Hi everyone. Another tough situation: I recently got off the waitlist for the RPI/AMC 7-Year BS/MD program the day after decision day. I am now here making the decision between the BS/MD and Rice University, the school I previously committed to. Given costs are taken out of consideration (both are equal in cost and affordable), which path should I take? I toured Rice for admitted students day and enjoyed it but haven’t gotten a chance to tour RPI/AMC: I have to make my decision by Tuesday and I am sure I’ll like student life at both places. Any suggestions?
Beyond your longer term plans, how well do your academic interests align with RPI’s undergraduate programs?
While RPI is an established engineering school, they have great programs in biology and neuroscience (the biological neuroscience program) and I believe the academics do line up with my interests there.
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The first issue I might consider with Rice is time-to-MD. Since 73% of recent medical school matriculants have taken at least one gap year, your time to attain an MD may extend across nine years.
RPI/AMC, in contrast, is likely to remain a seven-year program. This program also distinguishes itself by emphasizing a physician-scientist approach. If this describes how you envision your future, then RPI/AMC would reinforce this direction.
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Given the difficulty of admission to med school, the RPI/AMC acceptance would appear to be a gift. It’s hard for me to imagine turning it down.
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Congratulations!
I don’t presume to know the right answer for you, but some things my freshman pre-med thought about when considering bs/md. They were very confident in path, but wanted to be happy at school if they ever decided to pivot. I think students like you that get into bs/md and top schools will be successful the traditional route. The win is in the security and having a 7/8 year plan as gap years become more common. I’m sure pending school, but the PLME’s at my kids school have more breathing room and don’t need to stress about gpa and building resume to same degree. All that goes away if it’s a program you can apply out with though. Same with MCAT preparation.
I don’t think they would have been happy at a different school even with a guarantee as they really wanted to have a great college experience at a school they loved. Not everyone values that traditional experience though, so perhaps not a factor for you. Rice seems to have an amazing undergrad culture and community, so something to consider if important to you.
The physician/scientist approach seems like an interesting part of the program you got into. If that is something that peaks your interest, perhaps that outweighs any cons on giving up the traditional experience. Both amazing opportunities, can’t go wrong. Good luck!
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I’m not sure being younger is an asset when it becomes time to apply for residencies. Perhaps @WayOutWestMom has more info.
@DazzlingComet congratulations on your acceptances. You should go where you feel you can best see yourself for four….maybe longer years.
My two cents is this is really what you need to know. RPI is a great choice for the right sort of person, with or without med school in the future. And then if you feel you are that sort of person, adding the BS/MD option is a great bonus.
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