minute. You'll be so terribly busy, its unlikely you'll have time to miss anyone in CA. Plus, if you do well (which should be comparatively easier at Meharry than a CA school), you'll have your pick of CA residencies. And lastly, the year (possibly two) that you lose will come off the tail end of your career, when you make the most. Even for a primary care physician (peds, family, internal) with 20 years experience in private practice (not counting inflation), thats going to be at least 300k.

 

[beponychick]

Can I ask, where on any applications would the OP have to disclose that he was accepted and did not attend a medical school? I am just wondering, because the AMCAS asks if you matriculated into medical shool, not that you were accepted? Everyone seems to be saying that med schools will look down on people who did not attend a med school if they were previously accepted, but how the hec would they know?

thanks.

I dont see how this is a difficult choice at all. If Meharry is the only school you can get into, you must be a borderline applicant at best. If you do reapply, you'll have to explain why you chose not to attend a med school when you were previously admitted--thats not going to be a pleasant experience. I think I read this post in the allo board. And like the opinions expressed there, I must stress--not accepting at an allopathic school to pursue post bacc and improve your chances is a VERY VERY VERY BAD IDEA!

Besides, med school is only four years that go by in a NY minute. You'll be so terribly busy, its unlikely you'll have time to miss anyone in CA. Plus, if you do well (which should be comparatively easier at Meharry than a CA school), you'll have your pick of CA residencies. And lastly, the year (possibly two) that you lose will come off the tail end of your career, when you make the most. Even for a primary care physician (peds, family, internal) with 20 years experience in private practice (not counting inflation), thats going to be at least 300k.