Hello all,
I’m relatively new to this forum and wish I’d found it earlier! Thank you to all who have shared their experiences and expertise here already.
I’m currently debating between the REMS program and going the traditional undergraduate route. My family doesn’t know many people in the healthcare field and I was not even expecting to have a great BS/MD acceptance to consider. I know I’m in a very fortunate position but it doesn’t make this decision any easier for me! I would greatly appreciate any feedback you have for me.
Academically, my strengths include having a particular affinity for biology and being a pretty hard worker and a good test taker. My biggest weakness is chemistry—I got a 750 on the SAT Chemistry test, even after studying and retaking it. I think I could have tried harder when I learned it the first time around and am definitely vowing to devote more time the next time I take a chemistry class.
I have a few specific questions, and then I’ll list the pros/cons:
In light of COVID-19 and the prolonged uncertainty it may cause, should I be swayed more toward the assurance of a BS/MD program?
I read some older threads that mentioned some people turning down BS/MDs and then not getting accepted to medical school later on via the traditional route. How often would you estimate this happens?
Traditional options - Several T10s, but I’ve narrowed it down to one school within the HYPSM tier that I don’t want to specify for privacy reasons.
I applied to this school EA because I truly felt it was the best fit for me.
I’ve had four months to consider this option, during which my earlier feelings have been cemented by my further research on the school.
Heard great things about its dorms, dining, community, and academic/mental support.
Cost is $10K less per year compared to URochester (not a huge dealbreaker).
Never got the chance to visit in person due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Obviously more academically intense (small fish in big pond)
Will have to start from scratch to build a competitive medical school application in all aspects regarding GPA, MCAT, research, shadowing, volunteering, ECs.
REMS
More freedom to choose classes and ECs
No MCAT required
Less stress
Clinical rotations start the first year of medical school
Medical school’s mission and values match mine pretty well
I visited in person for the interview, and the biggest con for me is how much I did not click with the undergraduate portion of the university. The campus and dorms did not impress me. I got the feeling that I would be a big fish in a small pond. That in itself isn’t necessarily a negative thing, but perhaps the intellectual excitement and stimulation will be lacking compared to my UG option.
I’m also worried that I’ll mostly be interacting with a small community of about 40 other REMS students vs a community of thousands of exceptional students at my UG option.
I haven’t listed my personal stats because I think my UG acceptances can give you a general idea, but let me know if you think additional info will be helpful. Thank you in advance!
It all dependence on your risk-taking appetite. Can you risk bird-at-hand (REMS) ? Are you confident that you can get a UG GPA >= 3.8 in your Ivy alternative (HYPSM tier). Without any other information provided, there not much to make any suggestions. Is it one of the HYPSM school ? They all are very competitive and can affect your UG GPA. Being a UG from Ivy will not give you any browny points for regular route MD. Are you committed to become a MD ?