SMDEP 2016

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Is it worth applying now or is it too late? I have a 3.1 GPA but I'm white and from a decent area in MA.

The early deadline is Feburary 1st.
Is it worth applying now or is it too late? I have a 3.1 GPA but I'm white and from a decent area in MA.

Short answer, yes
The deadline is feb 1st (early)

March 1st (final deadline)

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I submitted my app yesterday! By "early" does everyone mean before Feb 1st? Or do you guys mean early for the early deadline so like prior to Nov? Also my transcript says received but I didn't send the transcript form.. I just saw it! Will call tmrw about it but do you think it will delay my admission process?
ALSO (lol) do all applicants who applied before Feb 1st get treated with the same priority? Regardless if whether they sent their app the first day it opened?
Thanks!
 
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I submitted my app yesterday! By "early" does everyone mean before Feb 1st? Or do you guys mean early for the early deadline so like prior to Nov? Also my transcript says received but I didn't send the transcript form.. I just saw it! Will call tmrw about it but do you think it will delay my admission process?
ALSO (lol) do all applicants who applied before Feb 1st get treated with the same priority? Regardless if whether they sent their app the first day it opened?
Thanks!
Hey!! Congrats on applying! I applied on dec 31st. The early deadline is Feb 1st so they can have a chance to review your application and wait for your transcripts to arrive(usually about 10 days until they receive it) to give you a decision on the 15th.
 
so they finally processed my transcript, but not my letters of rec...I'm currently in review. Ugh. Applied to a total of 3 different programs, 2 of which have multiple places. So with SMDEP (3) and the other 2 combined, it's a total of 7. Hopefully I can at least get 1/7. Is anyone else stressing like this? I just feel like if you haven't done any summer research program by summer of sophomore year, there's no way any other summer research place will accept you by summer of Junior year?
 
Congrats to everyone in review! Let's continue to encourage each other for the month that we still have until decisions are released :)

Some people were asking these questions: I believe "early" just refers to before Feb. 1 (the first deadline) because there's also a March 1 deadline, but I also know that for most sites, the sooner you turn in your application, the more likely you are to get a spot at that site. I would say generally if you can get everything done before Feb. 1, you're in good shape! But even if you don't get it in by then, it's still totally possible to participate! I know someone who applied near the end of February and still was awarded a spot at Louisville and they loved it!

Good luck to all applicants!
 
Hey guys,
I'm new to SDN and to SMDEP (just found out about it the other day). Am I late in applying?

Also, though I'm not an URM or financially disabled, I have a great GPA (as a sophomore) and can probably get good recs. I interned at a rural health clinic in Colorado last summer, but I don't have any consistent volunteering so far at university. My experiences for the experience section of the app seem all over the place--marching band, crew, the aforementioned internship, some other volunteering--and aren't too, y'know, cohesive, haha. Do you guys think it would be worth applying? UW, UL, and either Duke or Nebraska would be the ideal ones, but I'd be happy to go anywhere haha.

Thanks guys!
 
I have applied to like 16 different SROP/ REU research programs lol I just need something to do in the summer either research or smdep
 
I have applied to like 16 different SROP/ REU research programs lol I just need something to do in the summer either research or smdep
I'm only applying to three programs :) one which is research and very excited to gt into ANY of them!
 
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same like 1ll 16 can't say no right? (nervous laugh) just one yes is all I need!!
 
Hey guys,
I'm new to SDN and to SMDEP (just found out about it the other day). Am I late in applying?

Also, though I'm not an URM or financially disabled, I have a great GPA (as a sophomore) and can probably get good recs. I interned at a rural health clinic in Colorado last summer, but I don't have any consistent volunteering so far at university. My experiences for the experience section of the app seem all over the place--marching band, crew, the aforementioned internship, some other volunteering--and aren't too, y'know, cohesive, haha. Do you guys think it would be worth applying? UW, UL, and either Duke or Nebraska would be the ideal ones, but I'd be happy to go anywhere haha.

Thanks guys!
Idk I thought SMDEP was for minorities and economically disadvantaged students, but I read the requirements and those are just stated as things taken into consideration. So you'll probably get in
 
I'm only applying to three programs :) one which is research and very excited to gt into ANY of them!
All 16 won't say no, you'll get into at least one definitely. I applied 3 places but not feeling confident after this semester grades, even though I technically fulfill the minimum requirements of each program
 
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Thank I am keeping up hope!! Be confident !!! If one of them can say yes to me you'll get in for sure.
 
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Hello everyone,

As an an SMDEP alumnus who spoke with the administrators many times and over sought the applications of students from my college last year and 2014 (when I applied), I want to clear a few misconceptions.

1. Applying early is definitely an advantage but many of you are confused by what is considered 'early'. Early is NOT November-December! I saw someone post that they were debating between applying on December or waiting for a good letter. My advice would have been wait for that letter!! Applying at the end of January is NOT late. It is rolling admissions but they have a set of spots for the first batch and they leave another set for the second batch (those who apply after Feb 1st). I cannot confirm if it is true but I have heard that if you apply very early there is a higher chance of being waitlisted (because they think they'd rather wait until they see the other 300 applications coming in).

2. This is not the program where if you have the highest grades, stellar extracullicars/awards, URM, etc you have a higher chance of getting in. They want people who need help! They want people whom the program can really benefit. I personally know someone who got in with a 2.5 gpa.

3. I know the application says that being disadvantaged is one of the things they consider, however for some schools it is almost a requirement. Those schools specifically want those who are URM (African American, Hispanic, etc). For some schools being educationaly/financially disadvantaged is not enough. This is especially true for Columbia.

4. Don't stress out too much!! It is not the end of the world if you do not get in. If you do not get accepted do not feel bad because with this program being the best is not necessarily the best. Literally, you might just be too good for them!

With your personal statements make sure you talk about your background and discuss the activities you are currently involved in!! Leave the reader wanting to meet you! I am willing to check diversity/personal statements and also answer any questions, feel free to message me. Best of luck to you all!
 
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Hello everyone,

As an an SMDEP alumnus who spoke with the administrators many times and over sought the applications of students from my college last year and 2014 (when I applied), I want to clear a few misconceptions.

1. Applying early is definitely an advantage but many of you are confused by what is considered 'early'. Early is NOT November-December! I saw someone post that they were debating between applying on December or waiting for a good letter. My advice would have been wait for that letter!! Applying at the end of January is NOT late. It is rolling admissions but they have a set of spots for the first batch and they leave another set for the second batch (those who apply after Feb 1st). I cannot confirm if it is true but I have heard that if you apply very early there is a higher chance of being waitlisted (because they think they'd rather wait until they see the other 300 applications coming in).

2. This is not the program where if you have the highest grades, stellar extracullicars/awards, URM, etc you have a higher chance of getting in. They want people who need help! They want people whom the program can really benefit. I personally know someone who got in with a 2.5 gpa.

3. I know the application says that being disadvantaged is one of the things they consider, however for some schools it is almost a requirement. Those schools specifically want those who are URM (African American, Hispanic, etc). For some schools being educationaly/financially disadvantaged is not enough. This is especially true for Columbia.

4. Don't stress out too much!! It is not the end of the world if you do not get in. If you do not get accepted do not feel bad because with this program being the best is not necessarily the best. Literally, you might just be too good for them!

With your personal statements make sure you talk about your background and discuss the activities you are currently involved in!! Leave the reader wanting to meet you! I am willing to check diversity/personal statements and also answer any questions, feel free to message me. Best of luck to you all!


I applied around the end of November so now I am a little worried about being waitlisted or even full out rejected. My GPA was 2.8 when i applied now it is a 3.5. Would you recommend sending the updated transcript showing improvement? Furthermore I wrote about being from Nigeria and the difficulty adjusting to America, and finding my place. I tied that into the importance of having diversity so you do not feel left out or unrepresented. I am not sure if this was a strong enough essay. Anyways thank you so much for your help and information!!!!
 
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I applied around the end of November so now I am a little worried about being waitlisted or even full out rejected. My GPA was 2.8 when i applied now it is a 3.5. Would you recommend sending the updated transcript showing improvement? Furthermore I wrote about being from Nigeria and the difficulty adjusting to America, and finding my place. I tied that into the importance of having diversity so you do not feel left out or unrepresented. I am not sure if this was a strong enough essay. Anyways thank you so much for your help and information!!!!

I would not worry so much about applying in November. The thing is students are forfeiting an improvement to their application so that they can apply extremely early - not good. I always recommend that students wait until they at least get their fall grades, regardless of whether they did good or bad. A few schools actually contact students to ask about the courses they took that aren't on their transcript. You should definitely send an updated transcript. I will message you feedback for the essay you sent.
 
Also, the reason why a school might ask for courses you took in the fall (or enrolled in for spring) is because part of the program is preparing you for certain pre med or pre dental courses. They want to see how many of the required courses you have taken.
 
Just finished my app.

Applied:

Duke
Yale
Washington

Stats:
GPA 3.75
White Male
Plenty of Shadowing.


Best of luck to all of you.
 
I would not worry so much about applying in November. The thing is students are forfeiting an improvement to their application so that they can apply extremely early - not good. I always recommend that students wait until they at least get their fall grades, regardless of whether they did good or bad. A few schools actually contact students to ask about the courses they took that aren't on their transcript. You should definitely send an updated transcript. I will message you feedback for the essay you sent.
I want to message you my Personal statement (to get a 2nd opinion) but I don't want to post it haha. your profile says its restricted.
 
Hey all, in the process of applying (cracking these essays tomorrow and cursing myself for waiting till the week before I go home to start them) just wanted to ask, how did ya'll report your shadowing on your applications and do you think they would allow me to put down high school shadowing (haven't had the opportunity for any post-secondary shadowing/volunteering yet...)
 
but I don't want to post it haha. your profile says its restricted.

I'll message you now but in the future if you want to message someone whose profile is restricted go to start a new conversation and type in their user name.
 
Hey all, in the process of applying (cracking these essays tomorrow and cursing myself for waiting till the week before I go home to start them) just wanted to ask, how did ya'll report your shadowing on your applications and do you think they would allow me to put down high school shadowing (haven't had the opportunity for any post-secondary shadowing/volunteering yet...)

You would write them with the start and end day/month. I don't think high school shadowing would really count though, unless you're a freshman? To my understanding of college in generally, you want to get rid of all high school stuff by second semester freshman year
 
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Almost done finalizing my personal statement and diversity essay! Trying to submit at least 2 weeks before the February 1st deadline so I have until Jan 18th to finish it all lol. Good luck everyone!:)
 
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Hey everyone! Can you submit your application without having your letters of recommendation and transcripts?
 
Hey everyone! Can you submit your application without having your letters of recommendation and transcripts?

Yes you can submit. When you submit it will say that your transcript and LOR have not been received. I requested my LOR last month from my recommenders and they probably have not been processed yet. Same thing for my transcript. You might want to submit as soon as you can because the program takes 10 business days to process them and they have to be processed before the 1st.
 
UT Houston
UCLA
Howard!!
Counting down the days!!!
 
UCLA
Houston
Rutgers

Good luck to everyone.
 
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UT Houston (I'm from TX)
UCLA
Columbia !
 
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they have to be postmarked* by the 1st, not processed. But one question, one of my professors who said he'd write me a letter (for two different programs) is completely dodging me now... I know someone who can write me a better LoR, but she's in the Social Sciences. My 2nd recommender is my chem lab prof. Am I allowed to use a non-science LoR?
 
I was just looking at an old SMDEP thread (1/2008-12/2009) and the requirements changed. Minimum GPA requirement used to be a 3.0 overall GPA and a 2.75 Science GPA, as opposed to the minimum 2.5 overall GPA now. Also, people would be informed of their acceptances/rejections a week after submitting. I found a review of the Duke site:

slikchik8212+ Year Member
Joined:
02.01.08
SMDEP at Duke was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It's incredible how much you can learn in six weeks. It was definitely some of the toughest weeks I've ever gone through in many different respects, but every bit of it was worth it.


The program started with a very proper orientation, with speeches given to us from the Director of SMDEP, the Dean of Admissions of Medical School, and one of the respected professors and Course Coordinator of SMDEP. That day was quite an awakening as they basically laid down the law in a span of 5 minutes. Right away, we knew this program meant business as we were told this was going to be the hardest we've ever worked in our life or that at some point we are going to question ourselves why we ever decided to do this program. Yeah, all us students were definitely intimidated, but that didn't stop us. After a tour of the campus and all, we soon had to get ready for our opening convocation. This was actually a really formal ceremony. We all were "cloaked" in front of the entire class of 80 students, which was such an awesome feeling. They would call our names and we would go up, one of the medical doctors would put our white coat on us, and then we walked over to the director, who gave us a Duke SMDEP pin. All of us students were so excited to already feel like doctors with that white coat on…it definitely was a nice way to get started with the program.


So basically, here's what the program consisted of. All the students were placed in 2 science courses. There were four tracks: (1) Physics and Organic Chemistry, (2) Cell Biology and Organic Chemistry, (3) Physics and Physiology, and (4) Cell Biology and Physiology. Students were placed based on what science courses they haven't taken so that when they return to their home institution, they would ace those courses (and they have high stats of that happening). In addition, every student was placed in a calculus course based on their pre-assessment test score. This ranged from Quantitative Topics (QT) 1, which is basically pre-calculus/calculus 1, QT 2, which is a more complete coverage of calculus 1, and QT 3, which was an "advanced" group which consisted of students who clearly have already taken calculus, even as high as Calc 4. I was in the Cell Biology and Physiology track and I was in QT3. Only 15 out of 80 students made it into QT 3 so that was definitely an honor for me..I was really grateful. Also, all students were in the following courses: Peak Performance, Health Disparities, Ethics, Standardized Patient Module, and Mock Beta Interview. Peak Performance was a course that was more low-key, it was a session that talked about stress management, time management, family and friends relationships, etc. It was also the only class that they actually let us vent and "complain" about anything on our minds throughout the course of the six weeks. Health disparities was a course that basically informed us about different types of disparities across the nation and what we as aspiring physicians can do to help. Ethics was a seminar that basically entailed a certain ethical issue in the medical field and was presented by a professional in that topic; another informational lecture. The standardized patient module consisted of a hired actor or actress who played the role of a patient with a certain condition. We as students were to go up to the patient (playing doctor) in front of the whole class and basically learn on the spot how to talk to patients, how to connect with the patient, how to get the patient's "story" without offending the patient; basically we learned how to treat the patient, not just the symptoms or disease. This was my favorite course just because it was really exciting. We never knew what to expect because we would only be told very minimal information about the patient beforehand and these hired actors/actresses were so good in their role that each student had a different experience. Finally, the mock beta interview was a class that basically consisted of doing mock interviews. At Duke, there are two types of interviews, alpha and beta. The alpha interview is more straight up about grades and research experience, things like that. The beta interview is the harder one, because it's how they get to know you as a person and ask you ethical or moral dilemma questions or just about your personal views about things and what you would do to make a difference. So it was definitely nice to have some practice with that. The even nicer thing was that all the instructors for these courses were professionals of the courses. Peak Performance was taught by the social psychologist at Duke. Health Disparities was taught by an MD/PhD student and the director of SMDEP. Ethics was taught by a series of doctors and professionals, depending on the topic. Standardized patient module and mock interviews were taught by the individuals that actually do those courses in med school. So yeah, science and math classes were from 8-12:15pm. Then recitation for the sciences or a combination of those other courses was from 2-5pm. Then we sometimes had Q&A seminars or other workshops with doctors form 7-9pm, sometimes ending early around 8:30pm. Or we'd have clinical rotations from 7-11pm. My rotations were in the following departments: Surgical ICU, Pediatric ICU, Cardiac ICU, Pediatric ER, and Adult ER. I also had the opportunity to witness a neurosurgery in my free time which was the most amazing experience of my life…but that's another story. So yeah, we were completely busy…and we still had to find time to do homework and study for exams…it was intense! They really wanted us to get a taste of med school…it was crazy.


Here's the special thing about Duke. Even though we don't get credit for these classes, they keep all of our information and performance on record. That way if down the road we apply to DukeMed or ask for a letter of recommendation, they really know something about us. We even had to go as far as meeting one to one or in small groups with the professors and other important people so they knew us on a personal level. The TAs and RAs were incredible and so helpful. All of them were anywhere from MD students, MD/PhD students, 4th year medical students, etc. etc. No matter what question or concern you had, there was always at least one person if not more than you can go to talk to. And they even said we can keep in touch throughout the years and if we ever have a question, we can go to them. Before I always wondered who I could go to for help, and now after this program I know exactly who I can contact for practically every question I could possibly have. It's a really great feeling, definitely a comfort.


We also had a 2-day recruitment fair where we were able to meet representatives of 50+ medical schools all across the nation. It was definitely an opportunity to show our best and get ourselves out there. I fortunately made a lot of contacts with the folks at Cornell and NYU, as well as other schools. The RA staff also held a full day workshop where we basically moved in stations that ranged from MCAT preparation and test strategies, to personal statement preparation and tips, to what else can you do with an MD (joint) degrees, to how to get involved in research, etc. etc...it was endless and every bit of it was so incredibly helpful. The staff was always so open to the students, friendly, easy to talk to, and they really made us feel comfortable so that any question we may have, we could ask them. It was really great.


Overall I just learned so much about myself, my academic potential, and my ability to get into this field. Also, it was my first time away from home so I finally got that independent experience I've always wanted. I learned so much more of how to talk and interact with people, when to stand up, when to stay quiet, when to be a leader, etc. all those things. It was amazing to be surrounded by such strong-willed and dedicated people that shared the same interests as myself. It was such an awesome experience to be in that type of environment. Yeah, tests were definitely really hard and the material was moving faster than we could all handle…everyone including myself definitely had their complaints and stressed out moments. And yeah, there was a TA here and there that wasn't as great as they could be. Of course nothing could be perfect. But by the end of the day, it was really what you made of the experience. It was more about embracing all the positives rather than focusing on the few negatives. We actually had a psychological lesson about that too...haha.


By the end of the program, we had a presentation day. I had the fortune of being able to do two presentations in front of all of SMDEP plus faculty. One was for QT3 because our task was to get into 3 groups of 5 and present a research project on one type of medical imaging device. Our group spoke about EKGs. The second one was for cell biology and that was about a specific genetic disorder. For cell biology, in class everyone presented with their teams, but out of the 6 teams, 3 were voted as the top; fortunately our group got chosen and so I was able to present that on that last day as well. Even though all of this was so stressful and sometimes it made me want to pull my hair out, ALL of it was worth it in the end. I was able to build myself up and build confidence that I can survive in this field. This program is definitely anything and everything a pre-medical student would want to go through before actually confirming this is the field where they want to be in. We had a closing convocation and at that we all received our certificates of completion, which were REALLY nice…they look like diplomas. Hearing the speeches and just interacting with everyone was just so good. Everyone got really close by the end of the program, it was like we were one huge family. Duke did an amazing job with this program.


So yeah, I am so grateful for this experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've become humbled for this whole field in general and my ability to go through with it. I've gained confidence in myself and that's something I really needed…I needed that push to make me believe I can make it. I am so ready to get back to school and ace my classes and just keep jumping over those hurdles that come in my way because some day, I know I'm going to make it to my finish line...and that's becoming a doctor.

So yeah, bottom line...it was amazing!!! :)
 
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My school is really playing games with my transcripts. I've requested them since December and found out they didn't get sent out until last week. All this time wasted. My application should have been in review by now. :boom:
 
I was just looking at an old SMDEP thread (1/2008-12/2009) and the requirements changed. Minimum GPA requirement used to be a 3.0 overall GPA and a 2.75 Science GPA, as opposed to the minimum 2.5 overall GPA now. Also, people would be informed of their acceptances/rejections a week after submitting. I found a review of the Duke site:

slikchik8212+ Year Member
Joined:
02.01.08
SMDEP at Duke was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. So basically, here's what the program consisted of. All the students were placed in 2 science courses. There were four tracks: (1) Physics and Organic Chemistry, (2) Cell Biology and Organic Chemistry, (3) Physics and Physiology, and (4) Cell Biology and Physiology. In addition, every student was placed in a calculus course based on their pre-assessment test score. This ranged from Quantitative Topics (QT) 1, which is basically pre-calculus/calculus 1, QT 2, which is a more complete coverage of calculus 1, and QT 3, which was an "advanced" group which consisted of students who clearly have already taken calculus, even as high as Calc 4. I was in the Cell Biology and Physiology track and I was in QT3. Only 15 out of 80 students made it into QT 3 so that was definitely an honor for me..I was really grateful.
So yeah, bottom line...it was amazing!!! :)

QT's 2 and 3... amazing. I'm at my third semester at community college and I'm nowhere near Calc 1... but that's the beauty of college, isn't it? Everyone at their own pace. :)
@AlphaBeta<3 : I checked the website and it says 1) prehealth advisor or college professor and 2) professor of your major. Is chemistry your major? Because your chem prof's LoR can fit #2 so that leaves #1 for your non-science LoR. When in doubt, call the hotline!

Just to let you guys know, SMDEP might not add 1+1 together until you've submitted your application. I sent a $13 first-class delivery transcript around Thanksgiving break, and the page didn't say "received" until I submitted my application a couple days ago. That's two months of my transcript laying at the bottom of a pile, you guys... Ever since the completion, SMDEP got their butt back in gear and now all my documents are received!:banana:
 
QT's 2 and 3... amazing. I'm at my third semester at community college and I'm nowhere near Calc 1... but that's the beauty of college, isn't it? Everyone at their own pace. :)
@AlphaBeta<3 : I checked the website and it says 1) prehealth advisor or college professor and 2) professor of your major. Is chemistry your major? Because your chem prof's LoR can fit #2 so that leaves #1 for your non-science LoR. When in doubt, call the hotline!

Just to let you guys know, SMDEP might not add 1+1 together until you've submitted your application. I sent a $13 first-class delivery transcript around Thanksgiving break, and the page didn't say "received" until I submitted my application a couple days ago. That's two months of my transcript laying at the bottom of a pile, you guys... Ever since the completion, SMDEP got their butt back in gear and now all my documents are received!:banana:
I'm undecided. I didn't officially declare, but on my resume I have my major listed as Sociology/Anthropology and minors and orgo and bio. One lor was my soc prof. The other was chem lab
 
So just to get it right, since I'm at a community college and we don't really have pre-med advisors, could I have a counselor who has helped me with pre med write a letter for me?

Also is it true that we can get a REC Letter from a teacher related to our major? (Even if our major isn't science related)

Thanks!
 
So just to get it right, since I'm at a community college and we don't really have pre-med advisors, could I have a counselor who has helped me with pre med write a letter for me?

Also is it true that we can get a REC Letter from a teacher related to our major? (Even if our major isn't science related)

Thanks!
Yes and yes. Also since you're community college, you should apply to UCLA. They accept strictly kids from CC
 
Yes and yes. Also since you're community college, you should apply to UCLA. They accept strictly kids from CC

Wow, that's crazy considering most of the applicants are from University right?

Thanks, I didn't know that. I'll definitely apply there. I also had another question. Since I'm at a quarter school my school ends around June 29th, but all of these programs start before June 19th. Does that mean that I can't attend the programs even if I get in?
 
All my sites are in review :soexcited:Just in case anyone is worried about "late" first cycle apps and wants a timeline...

-requested a transcript: 1/11/16
-transcript sent 1/12/16 (was lucky my school sent it quickly)
-application submitted: 1/15/16
-first letter of recommendation: received 1/19/16
-transcript received/processed 1/20/16 (8 days after it was sent)
-application in review: 1/20/16
-second letter of recommendation: has not been sent yet but should be by 1/22/16

Sites will start looking at your application even one recommendation is missing!:nod:
 
Wow, that's crazy considering most of the applicants are from University right?

Thanks, I didn't know that. I'll definitely apply there. I also had another question. Since I'm at a quarter school my school ends around June 29th, but all of these programs start before June 19th. Does that mean that I can't attend the programs even if I get in?
Tbh, probably not. If you wanted to go, youd have to leave school early.
 
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i completed my app and sent in my transcripts already so my app is in review.

do recommendations have to be submitted before 2/1 for me to be considered early or do recommendations matter much?
 
I was accepted to Ohio State University SROP!!!!
 
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