So I received an acceptance into the BMS program just today. I'm obviously quite happy and excited!
However, I have a lot of thinking to do between now and a bit before mid August when classes begin, which is not a lot of time! Although I'd love to jump at the offer, I am a bit hesitant, namely because of the gamble time-wise and cost-wise. It also doesn't help that I'm from Canada and hence will have international student status. Dr. Pullen has however told me that RFU doesn't discriminate against internationals, particularly Canadians, so that's a bit reassuring.
Overall, I'm in a real dilemma right now. I told my parents about the offer and they're really quite skeptical. Even the supposed 70% acceptance rate doesn't quite sway them. They think this is a money-making scam, go figure. The real question for them, and for myself as well, is what if you don't succeed in getting into CMS even if you do well or let's say averagely well? What has happened to the '30%' of people who don't make it into CMS? Do they get into other schools after a lag year or do they get completely screwed over? And although it seems a bit iffy to use this program as a stepping stone into CMS, it seems that this is the goal of almost every BMSer and therefore competition will be tough.
So I'm sitting here trying to logically think out this offer and potential route of action. My 3.1 GPA and 27P MCAT (which I'm re-writing next week) will get me nowhere (perhaps DO- I was waitlisted for an interview at a school last cycle) in the med arena both in the U.S. and Canada.
I do have an acceptance to an Australian school for January which I'm also thinking over very carefully. I already have a masters, a research-based M.Sc. to be specific, and so this masters wouldn't help me if I wanted to do further grad studies (I also have a PhD offer for this fall). So for me it is a total do or die. With all these options and uncertainties, it's becoming almost impossible to make a decision as to my next step *sigh.
I have read through this whole thread and I get a good feeling about the program (finances apart) but I'm still unsure and convincing my parents will assuredly be an uphill battle. I'm just thinking through everything so I apologize for the lengthy post. At this point, I would appreciate any insight, advice and information from people. Many people have already shared some great insights and information so I do thank you for that
