Temple Univ. Post-bacc

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You have to be careful there as well as many places anymore; but overall, no. I wouldn't make it a habit to leave there at night--particularly alone.
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Just a thought for a counterpoint: I'm a country guy at heart. I graduated HS with a class of 70, college with a class size of ~700. I'm not really comfortable in big cities, which has made some adjustments a bit rough. So after some intensive researching, I've chosen to leave the main campus for one of the clinical campuses after M1 (some clinical campuses you start attending after M1, others after M2). I'm really impressed with the quality of the satellite campuses. The buildings may not be quite so shiny and new as the main campus, but the leadership and quality of teaching are strong. You shouldn't feel like you're absolutely tethered to Philadelphia when attending Temple med.

When applying though, unless you are 110% sure you want a certain clinical campus that isn't the main campus, pick the main campus. It's much easier to secure a future clinical campus spot during/after the ACMS year than it is to find a spot at the main campus after the start of M1.

To be clear: the main Temple med campus is great, better than any of the schools where I interviewed. If you use common sense, nothing bad is likely to happen, just like anywhere else. The city life isn't my preference, but I'd still attend Temple med even if the clinical campuses weren't available.
 
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As everyone has said here, Temple is in a not-so-great area. However, it's very easy to get to and from campus using the subway system, buses, regional rail, or bike.
 
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FormerPhysicist said:
Just a thought for a counterpoint: I'm a country guy at heart. I graduated HS with a class of 70, college with a class size of ~700. I'm not really comfortable in big cities, which has made some adjustments a bit rough. So after some intensive researching, I've chosen to leave the main campus for one of the clinical campuses after M1 (some clinical campuses you start attending after M1, others after M2). I'm really impressed with the quality of the satellite campuses. The buildings may not be quite so shiny and new as the main campus, but the leadership and quality of teaching are strong. You shouldn't feel like you're absolutely tethered to Philadelphia when attending Temple med.

When applying though, unless you are 110% sure you want a certain clinical campus that isn't the main campus, pick the main campus. It's much easier to secure a future clinical campus spot during/after the ACMS year than it is to find a spot at the main campus after the start of M1.

To be clear: the main Temple med campus is great, better than any of the schools where I interviewed. If you use common sense, nothing bad is likely to happen, just like anywhere else. The city life isn't my preference, but I'd still attend Temple med even if the clinical campuses weren't available.
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OK. I will withhold the stories about students and gunshots. I say, if you plan on staying late for a lab, bring a sleeping bag and a tooth brush. And I'm not a newbie or chickenst to harsh inner city medical centers. But I have to say, if security comes to help you out, later in the evening, yea!!!! They may take a while. So, it's either wait, take your chances, or snuggle down somewhere.

I waited over an hour after 12AM one night for security services to escort me to my vehicle. (This was NOT at this particular medical-learning center--but it's still a lessen to learn). Anyway, over an hour later, I am still waiting and waiting. Called them again. Nothing. Generally nice guys, but I had no idea what they were doing. I decided to go it alone to my car--ended up having to hunch down and run between gun fire--true story--praying the whole time. When I got into my car, I pushed the peddle down and flew out of there like a bat out of hell. I think I almost bypassed 2nd gear. Moral of the story: you can't always count on the security people to be there for you when you want to leave. So, if you have to stay late, hunker down with your blankey and call it a night--or at the least, leave with a group--you might get some shielding. LOL JK. Either that or make sure you can bride the heck out of the security people. LOL.
 
oweri23 said:
Wow, that's incredible. Glad to hear you're okay! I know you already pointed out that this was at a different medical center, but I just want to emphasize that neither I, nor anyone I know, have ever been in a situation like this at Temple Med! Admittedly, I have been here for a very limited time. But, over the past semester, I have left after dark a bunch of times (sometimes alone). Even then, I never used the security resources we have at Temple, so I can't really comment on how quickly they respond. Our program leadership was great about disseminating the resources available to us and I do generally feel very safe on our health sciences campus!
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Well that's good. Just be careful, quick to your car or train, and have eyes in the back of your head. Best to go in groups whenever possible. Plus they cut down some of the law enforcement in that area, due to budget constraints. Sigh. Be careful there at night.
 
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Hi there!
Does anyone know whether I need to get an LOR waiver form if I'm using my previously submitted letters through AMCAS? Isn't having the letters on AMCAS technically "waiving my right to view"?
I got these letters a while ago so it's really going to be a pain to have to get these signatures. I don't even know if some of the people who wrote my rec are still in this country!!
I emailed the administration at Temple post bacc but haven't gotten a response yet. If anyone knows the answer, that would be great! Otherwise if I (ever) hear back from admin first I'll write their response on this forum so future people know.
 
babyface10111 said:
Hi there!
Does anyone know whether I need to get an LOR waiver form if I'm using my previously submitted letters through AMCAS? Isn't having the letters on AMCAS technically "waiving my right to view"?
I got these letters a while ago so it's really going to be a pain to have to get these signatures. I don't even know if some of the people who wrote my rec are still in this country!!
I emailed the administration at Temple post bacc but haven't gotten a response yet. If anyone knows the answer, that would be great! Otherwise if I (ever) hear back from admin first I'll write their response on this forum so future people know.
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From their application instructions it says that "All letters must include a signed waiver" under the "Sending Required Materials" section, so it seems like you might have to get the waivers signed, but I would wait to hear back from them. Responses have probably been delayed because the holidays and everything so you will probably hear from them soon! However, I've found they're really nice when you call them, and you'll get your answer right away so maybe you can call them after the New Year and see what they say. Just an idea, hope you get your answer soon and best of luck applying!
 
zero0 said:
Hey guys, I was looking over the LOR waiver form and it seems like kind of a pain to deal with. You gotta scan it at least a couple of times to get both signatures on it. Are you guys even bothering with this?
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Hey @zero0 so I just realized after @babyface10111's questions that it seems as if signed LoR waivers may be required. I don't know if you have sent them waivers or not, but it might be good to call and clarify if you need to. It'd be a silly reason for your app not to be complete because of waivers.

https://tmo.temple.edu/postbac/Application Instructions.pdf See page 4 of this PDF.
 
That's interesting. That document makes it seem like if using interfolio or some of the other ones you don't need a waiver. For the case of interfolio that would make sense because there is an option to mark them "confidential" and when these letters are delivered it specifically says "confidential letter of recommendation." I think making these letters confidential is required when using interfolio to send recs to AMCAS (if I recall. It's been awhile...)

The whole purpose of the letter writer signing these is to know beforehand that the student has waived his/her right so they can write whatever they want to. I don't see the purpose of making them sign this after the fact they have already written the rec. I mean, what if I already saw the rec a while ago? (although I didn't). lol

Anyways, still waiting for a response. @doctordoctor14 is probably right about the holiday lag.
 
doctordoctor14 said:
Hey @zero0 so I just realized after @babyface10111's questions that it seems as if signed LoR waivers may be required. I don't know if you have sent them waivers or not, but it might be good to call and clarify if you need to. It'd be a silly reason for your app not to be complete because of waivers.

https://tmo.temple.edu/postbac/Application Instructions.pdf See page 4 of this PDF.
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I called them a while back regarding this. So, missing the waiver will not result in an incomplete app. You can still be accepted/rejected without this. However, if you are accepted, those waivers are required for matriculation.
 
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About Interfolio...

I talked to the lady on the phone about this. Apparently they didn't know that the waiver is implied in an Interfolio letter. When I told them this they said that the waiver wouldn't be necessary...but they didn't sound certain. I would double check with them just in case. Make sure you told them you already waived your rights to see the letter.
 
benjaminl1nus said:
I called them a while back regarding this. So, missing the waiver will not result in an incomplete app. You can still be accepted/rejected without this. However, if you are accepted, those waivers are required for matriculation.
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Interesting, thanks for the clarification!
 
benjaminl1nus said:
About Interfolio...

I talked to the lady on the phone about this. Apparently they didn't know that the waiver is implied in an Interfolio letter. When I told them this they said that the waiver wouldn't be necessary...but they didn't sound certain. I would double check with them just in case. Make sure you told them you already waived your rights to see the letter.
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That's really interesting. I got this from another SDN thread but apparently on interfolio if you ask for a confidential letter here's what it says on the form that the letter writers receive:

Request from: (YOU) Document title: Recommendation from (LETTER WRITER)
Request date: XX/XX/XXXX Document ID: XXXXXXXXXX

CONFIDENTIAL RIGHTS WAIVER

By creating this form, I acknowledge that under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, it is my right to have access to letters of recommendation written on my behalf. However, I also understand that letters submitted in confidence may carry greater weight.
[X] It is my desire that this letter be written in confidence and therefore I waive all rights of access to this letter.

Digitally signed by (YOU) on XX/XX/XX

Just wanted to share for people who were curious.

It's really interesting how they didn't know about this.
 
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doctordoctor14 said:
Hey @zero0 so I just realized after @babyface10111's questions that it seems as if signed LoR waivers may be required. I don't know if you have sent them waivers or not, but it might be good to call and clarify if you need to. It'd be a silly reason for your app not to be complete because of waivers.

https://tmo.temple.edu/postbac/Application Instructions.pdf See page 4 of this PDF.
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Thanks for the heads up. I was going to submit the waivers anyway just because that's generally what admissions prefers. The last sentence in the introduction of the LOR waiver form threw me off though.

"The law also permits students to waive that right if they choose, although such a waiver is voluntary and cannot be a condition of admission, employment, or award."

Sure made it seem optional to me, but I guess not.
 
Is anyone complete here yet? I've had all materials submitted a while ago, but I guess they haven't processed my LoR's yet because they were mailed in. I don't know. I just wanna be complete so I have to think about it less lol.
 
doctordoctor14 said:
Is anyone complete here yet? I've had all materials submitted a while ago, but I guess they haven't processed my LoR's yet because they were mailed in. I don't know. I just wanna be complete so I have to think about it less lol.
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Same. Waiting on LORs. Will probably be complete mid Jan. What are your stats, if you don't mind me asking?
 
Are you going ACMS or BCMS?

Good luck to you dude!! This seems like an awesome program/opportunity. Here's to hoping :)
 
.
 
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sparos said:
Hey everyone, applying to this program this month. For anyone who is also applying to TUSM for 2015, how did you modify your answers to the ACMS/BCMS essays compared to Temple's secondary?

I feel that a lot of people are applying to this program because of below average GPAs they want to boost. However, the GPA average seems very close to the average for regular MD admissions. What exactly are they looking for in applicants?
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I've been reading that a lot on this thread actually, that the average GPA of the ACMS program is almost as high as the avg GPA for regular MD admissions and people that get in don't necessarily need this program, but their "Entering Profiles" page paints a different picture. The average sGPA is 3.2 and cGPA is 3.55 for ACMS, so those are both below the average of the MD program at Temple which is 3.7 for both GPAs (according to MSAR). Let's hope that we have some of whatever they are looking for in applicants in us haha!
 
sparos said:
Hey everyone, applying to this program this month. For anyone who is also applying to TUSM for 2015, how did you modify your answers to the ACMS/BCMS essays compared to Temple's secondary?

I feel that a lot of people are applying to this program because of below average GPAs they want to boost. However, the GPA average seems very close to the average for regular MD admissions. What exactly are they looking for in applicants?
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3.5+ is good for MD/DO

~3.1-3.2 and below it's recommended to do a post-bac to bring up grades

From what I've seen, this program is looking for that gray area 3.3-3.5ish applicants who are in between being competitive for MD and needing a post bac

But yeah, I agree...their avg stats are ridiculous and look like MD stats...just a hair shy.
 
sparos said:
Hey everyone, applying to this program this month. For anyone who is also applying to TUSM for 2015, how did you modify your answers to the ACMS/BCMS essays compared to Temple's secondary?

I feel that a lot of people are applying to this program because of below average GPAs they want to boost. However, the GPA average seems very close to the average for regular MD admissions. What exactly are they looking for in applicants?
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Had the exact same question myself. what are they looking for in applicants? An extraordinary clinical experience profile?....... Or do they simply pick the top 40 applicants with the highest stats? (ha.... I sure hope not). Their acceptance rates for this program are tougher than their actual med school lol. it's understandable, though. This is a GREAT program.

I'm not sure if they mind too much if you say similar thing from your TUSM app and this. You're the same person, thus you would have the same information and thoughts. One of the questions is exactly the same, anyways. And they're assuming a lot of applicants haven't submitted an AMCAS already.
 
I assume admission to this program is similar to regular medical school admissions, i.e. a total crapshoot. The up side being that they're slightly more lenient with the numbers.

I just don't think it's as simple as picking the 40 applicants with the highest stats. 3.5 GPA, 30 MCAT applicants are a dime a dozen. There's a reason lots of medical schools take applicants with numbers that are all over the place. They probably have the usual diversity goals that come with trying to fill a med school class in mind, and who knows what else. Maybe with the recent changes to med school prerequisites and the MCAT they might be looking for students whose profiles match these changes. It's a weird time for med school admissions. The process was never even all that transparent to begin with.
 
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babyface10111 said:
Had the exact same question myself. what are they looking for in applicants? An extraordinary clinical experience profile?....... Or do they simply pick the top 40 applicants with the highest stats? (ha.... I sure hope not). Their acceptance rates for this program are tougher than their actual med school lol. it's understandable, though. This is a GREAT program.

I'm not sure if they mind too much if you say similar thing from your TUSM app and this. You're the same person, thus you would have the same information and thoughts. One of the questions is exactly the same, anyways. And they're assuming a lot of applicants haven't submitted an AMCAS already.
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I definitely don't think they pick the 40 applicants with the highest stats based on the wide range of stats of people in the program this year. I wouldn't worry about that
 
Finally complete here. Now I just wait I guess.
The more I read or hear about Temple, the more I fall in love with it. Even if I do not get into this program or into the medical school itself (next year when I apply), I really want to be at Temple at some point in my career. Even though I am not from Philly, I've been there, have family there, etc. and I have a feeling I would really like it there. Just got to keep working hard to get there, whenever that may be :)
 
Does anyone have any stats on BCMS students who have gotten accepted? I just applied- I have a 3.8 gpa, 4.0 sgpa (just two bio courses), along with 7+ months research at Mass General Hospital and three publications (with three more pending). Unfortunately i've only been out of college a year so i'm not sure i'm meeting their demographic of having other career experience!
 
KB2492 said:
Does anyone have any stats on BCMS students who have gotten accepted? I just applied- I have a 3.8 gpa, 4.0 sgpa (just two bio courses), along with 7+ months research at Mass General Hospital and three publications (with three more pending). Unfortunately i've only been out of college a year so i'm not sure i'm meeting their demographic of having other career experience!
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2014 Entering profile can be found on the site below. Avg cGPA = 3.69 and sGPA = 3.15 for BCMS. Good luck!

http://www.temple.edu/medicine/ppp/prospective_students/entering_profile.htm
 
KB2492 said:
Does anyone have any stats on BCMS students who have gotten accepted? I just applied- I have a 3.8 gpa, 4.0 sgpa (just two bio courses), along with 7+ months research at Mass General Hospital and three publications (with three more pending). Unfortunately i've only been out of college a year so i'm not sure i'm meeting their demographic of having other career experience!
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With those stats, I'm sure it will not be a problem, because the website states that they take a "holistic" approach when reviewing applicants. I wouldn't worry too much about that.
 
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The interview on the 25th? I also got an invite and I'm also a New Yorker, so I'll see ya there!
 
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Congrats! The 25th of which month though?
Also if you don't mind, when was your application considered complete?
 
Pancaketowers said:
Yes! Congratulations, I'll definitely see you there as well :)


I know you were directing this question to Mviande29 but I can answer it as well - the interview is on Feb 25th!
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I am very confused. As per the website, the ACMS interviews do not start until a few months from now. I am currently a BCMS applicant and am awaiting a response. I am most certainly going to contact them in terms of whether or not the BCMS interviews are over with. Good luck and congratulations on the invitation!! :)
 
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Stay555 said:
I am very confused. As per the website, the ACMS interviews do not start until a few months from now. I am currently a BCMS applicant and am awaiting a response. I am most certainly going to contact them in terms of whether or not the BCMS interviews are over with. Good luck and congratulations on the invitation!! :)
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Thanks! I doubt the BCMS interviews are over- the application deadline didn't even pass. Good luck to you too!
 
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sparos said:
Great, hoping to hear something soon. Does anyone know how long it takes to be complete after sending in materials? I got the confirmation after I paid the application fee but there isn't anything saying they got all my materials. Sent in the app two weeks ago.
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When I asked the admissions office, they said it takes around 4-6 weeks for an interview decision unfortunately!
 
sparos said:
Great, hoping to hear something soon. Does anyone know how long it takes to be complete after sending in materials? I got the confirmation after I paid the application fee but there isn't anything saying they got all my materials. Sent in the app two weeks ago.
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I would definitely call them or send an email. After I sent in everything, it took approximately 5 days for me to receive the confirmation that everything was received.
 
Can anyone tell me if the ACMS curriculum is the same as the curriculum of med students?
 
Stay555 said:
I would definitely call them or send an email. After I sent in everything, it took approximately 5 days for me to receive the confirmation that everything was received.
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I am almost certain they have turned off that phone. lol. every time i call the number it goes straight to voice mail.

however, they do respond to e-mails. No complaints there...But it would be nice to hear a human voice.
 
benjaminl1nus said:
I am almost certain they have turned off that phone. lol. every time i call the number it goes straight to voice mail.

however, they do respond to e-mails. No complaints there...But it would be nice to hear a human voice.
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Hahah!! I agree... They are good with emails... But I too would like to speak to a human. I am a BCMS applicant, via email, they said everything was backed up. Which sounds a bit contrary since they are sending out ACMS interview invites for February. :/
 
Hey guys,

did it take you guys around 5 days or so after you sent everything in before it was marked received?
 
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