- Joined
- Jun 6, 2011
- Messages
- 13
- Reaction score
- 0
Last edited:
Should I drop my B.S./M.D. acceptance?
- Thread starter johngeorge
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2010
- Messages
- 950
- Reaction score
- 26
1) Which school is it?
2) Will you be considered in-state or out-of-state for tuition purposes?
2) Why would you drop it? Do you not like the school?
Honestly, I'd take it. So much time and money went into getting into med school. If I had some guarantee that I could get in straight after college it would have made undergrad years less stressful.
Especially with med schools getting more and more competitive with even strong stat applicants sometimes not getting in, I wouldn't risk it.
- Joined
- May 1, 2010
- Messages
- 487
- Reaction score
- 0
I would stick with your acceptance unless you hate the current school. The traditional application cycle is a very long, very stressful, expensive process with no guarantees.
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2011
- Messages
- 194
- Reaction score
- 0
^ what he said
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2010
- Messages
- 5,348
- Reaction score
- 20
- Joined
- May 22, 2011
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 0
I would most definitely stick with your acceptance to the BS/MD program! I support Tapepsi, EpicBearMan, SoyRicoSuave and ozzi22 recommendation for you (EXCEPT Karbon, which I feel his/her decision to turn down the BA/MD program is the most disgusting decision I've read, especially USC's program!).
Here are reasons why I believe you should go for it:
1) the traditional application cycle is long, strenuous, stressful and can be an emotionally painful process!
2) WORST CASE SCENARIO is that you do not matriculate into the school's MD program for whatever reason and you leave with your BS degree only. You are, from that moment on, a traditional applicant like most others (a status you would've gotten anyway if you turn down the program for another school).
3) Your scores of 24-26, being a high school senior, isn't that bad at all, but are not strong enough scores considering that the 'good MCAT score' is >30. With ~4000 applicants per ~100 seats per medical school, eh hem... you want all the perks and advantages you can get! (even this BS/MD program!)
4) Scoring well on the MCAT requires 1st Year College: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Organic Chemistry. Have you taken those yet? I believe you haven't yet, so getting a score of 24-26 isn't bad at all! You just need to take those classes.
The only thing that I'd recommend you consider is the school that is offering you the BS/MD degree. If it is a US school, I'd take it in a heartbeat! But if it is a foreign med school, more research is needed. Just my thought. I wouldn't turn down this grand opportunity! So many promising candidates out there who are struggling to find their place in any med school these days!
Here are reasons why I believe you should go for it:
1) the traditional application cycle is long, strenuous, stressful and can be an emotionally painful process!
2) WORST CASE SCENARIO is that you do not matriculate into the school's MD program for whatever reason and you leave with your BS degree only. You are, from that moment on, a traditional applicant like most others (a status you would've gotten anyway if you turn down the program for another school).
3) Your scores of 24-26, being a high school senior, isn't that bad at all, but are not strong enough scores considering that the 'good MCAT score' is >30. With ~4000 applicants per ~100 seats per medical school, eh hem... you want all the perks and advantages you can get! (even this BS/MD program!)
4) Scoring well on the MCAT requires 1st Year College: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Organic Chemistry. Have you taken those yet? I believe you haven't yet, so getting a score of 24-26 isn't bad at all! You just need to take those classes.
The only thing that I'd recommend you consider is the school that is offering you the BS/MD degree. If it is a US school, I'd take it in a heartbeat! But if it is a foreign med school, more research is needed. Just my thought. I wouldn't turn down this grand opportunity! So many promising candidates out there who are struggling to find their place in any med school these days!
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2009
- Messages
- 2,933
- Reaction score
- 34
- Joined
- May 12, 2011
- Messages
- 1,373
- Reaction score
- 717
Do the new stipulations on your BS/MD program mean that your acceptance is still guaranteed despite your MCAT score? Will you still be slated to matriculate in 2014 under the new terms of the program?
If yes to both questions, I would definitely take it; grab the chance and don't look back.
If yes to both questions, I would definitely take it; grab the chance and don't look back.
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2011
- Messages
- 13
- Reaction score
- 0
1. The school is Texas Tech SOM in Lubbock, TX.
2. I would get in-state tuition.
3. The reason why I'm thinking of dropping it is because Baylor CM is literally in my backyard. I live 30 minutes from it and would be going to a top-10 school if I get in.
As a high school senior, I applied to a couple of direct-medicine programs and got into schools like UMKC, UTMB, UMiami etc. but rejected all those programs because of where the undergrad would be taking place and UMKC because it was 72,000 per year. All those programs would've still allowed me to take an MCAT and I guess that's the biggest thing. The what if, I can do better.
And yes this is a guaranteed program, taking an MCAT would in my case "kick me out" from my program because of previous high attrition from the program in people that took the MCAT.
2. I would get in-state tuition.
3. The reason why I'm thinking of dropping it is because Baylor CM is literally in my backyard. I live 30 minutes from it and would be going to a top-10 school if I get in.
As a high school senior, I applied to a couple of direct-medicine programs and got into schools like UMKC, UTMB, UMiami etc. but rejected all those programs because of where the undergrad would be taking place and UMKC because it was 72,000 per year. All those programs would've still allowed me to take an MCAT and I guess that's the biggest thing. The what if, I can do better.
And yes this is a guaranteed program, taking an MCAT would in my case "kick me out" from my program because of previous high attrition from the program in people that took the MCAT.
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2005
- Messages
- 466
- Reaction score
- 23
1) It's a little odd that your program changed the rules on you because chances are the fact that you could apply out was a factor in your decision to attend the program in the first place. I would have expected them to only make a change like that for the next incoming class rather than pulling a bait and switch on incoming students.
2) Stay in the program as long as you can. You gain nothing by dropping out now. Wait till junior year, prep for the MCAT as if you're going to take it, take a bunch of practice AAMC tests (to accurately assess your score), and if you still want to apply out (having a very good idea of what your application will look like), drop out of of the program then and take the MCAT. Personally I think scoring 24-26 on the MCAT right out of high school without any prep is a pretty good sign. You'll probably do great after actually taking all the prereqs.
2) Stay in the program as long as you can. You gain nothing by dropping out now. Wait till junior year, prep for the MCAT as if you're going to take it, take a bunch of practice AAMC tests (to accurately assess your score), and if you still want to apply out (having a very good idea of what your application will look like), drop out of of the program then and take the MCAT. Personally I think scoring 24-26 on the MCAT right out of high school without any prep is a pretty good sign. You'll probably do great after actually taking all the prereqs.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
- Messages
- 9,746
- Reaction score
- 1,670
baylor isn't actually in the top 10...
if that possibility means a lot to you, drop out. i'd venture to guess that as long as you keep your grades up and get the mcat to a reasonable level (which seems very much within your grasp) you should still be able to secure a spot at a texas school. that being said, a bird in hand...
I agree with this advice! I would take pratice tests when you are ready to see your score. If you are getting 35+, then yes, I would apply out. If not, its not worth the headache to leave
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2011
- Messages
- 407
- Reaction score
- 5
Take the acceptance. Seriously. You don't want to kick yourself in the ass later. As long as you goto a USMD, it's not going to close ANY doors.
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2010
- Messages
- 637
- Reaction score
- 3
I relinquished my BS/MD acceptance to apply in this cycle. Chances are, if you're smart enough to get into a guaranteed med program, you'll get into med school later on. Don't go to a lower-tier undergrad than you're capable of getting into, because it'll bite you in the butt later.
But be prepared to work your balls off in college.👍
But be prepared to work your balls off in college.👍
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2010
- Messages
- 351
- Reaction score
- 0
Or be prepared to not to work your balls off in college and still get into a medical school
its obvious which is the better position
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2010
- Messages
- 351
- Reaction score
- 0
Or work your balls of, pay thousands of dollars for application fees and traveling expenses just for a shot at getting into any medical college with the high probability of not getting in, yup giving up on a guaranteed position is the best decision.
Doing well in H.S. =/= doing well in college, in college you're given much more freedom, and people take advantage of that. We dont know what kind of person OP will be in college, ergo its better to take the guaranteed position than risk possible failure at a high tier college just for the mentality of getting into a "higher tier" medical school. B/c even if you get into a "better"medical school, you will get the same degree as someone else going to a "Lower tier" medical school and you will make about as much money as every other doctor who didnt go to harvard or jhu
But if you really care about pedigree then fine its your life, but in my opinion i think getting a guaranteed position to make $100,000+ and be set for life as one of the most respectable positions in the world one-up pedigree by a long shot
but meh thats my opinion
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2010
- Messages
- 74
- Reaction score
- 0
I 100% agree with what Political said. OP you dont know what will happen in the future. What if you fall sick and miss an exam and the prof doesnt buldge (watch your GPA drop!) or what if on the actual MCAT day something doesnt go quite right? There are numerous reasons why you should stick with your current acceptance. There is also a reason why the saying that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush was coined.
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2010
- Messages
- 637
- Reaction score
- 3
I completely agree with this notion. It's not about the prestige of the medical school, the money, or the specialty. It's about being the best you can possibly be; why waste potential?
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2010
- Messages
- 74
- Reaction score
- 0
But there is also no reason why the OP cant be the best he/she can possibly be in the school that currently accepted him/her.
If the OP had it him/her to be a slacker, whats to say he/she wont end up slacking off when he/she "eventually" makes it to JHU or HMS? My point is that just because the OP has a guaranteed acceptance doesnt mean the OP would automatically stop studying. If he/she does that now then he/she would probably have done it if he/she ended up at a so called "top" school.
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2010
- Messages
- 547
- Reaction score
- 55
Pose this question in the Not Yet Accepted (NAY) thread--see how they respond.
Because the school you attend does not signify what type of person you can become.
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2009
- Messages
- 197
- Reaction score
- 73
sounds like you are having doubts about this bs/md program because of the school. If you are unsure of location/prestige/etc. then you will be really pissed if you are condemned there for 8 years. Your acceptance to all these programs show that you are a smart cat and will probably get in somewhere when you are done with ugrad... yes you will end up spending a bit more money with apps and interview costs, but still its nice to keep your options open. ALSO, and more importantly, you did not want to go to a BS/MD program at UMIAMI? WHHAAA?? Obviously you have never been to miami before and seen the female talent there because in that program you probably would have been living a junior niptuck life. If you can still take it, DO THAT!!! Although I'm sure the cost is high, but F it, it'll be well worth it.
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2010
- Messages
- 637
- Reaction score
- 3
I went to a mid-tier school's BS/MD for undergrad, and a very prestigious academy before that. Believe me, there's a difference in the person you become partly based on the quality of education you receive in your secondary and post-secondary years.
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2010
- Messages
- 637
- Reaction score
- 3
You're right--slackers and hard workers will be who they are at any institution. But a hard worker will fare better and get more out of a "top 10" education. I graduated from the BS portion of my guaranteed med program at a state school, and working hard didn't get me anywhere except a good GPA. I didn't learn much at all, nor did I really ever challenge my thinking.
Before, I'd gone to a very prestigious academy where I learned concepts, ideas, and skills that I apply to this day. I think I can offer a fresh perspective on this issue as someone who has seen both sides of the prestigious coin. Usually, people in good schools like to think they're getting a good education and that it matters while people in lower schools like to think that being at a good school doesn't matter as the material is same anywhere. From someone who's been at both, the shinier side is better.
I know a few people who turned down BS/MD acceptances...one of them is going to WashU MD/PhD next year and the other is going to Hopkins (or maybe Penn?). You'll have to work hard and never give up on your potential - it really depends on what you want. A lot of people here are saying discouraging things about the med school application process, and they're somewhat true. But getting into med school is not impossible by any means. An MCAT like that before you've even started college...I think you'll be in ship shape. Don't feel the need to bind yourself to a place for 8 years if you don't think it's right for you.
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2011
- Messages
- 13
- Reaction score
- 0
I understand that it would be easier to stay but thinking in the long-term. It's a known fact that a better medical school leads to better STEP scores and a better chance at getting into selective residencies. For me, it's all about putting myself in a good position for that even though its around 7 years away.
@BarcaBest23. I interviewed at UMiami and loved it but their program wasn't "guaranteed" and Tech was offering me full tuition. You also had to make a certain score on the MCAT to matriculate and Texas Tech had better Match Day results than UMiami over the past couple of years and their rankings were pretty close to each other. So I went for the in-state.
@Political. I get what you're saying but I'm not looking to just get out and get a job. It's about being the best you can and money isn't that important. Btw, doctor salaries range from 100,000 like you said to 200,000 to 300,000 depending on your speciality to Dr. Cooley making almost 1,000,000+. Like I said before, I just want to set myself up so I can get into a really nice residency program that could get me employed with the best in the field.
@BarcaBest23. I interviewed at UMiami and loved it but their program wasn't "guaranteed" and Tech was offering me full tuition. You also had to make a certain score on the MCAT to matriculate and Texas Tech had better Match Day results than UMiami over the past couple of years and their rankings were pretty close to each other. So I went for the in-state.
@Political. I get what you're saying but I'm not looking to just get out and get a job. It's about being the best you can and money isn't that important. Btw, doctor salaries range from 100,000 like you said to 200,000 to 300,000 depending on your speciality to Dr. Cooley making almost 1,000,000+. Like I said before, I just want to set myself up so I can get into a really nice residency program that could get me employed with the best in the field.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
- Messages
- 9,746
- Reaction score
- 1,670
this is, in fact, not a known fact.
edit: you have a full scholarship for the med school years too?
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2010
- Messages
- 74
- Reaction score
- 0
Seriously? you have in addition a full tuition scholarship from Tech and your still hesitating? wow just wow
Please tell me you aren't trolling- Joined
- May 12, 2011
- Messages
- 158
- Reaction score
- 22
do u want to trade spots? i'll take yours with a full ride over my "higher" rated school any day.
im serious, lets trade.
im serious, lets trade.
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2009
- Messages
- 5,804
- Reaction score
- 63
"Better" medical schools have higher STEP scores because they attract/accept "better" applicants.
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2011
- Messages
- 194
- Reaction score
- 0
Honestly for even questioning this please remove your hands from your computer and slap yourself. I don't even care if the full ride is only for undergrad, but if its also for med school that qualifies for one more slap at the least. Free is always better. STEP scores are based on personal determination not just the school name, although I can't blame you for some how correlating top tier school with guaranteed success given your age. Sure the one downside is going to a lower ranked med school doesn't help your chances of matching at top residencies very much but by no means does it deffer it.
I was considering going to a top tier undergrad but that consideration was instantly crushed when I got a full ride to a "lower" school. No one cares about the name besides your own ego, get over it and put some $$$ in the bank.
I was considering going to a top tier undergrad but that consideration was instantly crushed when I got a full ride to a "lower" school. No one cares about the name besides your own ego, get over it and put some $$$ in the bank.
As a guy with a 37 mcat that had a very difficult time getting in, I would say 100% take the guaranteed acceptance and shoot for a residency at Hopkins or somewhere similar if that is your goal. The step 1 scores will be more important than your school of choice anyway, so just gear up and study your butt off in med school. Good luck. Plus the money doesn't matter thing sounds great until you are staring 300k of debt down...... Being debt free will allow you do things that may not be able to do otherwise (or at least less debt)
If I was in your position, I would stay where you are. You are guaranteed into med school, you will have minimal if any student loans when you are out, this will make your life so much easier in the long run.
School is what you make of it, if you want to kick ass on the boards you will do it whether you are at Harvard or where you are now. I don't know if I could justify hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans just to go to a bigger name school when residency is really where it matters, not where you go to school.
An attending friend of mine always says: It doesn't matter where you go to school, when you are a resident you will be in the same program as those who graduated from better schools than you, and as an attending nobody cares that you went to Harvard med school, as long as you are competent physician.
School is what you make of it, if you want to kick ass on the boards you will do it whether you are at Harvard or where you are now. I don't know if I could justify hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans just to go to a bigger name school when residency is really where it matters, not where you go to school.
An attending friend of mine always says: It doesn't matter where you go to school, when you are a resident you will be in the same program as those who graduated from better schools than you, and as an attending nobody cares that you went to Harvard med school, as long as you are competent physician.
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2011
- Messages
- 13
- Reaction score
- 0
I'm assuming they also teach you "better". Lol. An upperclassman that went to my high school dropped his guaranteed program with Rice/Baylor CM after he graduated from Rice and went to Harvard for medical school. Quoting him, "best decision of my life".
I think it makes a difference as to what you learn and where you learn it. There are rankings for a reason...
And it's full tuition lol not a full ride. Alot of B.S./M.D. programs actually offer that to the students they accept from high school (ex. UMiami, URochester, etc. ) so mine isn't the only one.
There main benefit of a top tier school would be research projects that you have access to. If research is a priority, then an ever so slight maybe. Still, guaranteed means guaranteed, you have already accomplished the hardest thing about med school: getting in. So many things can go wrong. Do you have enough clinical experience, did you consider the fact that you may not interview well, etc, etc..... I'm with you about pursuing dreams, just don't discount the wise posters on here who have done this before. My school (after choosing from 3) isn't a top 20 but I feel privileged to be going to any school which is how we all should feel.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
- Messages
- 9,746
- Reaction score
- 1,670
if you have a full tuition offer for the ms years, you'd be extremely stupid to turn that down. to make it real for you, the generous finaid package i've received at a "top school" still has me paying about ~1000/mo during residency and nearly 5K/mo after residency. if i choose to forbear during residency, it'll be nearly 4K/mo after residency for ten years. tread softly my friend..
2
235788
I would stay in it unless your school has a poo MD program like NEOUCOM or something and you know you can go better 😀
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2008
- Messages
- 21
- Reaction score
- 0
Stanford, MGH, Yale, Hopkins, and Mayo. Those are some of the residency programs that Tech grads matched to this year. Do well on Step I, get into AOA, do some clinical research, and it doesn't matter where you go to school. If you don't have serious personal issues with TTUHSC SOM, you're a fool for turning this offer down.
Is willing to turn down full-tuition (even if it's not a full ride, that is still a lot) solely because of rank. Spoken like a true pre-med.
👍This.
What's wrong with NEOUCOM? 😕
2
235788
Is willing to turn down full-tuition (even if it's not a full ride, that is still a lot) solely because of rank. Spoken like a true pre-med.
This.
What's wrong with NEOUCOM? 😕
It was given a Poo LizzyM score
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2009
- Messages
- 5,804
- Reaction score
- 63
Ah, to be young and full of hope.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2010
- Messages
- 950
- Reaction score
- 26
It's sad to see so many applicants basing their futures on a ranking...
Take the B.S./M.D. route and you won't regret it.
One thing I would like add here is also take into account you may not want to go into medicine at the end. People grow a lot (at least I did) in college and may decide something else is your calling. I think BS/MDs programs are very limiting in that case. I would take that into account when making a decision.
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2009
- Messages
- 197
- Reaction score
- 73
Johngeorge, is the tuition for the MD portion of the 8 year program all paid for? If it is, scratch what I said before about not doing it and shooting for the stars. Watch the documentary "Doctor's Diaries" on NOVA (just google it) and you will see how some Harvard grads still have it rough down the road regardless of their prestige. Nothing feels better than being debt free.... take the money and run
