Weird school choice decision

[futurephysician57]

So, I've been accepted to a DO school and the MD school I was waitlisted sent me a full scholarship to their 1 yr bridge program with direct admission (if I maintain a certain GPA) to their 2018 class. I've read take the acceptance and don't be dumb. However, the scholarship and direct admission confuse the matter a little bit.
MD school is an hr away from my home.
DO school is a bit farther.
Do you think should send a letter of intent to the MD school and try to bargain ?

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[Turkishking]

So, I've been accepted to a DO school and the MD school I was waitlisted sent me a full scholarship to their 1 yr bridge program with direct admission (if I maintain a certain GPA) to their 2018 class. I've read take the acceptance and don't be dumb. However, the scholarship and direct admission confuse the matter a little bit.
MD school is an hr away from my home.
DO school is a bit farther.
Do you think should send a letter of intent to the MD school and try to bargain ?

I would take my winnings and go home. In other words, take the DO acceptance. That is my opinion.

 

[enchantediris]

How high is the required GPA for direct admission? If the GPA is reasonable and the MD school gave you a full scholarship for their bridge year, it sounds more like a deferred acceptance (with strings), which is not bad. I would definitely consider the MD program because there are unfortunately still unequal opportunities between MD and DO students – particularly in your residency search. For example, one Radiology PD on SDN said that his program immediately discards DO applications to his residency program.

 

[OchemOficionado]

Should you throw an acceptance away for a chance at MD. . .

No.

 

[aprilfools]

Should you throw an acceptance away for a chance at MD. . .

No.

This is not at all a typical case of "chance at MD school" vs acceptance and as such this parroted advice is not at all helpful to OP in this situation.

 

[Steve H]

Take the DO. I'll give a few reasons. 1) You will lose a year of earning potential by going MD. 2) The bridge year is only an acceptance if you perform. It's possible something could occur that would hamper your ability to perform. 3) If something did go wrong, reapplying is a pain and expensive. 4) You applied to MD and DO. If your main concern was gunning for a top residencey spot, you would have only applied MD. 5) You were accepted to a medical school. That's the reason you were applying. Haha

I would reconsider what I said above if the MD school had low tuition. Medical school debt can be a huge burden.

 

[candbgirl]

Do you think should send a letter of intent to the MD school and try to bargain ?

What are you going to bargain? Seems the MD offer is pretty straightforward. Not sure what you mean. What GPA is required for direct admit? Do you think you can meet that GPA? Is it a realistic goal?



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[OchemOficionado]

This is not at all a typical case of "chance at MD school" vs acceptance and as such this parroted advice is not at all helpful to OP in this situation.

That's your opinion. I feel that it's solid advice. I read the post so I know it isn't typical, but the answer is the same. Choosing to decline the DO acceptance carries a risk that the student can end up at at NO Med school. Focus on sharing your own advice.

 

[aprilfools]

That's your opinion. I feel that it's solid advice. I read the post so I know it isn't typical, but the answer is the same. Several people are saying the same. Yeah, it isn't typical, but it's still a risk that can end with the student at NO Med school. Focus on sharing your advice.

I do not have any worthwhile advice for the applicant in this situation as I admit my ignorance to this particular situation. I would like to point out to OP though that his/her situation is much different than the situation for which you advised him/her.

 

[Frogger27]

Yeah if it is like a 3.0 I would for sure take the MD school offer. Are you taking classes directly with med students or is it more upper level undergrad classes? It would be really beneficial if you would name the program so we can get more info on it

 

[OchemOficionado]

I do not have any worthwhile advice for the applicant in this situation as I admit my ignorance to this particular situation. I would like to point out to OP though that his/her situation is much different than the situation for which you advised him/her.

Opps, edited my response as you were typing.

No, their situation isn't much different when there are no guarantee of matriculation. The good thing is, there are plenty of people here to add their opinion to the hat. I'll stick with saying to take the guaranteed option.

 

[efle]

Depends on the required GPA for the bridge, your faith in your ability to get that GPA, and your interest level in competitive stuff after med school.

 

[DrfluffyMD]

I would do the bridge program. OP essentially have two acceptances. Being close from home is more important. If we are talking about UCLA vs random DO school in the south, OP could face a future where returning to so cal is very difficult shall he go to the DO school.

 

[Goro]

So, I've been accepted to a DO school and the MD school I was waitlisted sent me a full scholarship to their 1 yr bridge program with direct admission (if I maintain a certain GPA) to their 2018 class. I've read take the acceptance and don't be dumb. However, the scholarship and direct admission confuse the matter a little bit.
MD school is an hr away from my home.
DO school is a bit farther.
Do you think should send a letter of intent to the MD school and try to bargain ?

It's clearly obvious that you don't want to be a DO, so do send the MD the LOI and for the bridge program.

But be forewarned, and stop deluding yourself. Med schools don't bargain with waitlistees, unless you're Stanford/Harvard caliber, and actually have an accept to that class of school.

I'd much rather see your seat go to someone who wants to be a doctor now.

 

[DrfluffyMD]

It's clearly obvious that you don't want to be a DO, so do send the MD the LOI and for the bridge program.

But be forewarned, and stop deluding yourself. Med schools don't bargain with waitlistees, unless you're Stanford/Harvard caliber, and actually have an accept to that class of school.

I'd much rather see your seat go to someone who wants to be a doctor now.

You know Goro, I think this situation as some med student who decided to take a year off for research so they can match at a nice coastal program and sit up their future career. If OP has strong location preference AND specialty preference, choosing the MD is appropriate here. It's a guaranteed admission

 

[OchemOficionado]

It's a guaranteed admission

But it's not though.

I am under the impression that it's a conditional/possible acceptance IF OP can successfully do XYZ. That isn't guaranteed. There's probably people every year in these programs that don't get a seat.

I will say that I think several people asked valid questions regarding what the GPA requirement is, what the OP's current GPA is, etc. We can't pretend going for the bridge program and not accepting the offer they have is risk free, because it isn't.

 

[DrfluffyMD]

But it's not though.

I am under the impression that it's a conditional/possible acceptance IF OP can't successfully do XYZ. That isn't guaranteed. There's probably people every year in these programs that don't get a seat.

I will say that I think several people asked valid questions regarding what the GPA requirement is, what the OP's current GPA is, etc. We can't pretend going for the bridge program and not accepting the offer they have is risk free, because it isn't.

He is getting a full ride to do it. It sounds like they want OP but want to prepare him acadenically

 

[OchemOficionado]

He is getting a full ride to do it. It sounds like they want OP but want to prepare him acadenically

Ok, I think we are on the same page. You're in agreement that it's not guaranteed.

 

[aprilfools]

Ok, I think we are on the same page. You're in agreement that it's not guaranteed.

Lol obviously its not "guaranteed". But if the GPA cutoff is like a 2.0 then its for all practical purposes guaranteed.

 

[OchemOficionado]

Lol obviously its not "guaranteed". But if the GPA cutoff is like a 2.0 then its for all practical purposes guaranteed.

I don't think that was obvious for some, but yes, I totallly agree! I doubt that's the GPA though. It's likely 3.5 or higher, but we'll know when OP shares. I definitely hope it's lower!

 

[DrfluffyMD]

I don't think that was obvious for some, but yes, I totallly agree! I doubt that's the GPA though. It's likely 3.5 or higher, but we'll know when OP shares. I definitely hope it's lower!

If it's higher than 3.3 he should take the MD, lower than 3.3 or whatever his undergrad GPA minus around 0.3 is, he should go for DO

 

[libertyyne]

Do you want to be a DO or an MD? How hard is it to meet the requirements for the bridge program? What is the matriculation rate of the bridge program into their MD school? It seems like you have something the school wants but they are unsure of your ability to perform academically so they want to prep you and then take you.

 

[SydSing]

If it's higher than 3.3 he should take the MD, lower than 3.3 or whatever his undergrad GPA minus around 0.3 is, he should go for DO

Scoped out the bridge programs I could find and they all said 3.0 or better.

 

[futurephysician57]

But it's not though.

I am under the impression that it's a conditional/possible acceptance IF OP can successfully do XYZ. That isn't guaranteed. There's probably people every year in these programs that don't get a seat.

I will say that I think several people asked valid questions regarding what the GPA requirement is, what the OP's current GPA is, etc. We can't pretend going for the bridge program and not accepting the offer they have is risk free, because it isn't.

Gpa requirement is 3.0 above.

 

[futurephysician57]

Do you want to be a DO or an MD? How hard is it to meet the requirements for the bridge program? What is the matriculation rate of the bridge program into their MD school? It seems like you have something the school wants but they are unsure of your ability to perform academically so they want to prep you and then take you.

They specifically said this in the paperwork that they want me they just want to prepare me academically

 

[Chelsea FC]

They specifically said this in the paperwork that they want me they just want to prepare me academically

Is your GPA currently 3.2 or below? Will the classes be med school level courses.

 

[RangerBob]

What is the tuition difference between the two schools? And what specialties are you interested in? Does either school have associated residency programs (particularly in the specialties you're looking into?)

If the MD school is a lot cheaper that would make a big difference for me. Being close to home certainly helps a lot.

If you're interested in IM/FM/psych or other less competitive specialties, then go DO and start working as a physician sooner. If you want to go into a competitive specialty then many programs will unfairly discriminate against you. I've never heard stories like the one above where a program just flat out won't consider DO's, but as an MD I wouldn't want to go to a program like that--who wants to go a program where your program director is so biased and close-minded that they won't consider an entire class of applicants, regardless of merit/personality/etc? That sounds like a miserable program director to work with.

It really comes down to a personal decision, but if your goal is to be a physician (and not specifically an MD), then you should only take the MD-bridge program if you are 100% confident you can achieve that minimum GPA to get accepted, regardless of what life may throw at you over the next year.

 

[235009]

OP this is a no-brainer. Absolutely take the full ride to the bridge program, work hard and you're all set. I'm really disappointed by how many people are advising you to run away at the first sign of a challenge. I would hope that you have more self-confidence than that. Also speaking as someone who is much farther along - anyone who suggests you rush through so you can get to the finish line has no clue what they're talking about and any of their advice should be completely ignored. It is ludicrous that someone thinks that at age 70 after a 40+ year career someone would be saying "I'm so glad I rushed to a DO school so I can eventually die with a tiny fraction more in my bank account" rather than "I'm so glad I believed in myself and took my time to set my self up for all these wonderful opportunities I've had during my career". The immaturity and lack of foresight of some of these folks is absolutely staggering.

If you're interested in IM/FM/psych or other less competitive specialties, then go DO

The correct way to state that would be:
If you don't mind being forced to do primary care/psych/PM&R or other less desirable and competitive specialties regardless of what you ultimately decide you want to do then go DO


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[Princeton Medical Student]

It's clearly obvious that you don't want to be a DO, so do send the MD the LOI and for the bridge program.

But be forewarned, and stop deluding yourself. Med schools don't bargain with waitlistees, unless you're Stanford/Harvard caliber, and actually have an accept to that class of school.

I'd much rather see your seat go to someone who wants to be a doctor now.

Or maybe she recognized that there are obvious downsides to the DO degree and is asking if the 1 extra year is worth it?

 

[OchemOficionado]

Gpa requirement is 3.0 above.

That seems doable! I'm not into gambling when the stakes are that high. So I still say take the guaranteed Med school seat. You'd hate yourself if you screw this up. Like someone said, it's a personal decision. We certainly don't know what you're capable of. What is the success rate of the bridge program?

 

[Goro]

Or maybe she recognized that there are obvious downsides to the DO degree and is asking if the 1 extra year is worth it?

We're both in agreement here. People going for DO have to go in eyes open, and 100% in for it. They have to want to be doctors, not specialists up front. The specialties can come later.

 

[Med Ed]

So, I've been accepted to a DO school and the MD school I was waitlisted sent me a full scholarship to their 1 yr bridge program with direct admission (if I maintain a certain GPA) to their 2018 class. I've read take the acceptance and don't be dumb. However, the scholarship and direct admission confuse the matter a little bit.

I'm going to side with @MeatTornado on this one, a 12 month investment for a guaranteed MD slot is indeed a no-brainer.

 

[DrfluffyMD]

Note people who have finished training or near the end overwhelmingly suggest you to wait while many of those earlier in their journey tell you to "take the DO".

 

[Turkishking]

Note people who have finished training or near the end overwhelmingly suggest you to wait while many of those earlier in their journey tell you to "take the DO".

I would take what ever I could get. But like I said, that's my own opinion.

 

[DrfluffyMD]

I would take what ever I could get. But like I said, that's my own opinion.

It's all about weighing risk vs benefits. OP has a low risk and high benefit situation.

 

[Goro]

OP this is a no-brainer. Absolutely take the full ride to the bridge program, work hard and you're all set. I'm really disappointed by how many people are advising you to run away at the first sign of a challenge. I would hope that you have more self-confidence than that. Also speaking as someone who is much farther along - anyone who suggests you rush through so you can get to the finish line has no clue what they're talking about and any of their advice should be completely ignored. It is ludicrous that someone thinks that at age 70 after a 40+ year career someone would be saying "I'm so glad I rushed to a DO school so I can eventually die with a tiny fraction more in my bank account" rather than "I'm so glad I believed in myself and took my time to set my self up for all these wonderful opportunities I've had during my career". The immaturity and lack of foresight of some of these folks is absolutely staggering.

The correct way to state that would be:
If you don't mind being forced to do primary care/psych/PM&R or other less desirable and competitive specialties regardless of what you ultimately decide you want to do then go DO

Extremely harsh, but true. Did you go into surgery???

 

[Lawpy]

Note people who have finished training or near the end overwhelmingly suggest you to wait while many of those earlier in their journey tell you to "take the DO".

That's one of many reasons why it's far far better to listen to residents, fellows, attendings/faculty etc. on this stuff. They are far more experienced, and I don't really care what premeds and accepted students say. I personally would choose the bridge program no question. Doing well for a year to get a guaranteed MD spot is huge.

But I still agree with @Goro that it's better to drop the DO acceptance ASAP. No point holding onto it when the spot can be given to someone else.

 

[DrfluffyMD]

That's one of many reasons why it's far far better to listen to residents, fellows, attendings/faculty etc. on this stuff. They are far more experienced, and I don't really care what premeds and accepted students say. I personally would choose the bridge program no question. Doing well for a year to get a guaranteed MD spot is huge.

But I still agree with @Goro that it's better to drop the DO acceptance ASAP. No point holding onto it when the spot can be given to someone else.

Also drop an opportunity when you can no longer use it. It creates good will. It's more of a thing when you move toward a smaller field.

 

[Aerus]

Go to the MD bridge program. You'll thank us years down the road.

 

[BunnyMan17]

 

[futurephysician57]

I already declined the bridge program after many people told me I'd be stupid not to go to DO school.... Sigh

 

[DrfluffyMD]

I already declined the bridge program after many people told me I'd be stupid not to go to DO school.... Sigh

I am sorry, but you'll still be a doctor, and that's something to be remembered. Make this a celebration.

If I were you I would step away from the forums for awhile. And don't regret things.

A lot of things in your life are not optimal, but they happen for a reason.

I came to find out that my current residency's lack of name impact my fellowship app more than I thought, but I found my love here, and learned radiology better than anywhere else would (even better than some of the supposedly best program out there).

Good luck in your future.

 

[kb1900]

I already declined the bridge program after many people told me I'd be stupid not to go to DO school.... Sigh

many people = premeds without even knowing the conditions of your conditional acceptance alternative....sigh

 

[Lawpy]

I already declined the bridge program after many people told me I'd be stupid not to go to DO school.... Sigh

Bad decision. Always always always follow advice from residents, fellows, attendings and faculty. They know a lot more about this process and what they say should be listened to carefully. "Many people" likely refers to premeds and accepted students. Who cares what they say? I don't.

Anyways, you will be a doctor as a DO so no point regretting over past decisions.

 

[Endoxifen]

. Also speaking as someone who is much farther along - anyone who suggests you rush through so you can get to the finish line has no clue what they're talking about and any of their advice should be completely ignored. It is ludicrous that someone thinks that at age 70 after a 40+ year career someone would be saying "I'm so glad I rushed to a DO school so I can eventually die with a tiny fraction more in my bank account" rather than "I'm so glad I believed in myself and took my time to set my self up for all these wonderful opportunities I've had during my career". The immaturity and lack of foresight of some of these folks is absolutely staggering.



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This is something I have genuinely never understood. People consistently say that you should be concerned about lost income, but that seems rediculous to me. The real impact that you'll experience is now, not decades in the future. If you're ok with the lifestyle you have now and are willing to extend it for a couple more years, then there is absolutely no detriment to taking more time. It certainly won't negatively affect how well you'll do in you career, which should be everyone's top priority. In fact, it may actually make you a better doctor.

 

[Endoxifen]

I already declined the bridge program after many people told me I'd be stupid not to go to DO school.... Sigh

Congratulations on getting into medical school! There's no point in regretting your actions now. Move forward and be the best doctor you can be.

 

[markovchn123]

If you are torn between an acceptance to DO, and a likely acceptance from MD, then you don't wanna be a DO, so go for the bridge program

 

[OchemOficionado]

I already declined the bridge program after many people told me I'd be stupid not to go to DO school.... Sigh

Many people? THREE? Your thread picked up responses after a while. Lots of people asked questions about your stats and the bridge requirements to better assist you and you didn't answer. The one question you did answer you didn't bother to answer until AFTER you made your decision (er, well, at 1:44am this morning. I don't know what time you actually declined). Don't blame your decision on the forums. ALTHOUGH I think it's a good one (but my opinion here doesn't count).

You applied to DO because you want to be a physician. You signed up for it, nobody forced you. That says to me that you think the DO route is a perfectly good route. I don't think I have to be an Attending to say take the guaranteed perfectly good route rather than the possible perfectly good route you've been offered.

Anyhow, CONGRATS. You're going to be a DOCTOR!

 

[blackbirdfly21]

Congrats on you acceptance! I think you made the right decision. I know individuals who were conditionally accepted through bridge/pipeline/linkage programs, which ultimately did not work out. You are now in a position where you are FOR SURE attending medical school! Best of luck!

 

[235009]

Extremely harsh, but true. Did you go into surgery???

Dude you know I'm not a surgeon. I'm a pulm/critical care fellow which means I'm an internist (finished internal medicine residency).

But I still agree with @Goro that it's better to drop the DO acceptance ASAP. No point holding onto it when the spot can be given to someone else.

I know OP had already made his decision but I strongly disagree with this part of your advice. One thing I've learned (the hard way mind you) is that you should be looking out for yourself primarily and don't worry about looking out for others because they don't give a crap about you. Take as much time as you need to make the right decision for you. Hold onto the acceptance until the deadline if there's any sort of doubt in your mind. Don't worry, that seat won't go unfilled. Ignore anyone who tries to shame you into doing otherwise.

I already declined the bridge program after many people told me I'd be stupid not to go to DO school.... Sigh

The fact that you made such a huge decision based on the "advice" of a couple anonymous pre-meds on the Internet is troubling. You should really reevaluate how you make decisions.

This is something I have genuinely never understood. People consistently say that you should be concerned about lost income, but that seems rediculous to me. The real impact that you'll experience is now, not decades in the future. If you're ok with the lifestyle you have now and are willing to extend it for a couple more years, then there is absolutely no detriment to taking more time. It certainly won't negatively affect how well you'll do in you career, which should be everyone's top priority. In fact, it may actually make you a better doctor.

It's really a matter of maturity and perspective. When you're in your early 20s and have never had a job like many of these pre-meds who advise others to rush to (what they perceive to be) the finish line, you're apt to think that you're just going to clock in clock out and cash the check. I see so many pre-meds calling medicine "just another job". What they don't realize is the difference between having a job and having a career and that $$$ will never substitute for being satisfied with your career, actually wanting to roll out of bed in the morning and get to work because you know you're making a difference and having an impact. The primary reason for "burnout" in the medical profession is because someone chased the money and ignored how unsatisfying the 100% clinical job in a community ER seeing a bunch of low acuity BS and spending most of their time doing paperwork and upcoding charts actually is.


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