NJIT/SGU or Monmouth/Drexel?

NeveraDamsel
Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:23:15 +0000

Hi guys!

This is my first time posting on CC and I really need some opinions on which program I can select. The NJIT/SGU program is a 7-year accelerated program between NJIT and St. George’s University in Grenada. I do not want to go to a medical school in the Carribean, but there is no binding agreement, so after three years I can apply to other med schools in America. The undergraduate coursework is just as rigorous as those in the NJIT/NJMS program. I am not very keen on the program, but they are giving me a great financial aid package, so my parents would prefer I go there.

My second option is the 8-year program between Monmouth and Drexel, so four years from now, I do have a guaranteed seat in Drexel Med. The benefits are less rigor because it is an 8-year program and a guaranteed seat in an accredited American med school. The downside is the high undergraduate tuition, with all my scholarships, I would pay about $100,000 for four years of undergrad.

In terms of MCAT scores, both programs ask for at least a 31. The GPA requirements are different. NJIT (in order to finish my undergrad in 3 years and opt out of SGU) asks for at least a 3.8 in order to be competitive enough to apply to American med schools, in addition to the usual volunteering and research. In essence, it is a 3 year unassured program, but has a great financial package. Monmouth/Drexel wants me to maintain a 3.5 to keep my seat, but it is a binding contract with Drexel. If I get an amazing MCAT score and GPA and want to apply to a better med school, I can’t.

Sorry for the long post, but I really need some help in making this decision. Please don’t say stuff like go to a regular 4-year undergrad, I need to choose between these two options. Thank you!