Yes they are your choice and if you want one, then great.
But I simply noted they are guidance. You needn’t agree with or follow what they say if you feel otherwise. They are simply an opinion - they are not an assurance.
Is the student applying now? This seems kind of rushed.
Two reality checks…most physicians in the US got a bachelor’s degree first and THEN applied to med school. So your kid is not behind or handicapped in any way by not getting in to a combined program.
And most applicants to combined programs are unsuccessful getting in to these programs. They are so competitive and the institutions are so risk averse that the smallest thing can become significant to the application readers.
So the takeaway is not to tie yourself in knots to become what you think they are looking for. Be the best version of yourself you can be. Get a rigorous education as an undergrad and then apply to med school.
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This is a very wise comment.
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