Should I even bother applying to this BS/DO program?

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Well first off I'll give a general background of myself since this is my first thread. I'm a Middle College High School student from California with roughly 30 college units under my wing, 21 of which are UC transferable (and I'll be taking another 18 UC transferable units during my HS senior year [starting this senior year this fall]).

I recently started looking at B.S./M.D. and B.S./D.O. programs. I understand these are very, very competitive and I am going to pay for my slacking in high school. I wish someone had told me that many opportunities would be closed to me with a 3.4 GPA (current 10-12 weighted GPA), but I was unaware. My first SAT score isn't so hot either; 1630 total, 1150 CR+W, 480 M. I plan on retaking the SAT in fall with the intent to achieve at least 2150 with an aim for 2200+.

Anyways, this program from Pitzer College offers a B.S./D.O. program as a partnership with the Western University of Health Sciences. Has anyone looked into these programs? Also, I have a legitimate interest in osteopathic medicine and honestly would not mind taking the DO route over the MD route. I don't value one over the other, I see them as equal.


Here's the link: http://www.pitzer.edu/admission/westernu/


Should I apply with my 3.4 GPA and (hopefully) higher SAT in fall? The site says the program accepts a maximum of 6 students per year.. 😕

 

[Hillo]

I really think you should not consider these programs because it'll probably cost you more time and money.

You could be graduating from college earlier or have a better college experience with those transferrable credits (more time for interesting EC's, studying for the MCAT, or just chilling).

I can't understand why you'd want to study hard for three months in order to possibly get a 2150 (unlikely in my honest opinion) and then apply to those programs late.

Doing EC's, expressing your qualities and desires, and not knowing if you'll get accepted into med school is FUN.
Why not go the typical route?

 

[JPodel]

Personally, no. I don't think saving 2 years of time is worth it when you enjoy what you learn.

 

[Hillo]

If he had no credits, he'd only save one year. The program has a three-year undergraduate program.

 

[JPodel]

If he had no credits, he'd only save one year. The program has a three-year undergraduate program.

Just another reason why I wouldn't do it.

 

[docwei88]

I've looked into those combined programs as I myself was interested.
Do not get yourself stuck into the idea of graduating early or the fact it will be easier to get into med school. For me, I will simply apply.
But what I look at is the costs of the education. I will go to the school that will cost me the least.
In the long run, it doesn't matter where you get the degree from and I don't think it makes a big deal to graduate early.
As my sister, who also wants to go into med, reasoned, if you stay in college for the given time, you get to mature more and simply get to 'experience' college fully.

 

[Tolbert]

Do not get yourself stuck into the idea of graduating early or the fact it will be easier to get into med school. For me, I will simply apply.
But what I look at is the costs of the education. I will go to the school that will cost me the least.
In the long run, it doesn't matter where you get the degree from and I don't think it makes a big deal to graduate early.
As my sister, who also wants to go into med, reasoned, if you stay in college for the given time, you get to mature more and simply get to 'experience' college fully.

^ this is basically how I feel as well. So imo, don't apply for those dual-admission type things. College is where you grow and find yourself (or so they say), so I wouldn't want to shorten it.

 

[JPodel]

^ this is basically how I feel as well. So imo, don't apply for those dual-admission type things. College is where you grow and find yourself (or so they say), so I wouldn't want to shorten it.

+1million

Let nature do its thing, no need to hasten things.

 

[JPodel]

^ this is basically how I feel as well. So imo, don't apply for those dual-admission type things. College is where you grow and find yourself (or so they say), so I wouldn't want to shorten it.

+1million

Let nature do its thing, no need to hasten things.

 

[FantasyVesperia]

Well first off I'll give a general background of myself since this is my first thread. I'm a Middle College High School student from California with roughly 30 college units under my wing, 21 of which are UC transferable (and I'll be taking another 18 UC transferable units during my HS senior year [starting this senior year this fall]).

I recently started looking at B.S./M.D. and B.S./D.O. programs. I understand these are very, very competitive and I am going to pay for my slacking in high school. I wish someone had told me that many opportunities would be closed to me with a 3.4 GPA (current 10-12 weighted GPA), but I was unaware. My first SAT score isn't so hot either; 1630 total, 1150 CR+W, 480 M. I plan on retaking the SAT in fall with the intent to achieve at least 2150 with an aim for 2200+.

Anyways, this program from Pitzer College offers a B.S./D.O. program as a partnership with the Western University of Health Sciences. Has anyone looked into these programs? Also, I have a legitimate interest in osteopathic medicine and honestly would not mind taking the DO route over the MD route. I don't value one over the other, I see them as equal.


Here's the link: http://www.pitzer.edu/admission/westernu/


Should I apply with my 3.4 GPA and (hopefully) higher SAT in fall? The site says the program accepts a maximum of 6 students per year.. 😕

Oh my ~! If I were you, I wouldn't. The competition for this is incredible, personally not worth the stress. I really agree with the people above, enjoy your undergrad and find your rhythm. Good luck.