u/PerfectBullfrog5024

Hey! I’m an incoming freshman at Pratt BME. Just got a macbook neo from my parents (super grateful!) but just realized that it might not have the computational power for a Pratt BME degree.

There aren’t any Pratt BME specific guidelines online (just overall Duke ones from some time ago), so I wanted to ask: can I make it through Pratt as a BME premed (focused on computational biology, biotech AI research) with the neo? Google / GPT consensus says no, but idk if that’s the most accurate source for Duke / Pratt info.

Thanks! What’s the best course of action for me?

Wanted to call out something trending I noticed in recent college admissions. I've been researching BS/MD programs for a while, and the more I look into NSU, the less sense it makes.

The biggest red flag i’ve noticed is transparency. It’s almost IMPOSSIBLE to find a clear answer on how many BS/MD students they actually admit and how many eventually matriculate into the medical school. Good luck. People online anecdotally mention numbers as low as 5 BS/MD spots (moonprep.org). Others say there are way more. Why is something this basic so hard to verify? A transparent, legitimate program generally doesn’t keep this a secret. I have seen opinion pieces suggesting this intentional use of misleading numbers is meant to convince talented students of NSU’s BS/MD “prestige”.

What really made me question things was looking at the NSU 2030 Instagram page. Scrolling through, there seem to be way more students publicly identifying as BS/MD or BS/DO than the numbers people keep repeating online. Either everyone is wrong about the cohort sizes, or the program isn't nearly as selective as it's marketed to be. Anecdotal evidence suggests NSU over admits students (more below), with OVER 200 BS/DO students and OVER 115 BS/MD students.

MOST CRUCIALLY, IMO, FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING NSU: the language. People talk about it like it's a guaranteed medical school seat, but the actual program materials repeatedly mention that final admission is still at the discretion of the medical school. So is it a guaranteed pathway or not?

The more I read, the more it feels like NSU benefits from the prestige of being called a BS/MD program without offering the transparency you'd expect from one. When applicants compare programs, they see "BS/MD" and assume it's in the same conversation as the established programs. Is it really?

I've also noticed that most discussions about NSU eventually turn into arguments about administration, advising, over-admitting students, and whether people actually keep their seats. In addition, with it being so new, it lacks prestige and the medical facilities and opportunity is QUESTIONABLE AT BEST. Maybe all of that is exaggerated. But if it isn't, that's a huge problem.

At this point, I genuinely don't understand why someone would choose NSU over a stronger undergraduate institution with a traditional premed route unless they had no other options.

MY CONCLUSION: NSU BS/MD and BS/DO are a VERY expensive “scam” (grain of salt) in terms of offering a top-class, guaranteed medical education — as many bs/mds generally would. It is largely looked down upon in the medical field, barring hard working outlier students, and is basically a “bsmd community college” that might or might not work out. Any student who gets into this program would be better off choosing a cheaper state school, which would likely provide them with a better education and preparation to succeed in the medical field.

TLDR: NSU BS/MD + BS/DO is a scam. Lacks necessary transparency and legitimacy, is NOT prestigious, comparable to state school. Do not choose / apply if possible.

Curious if current students or alumni can provide THEIR PERSPECTIVES / OPINIONS, or clarify actual numbers. Thanks everyone, and have a great day!

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https://www.instagram.com/nsu2030/ (scroll near ~may 1st)

https://www.reddit.com/r/bsmd/comments/1j9wgga/why_do_people_not_like_nova_bsdo/

https://www.reddit.com/r/bsmd/comments/1sbjqwo/nsu_bsdo_any_thoughts_on_how_is_this_program_what/

https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/1ar3fxa/does_anyone_know_anything_about_nova_southeastern/

https://www.reddit.com/r/bsmd/comments/1rmk60x/should_i_commit_to_nova_southeastern_bsdo/

https://moonprep.com/bsmd/more-big-changes-for-these-popular-bs-md-programs/

Just joined this focus, and have no idea what to expect. What should I know before starting? I applied for the classes with Dr. Sullivan and Haga.

Is this a good focus + is it hard + anything else to note? How do other Duke students feel about this one? I’m premed btw.

Anyone else in this FOCUS, DM me to join the GC!