Hi everyone, I am set on a Medical path and want your advice if Dartmouth premed workload will spare me time for research, shadowing and volunteering. I hear most Dartmouth students take 1-3 gap years before applying to med school.Is it because the academic classes are hard leaving little room for anything else ? I will need a high GPA to apply to med school but dont want to take gap years. Dartmouth takes pride in academic rigor and likely many of my AP credits may not transfer over. I am not keen on liberal arts, and the quarter system as well the mandatory foreign language requirement really worries me.
In contrast, I have a admission to Hofstra universoty pre-med track where the course load will not be extreme, relatively easier classes like OChem leaving room to build profile and prep for MCAT. I will also have access to their med school for research. however, applying from this program does not give me connections or school prestige as Dartmouth would. Cost is not a consideration. What would you suggest ?
Out of curiosity, are there other schools you were accepted to? Also keep in mind that taking time between undergrad and medical school is not unique to Dartmouth. It is very common.
Hofstra is a commuter/suitcase school. IMO Dartmouth will provide a much better four year experience.
Do you have other acceptances?
If you decide to drop pre-med, which school would you prefer ?
Hofstra has a medical school; the Zucker School of Medicine, so that may be something to consider also. They also have a number of hospitals connected through the Northwell Hospital system, so research, volunteering, and internship opportunities may be accessible through the Hofstra/Northwell connection.
Most premeds take time between undergrad and medical school to strengthen their application- this is not unique to Dartmouth.
It seems you have 2 similar posts on this and I am wondering if they can be combined?
Dartmouth, because taking a glide year is the norm - you apply senior year or later because you have ONE shot at med school and the competition is intense. Most students do this because it gives them a better chance at getting to the interview stage more time to take more advanced courses, etc. Applying as a junior (without a glide year) puts you at a disadvantage.
In terms of experience, living on an Ivy League campus simply is not in the same universe as attending a regional suitcase school.
And if you don’t get into med school, or change your mind because you discover something you like even more… Dartmouth will serve you better than Hofstra.
Note: if you don’t like general education requirements, you’ll have to swallow that pill because Medicine is both scientific and human. You’ll be required to take Psychology, Sociology, and a diversity-focused course, but it’s a very good idea to take Medical Ethics, Spanish through Spanish for medical professions or a world language spoken in the US through spoken proficiency, and more along the lines of Medical Humanities.
Hofstra has a medical school and hospital affiliations. That is all true.
But- I would also consider the 4 year experience.
Dartmouth will provide you with far greater optionality if you opt not to pursue medical school. Hofstra is a fine largely regional school but it does not compare to the name recognition and reputation of Dartmouth which has a global cache and alumni network.
FYI the Islanders and Nets abandoned that part of LI for a reason😀.
Dartmouth also has a medical school and affiliated hospitals. So that’s a wash. I agree with others, Dartmouth sounds like the better choice.
In my opinion, Dartmouth is the stronger college choice overall…and especially since most college students who think they will be premed never actually apply to medical school.
You think OChem will be easier at Hofstra than at Dartmouth? I’m not sure that is true. This is a tough course regardless of where you take it.
And the students pursuing premed at Hofstra will be a strong group.
Here is Dartmouth’s AP policy:
Does Dartmouth grant credit for AP, A-Level, IB, or CLEP examinations?
ACADEMICS
Dartmouth will grant credit on entrance for AP or IB examinations. In many subject areas, these courses will be used for exemption and placement. Credit on entrance appears on the Dartmouth transcript, but it does not count towards the 35 credits required to graduate. This policy applies to entering first-year students and transfer students. More information about course exemptions and placement is available through the Office of the Registrar.
Then, by all means, give your seat to someone else. Anyone who has to be sold on the difference between Dartmouth and Hofstra should probably choose Hofstra.
OP, @gunner369 ,you do not have a guaranteed admission to medical school from Hofstra. So there is no advantage of Hofstra. Obviously, Dartmouth is stronger school than Hofstra with great track for premed. If someone tells you that it is easier to get to medical school after Hofstra they are not telling truth.
If you think that you can get higher GPA and be happier at Hofstra, that is your choice. However, if you truly can comfortably afford both, 99% of students would choose Dartmouth in a heart beat.