clockitnow said:
Quite a few people choose to go to Harvard's HST medical school when they did't get in to the Harvard/MIT MSTP, but got into another solid MSTP.
Really? That doesn't make any sense at all. I remember thinking the HST program seemed like it would be attractive if I didn't get into any MSTPs, but it's certainly a poor second to any fully funded program. Even two years of tuition is a lot to pay compared to doughnut. *And* there's no guarantee.
For the OP: I think that is a risky proposition. It's certainly reasonable to apply for entry after your first year; several people at our program came in after their first year. But I think they were all first-time applicants, at least to our program.
If you've already applied to the program at the same school and didn't get in, it seems like you'd have to do something to improve your application during your first year in med school. Otherwise I don't see why the school would be more likely to take you.
So I think the answer to your question depends on how important the dual degree is to you. If you are absolutely set on the dual degree, I'd say take the bird in the hand. On the other hand, if you might be OK with the MD only and you really prefer the other school, give it a shot with the understanding that you might have to stick with MD only after all.
I think you should talk to the program director at your top-choice school before you make your decision, though. Lay it out: tell him your situation and ask what it would take for you to get in as a second-year. That way you'll have a clearer understanding of your odds.