Questions about BS/MD vs Traditional Route, MCAT, GPAs...

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Hi guys

So I am currently a high school senior and have applied to a few BS/MD and BS/DO programs. I was also accepted to the University of Michigan, one of my dream schools.

Let's assume we are considering the University of Michigan (LSA) vs the BS/DO program. Which one would you pick? Is the 'safety net' of the BS/DO great enough for you to sway for state? Please bare in mind that I would like to apply out of the DO school for an MD.

I am completely torn on the issue. On one hand, Michigan is a GREAT school, and I know I will be happy there. On the other, I am practically guaranteed a job in a field I love and one that will pay me well with the combined program.

If you say Michigan, just how difficult is the traditional route? How hard would it be to maintain a GPA of 3.5-3.8, in tough pre-medical classes? What about the MCAT, just how hard is it to get say a 38 on it. (what exactly is considered 99th percentile btw?)
Thanks for all your help. I am so so so confused...

 

[IDreamtIChased]

Go to UMich!

Let me tell you about my experience, and then you can decide for yourself. I dropped out of the BS/MD program in my junior year, took the MCAT, and now I'm applying to med schools (with a decent amount of interviews). Don't go to a school just because it "guarantees a job." If you are competitive enough to get accepted (or even apply) into a BS/MD program, then I can guarantee that you will get into med school no problem 🙂

Unless you get accepted to Hopkins' BS/MD program, I would go to UMich! gl!

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

What BS/DO school? Touro? Or Nova? Thing is you aren't tell us much. What the cost of the BS/DO or is it a 6 year or 7 year program. Or even what school it is.
My opinion? Go where the money is. If its cheaper to go to the BS/DO than Umich then go to the BS/DO.

However if that BS/DO is Touro avoid it like cancer.

 

[batpad]

it's MSU.

Cost is the same either way as I am instate.

 

[Venko]

I graduated from a 6-year BS / MD program quite some time ago as well. I had plenty of offers from wonderful universities, but went with the BS / MD program because it was the right fit for me and have no regrets. I received a tremendous education alongside many very talented students and now friends; however, if you are uncertain, go the traditional route. Many people who started in my program did not finish because their hearts were in other universities, or in other professions.

Good luck in everything!

TL

 

[batpad]

Bump. I interviewed yesterday with Wayne State University's Medstart BS/MD 8 yr program. Full ride for undergrad and guaranteed acceptance into WSU Med.

Compare this to UofM undergrad and MSU BS/DO. Wayne's campus was absolutely dreadful, the non medstart students were really not inspiring (like when I walk around Ann Arbor, everyone looks bright, bubbly, etc...WSU was not the case. Plus it is a commuter school so it is absolutely empty apart from Medstart kids on weekends and at nights.) BUT it is acceptance to med school = great job that i would love.

I am soooooooo torn. Do i go for the long term but not have a college life or choose the prestige and pride of UofM but have uncertainty? Honestly how difficult is it to get a 37 odd MCAT and maintain a 3.7-3.8GPA at Mich?

Help me please...I haven't slept all night because I was debating this decision...gragajgd;asgads

 

[indianman]

People like you amaze me. They are far from being appreciative of the opportunities that they are fortunate to have and what others would die for.

I, like yourself, was accepted to UofM a few weeks ago, and I am not sure if I want to go there definitively yet. I applied to MedStart as well, but did not get accepted for the Top 50. I was there yesterday for Scholar's Day, and it was sad to see how I lost a wonderful opportunity.

Of course, I am poor, and my parents, unlike other students', do menial jobs to earn a living. They can only support and love me. I go to a school where excellence is not fully encouraged. Thus, I wasn't able to accomplish any extra impressive things, but rather did things that I could have like volunteering at a local hospital. It clearly wasn't enough, but I did my best.

WSU is in Detroit, a culturally rich place that is so lively and diverse. MedStart offers a full ride, and you get to be with brilliant students. It guarantees a seat in WSU Medical School. I think that these are all positive incentives to be part of MedStart.

I dreamed, day and night, about MedStart, and I would prefer it over UofM, because of what it has to offer. Honestly, I did not apply to MedStart because of the guaranteed seat or full ride, but because of my passion for helping people and medicine, which is not always reflected through a person's test scores or countless hours of volunteering. Also, I liked how it mixes me in with a smart, friendly group of students, all with similar interests. Sadly, it didn't work out for me, but you should appreciate this opportunity. For me, BS/MD over UofM.

 

[Lil Mick]

I've had a few friends go to Wayne State for medical school, and all of them have been happy with the decision (not sure how BS/MD is, but they love the medical school). That being said, university is a fun experience and will help you later down the road if you take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves (not sure how limited this would be in the combined program at that school). You don't need a 37 on your MCAT (the average for accepted students is around a 30-31, which isn't too hard to obtain with a decent background in science--like Michigan would provide) or a 3.8 GPA (I think the average is around 3.6-3.7, which is mostly A's and some B's). Depending on the BS/MD program, it may be easier and less stressful to go the traditional route than try to meet the stringent criteria to remain in the program.

If money isn't an issue, I would advise going to U Michigan. Perhaps you will cultivate your other interests, experience the world and the medical field, and end up going to the medical school of your choice (I believe Wayne State has an early choice program for in-state students, so you'd be able to get in early if you wanted).

 

[Venko]

People like you amaze me. They are far from being appreciative of the opportunities that they are fortunate to have and what others would die for.

I, like yourself, was accepted to UofM a few weeks ago, and I am not sure if I want to go there definitively yet. I applied to MedStart as well, but did not get accepted for the Top 50. I was there yesterday for Scholar's Day, and it was sad to see how I lost a wonderful opportunity.

Of course, I am poor, and my parents, unlike other students', do menial jobs to earn a living. They can only support and love me. I go to a school where excellence is not fully encouraged. Thus, I wasn't able to accomplish any extra impressive things, but rather did things that I could have like volunteering at a local hospital. It clearly wasn't enough, but I did my best.

WSU is in Detroit, a culturally rich place that is so lively and diverse. MedStart offers a full ride, and you get to be with brilliant students. It guarantees a seat in WSU Medical School. I think that these are all positive incentives to be part of MedStart.

I dreamed, day and night, about MedStart, and I would prefer it over UofM, because of what it has to offer. Honestly, I did not apply to MedStart because of the guaranteed seat or full ride, but because of my passion for helping people and medicine, which is not always reflected through a person's test scores or countless hours of volunteering. Also, I liked how it mixes me in with a smart, friendly group of students, all with similar interests. Sadly, it didn't work out for me, but you should appreciate this opportunity. For me, BS/MD over UofM.

Hi Indianman,

Congratulations on your acceptance to U Mich (which pains me to say as I am a buckeye faithful, but it is warranted as UM is a fantastic institution). I know you are hurting because your dream place didn't give you an invitation, but don't worry you'll make it to your dream.

As for the poster, I am sure he is not unappreciative of his opportunities he is just weighing the pros and cons of his options and struggling as both have such merits. I am sure he is very thankful to have the chance to go to WSU as part of their combined program.

Either way, I know it hurts, but U Mich is an awesome experience and you'll be forever rewarded as being part of the Wolverine Heritage if thats where you end up.

Good luck to both of you in your decisions,
TL