Trugangsta627

I want to become a doctor more than anything in the world. Unfortunately, my grades suck, and I really feel as if there is no BA/MD or BS/MD that would accept me. What I want to know is if there are any that aren't as hard to get into like Northwestern or the Brown PLME program. Which programs do you guys think would be appropriate for me to apply to? BTW I live in NY, I don't know if that affects anything or not...anyway here are my stats...I have a 3.62 GPA unweighted, 3.82 weighted.

I have taken AP Physics B, AP Stat, AP Language, AP Spanish, AP US, and AP Biology. I am currently taking AP Psych, AP Lit, AP Macro, AP Physics C, AP Calc BC, and AP Chemistry. I got a 2170 on my SAT's and plan to retake in November.

I got an 800 on Bio SAT II, 720 on Math IC, and 720 on Chemistry. I am planning on taking SAT II Physics and Math IIC in October. As for EC's, I have been starting on varsity lacrosse since 10th grade, varsity basketball, cross country, and varsity football. I am in NHS, Science Olympiads, Math Olympiads, Diversity Club, WAC, and Chess Club. I have played the violin since 3rd grade. I have been accepted into the Columbia Science Honors Program.

In addition, I have volunteered at a local hospital for over 400 hours. I have also volunteered at a local library. Finally, this past summer I went down to New Orleans and helped out with Habitat for Humanity. If there is any other information that is necessary, please ask. Thanks. Oh yeah, I am also in training to become a certified EMT!

Oh, I almost forgot. I have been doing an internship at a hospital dealing with psychiatry. If all goes well, I will become a co-author of a medical journal. Not really sure how much weight that has, but I just thought I'd mention it. So...what are my chances, guys?

Visali

What are you worried about? Just apply. You have wonderful stats. Have confidence in yourself. Apply to colleges or programs that interest you. Otherwise, you might regret it later on in your life.

If you don't get accepted by an accelerated program, you can always do it the regular way. If you have the passion to be a doctor, you wouldn't mind what way you go as long as you become a good doctor regardless of the advantages and the disadvantages in both the accelerated and the regular way.

entomom

Your medical EC's look great. My biggest concern is your GPA as most of the dual degree programs take people who are in the top 1-2% of their class. You might want to look at schools that aren't quite as selective as NU and Brown. Go a head and give it a shot, but like Visali said, if you don't make it, just go the normal route, that's what most people do anyway. Good luck!

schrizto

I think you could make it in a BA/MD . . . although your chances for NW and PLME are probably slim, there are many other combined degree programs: Drexel, UMDNJ, etc. If you are a URM, your chances go up.

I don't see why you shouldn't just try becoming a doctor the regular way. As an undergrad, you could be given the chance to start over with a clean slate, work hard, get a great GPA, take the MCAT (you seem to do well on standardized tests), and get into a much better med school.

Trugangsta627

Since I won't be able to afford many of the good undergrads, I have a feeling I'm going to end up at Stony, not that Stony is bad or anything, it's just that I feel like I've worked harder and deserve a little better than that. I don't know if that's the proper logic....but its sorta how i feel...whats a URM btw?

Visali

Hey, don't understimate how hard an accelerated program can be. I believe that no matter what program you go into, you will be challenged. You're trying to get your degree in less than 8 years. It's easier said than done. If you get accepted, awesome! Celebrate. But don't be disappointed. You don't have to go to NW or Brown to be challenged. There are a lot of neat programs out there.

So be happy if you do get accepted into any accelerated or combined program.

schrizto

does stony brook have a bs/md? I remember hearing about it but don't know anything about it. or sophie davis, I know it's in NY . . .

dumbstruck1089

stony brook has a bs/md but only 5-6 people get in.

Trugangsta627

Yeah, with my stats, I don't think I would be a candidate. Any other suggestions?

Aspen D

actually i think you have a better shot at stony

hydrogen3k

I think you have a shot in many places. Just apply. If nothing, then try again in undergraduate in the normal route, maybe it would be better.