Lexy
Should I go into an accelerated medical program right after highschool or should I get my bachelors?
Hello, my name is Lexy and I am a junior in high school. The university of Missouri Kansas has an accelerated Medical program. In this program you work on your required classes and at the same time you work towards your P.h. in medicine. My question is, if I should get my bachelors first and then worry about applying to a medical school in order for me to do better in my field? #doctor #medicine
2 answers
Christopher Boutros
Christopher’s Answer
Hello Lexy
That is difficult to say as it is different from person to person. I took an accelerated course and I found it to be easier for me to remember things because I didn't get a day off. With that said, I didn't get a day off from studying. If you are a self starter, are good at budgeting time, and have the dedication, I would definitely recommend you take the accelerated course. Understand that you will have to work harder being you will doubling up on classes, you will have twice the work, twice the tests and will require twice the study time.
It is very easy to burn yourself out with that much time and dedication, but it will be such a relief once you are done. You will already have a jumpstart on your career and can start getting the experience you need to be the type of medical practitioner you want.
Robert Steed
Robert’s Answer
Hi Lexy,
If you are certain that you want to be a doctor, then this sounds like a good way to shave two years off of the typical 8 years to get an MD degree. It actually used to be pretty common for people going to medical school to be accepted after three years of undergraduate.
It sounds like a big plus being able to start college with the goal of becoming a doctor and not having to worry about getting the grades and MCAT scores to get into medical school.
I do have a concern that 16 or 17 is pretty young to be locking in the med school track. A lot of folks enter college with the thought of going to medical school and then change their mind. But if you are one of those people who would start college with the goal of becoming an MD and never waiver, it's probably a great program.